Canadian 2022 WEG Team rider Ryan Torkkeli and his partner, American Grand Prix rider Thomas Walker, are seeking new opportunities in Germany or abroad as professional riders.
Life as a Pro in Germany
In February 2019 Torkkeli and Walker relocated from the U.S.A. to Germany after receiving a great offer from horse owner Ingetraud Bolz. Based in Cologne, Germany, they produced Bolz' horses up the levels while they developed their own business and horses.
Torkkeli had his big international break through in 2021 on the Rhinelander gelding Sternenwanderer (by Lord Loxley I x Ragazzo) and represented Canada at the 2022 World Championships in Herning, Denmark. In 2024 he was short listed for Canadian Olympic team selection. Ryan worked with trainers such as Rudolf Zeilinger, Catherine Haddad, and Dieter Laugks.
Thomas Walker is originally from Nipomo, CA, and competed at the 2008 North American Young Riders Championships. He moved to Sweden to work as a professional rider at Dalhem Farm and in 2011 met Torkkeli. Walker worked alongside Ryan at Bolz' yard with his own set of horses to train to FEI level. At the 2023 CDI Le Mans he celebrated an international victory on Ela Mana Mou (by Estobar x Rubino Rosso).
Seeking Opportunities
Torkkeli and Walker are looking to relocate themselves to a new barn, in Germany, Europe, or even North America, where they can fully develop their potential and bring their expertise in training horses, either as independent riders or work for a committed owner.
"We would prefer to stay in Europe but we are open to exciting projects," Ryan told Eurodressage. "Our Olympic dreams are alive and well and we would like to continue to have access to top training."
Ryan Torkkeli and Thomas Walker can be reached at: ryantorkkeli@me.com or at +49 178 559 67 55 (Ryan) +49 176 22158143 (Thomas)
Related Links
Canadian 2022 WEG Team Rider Ryan Torkkeli Moves to Meggle
Walker and Torkkeli Share Life, Love, and Victory - Triple Win at 2023 CDI Le Mans