A boy from Eaglehawk has built a successful bloodstock business combining a love of farming and horses and offers a piece of life advice that is so very true.
This week we find out more about Ryan Arnel of Stonehouse Thoroughbreds.
1/ Where are you from, and what got you in involved in the thoroughbred industry?
I’m a Bendigo boy, Eaglehawk specifically. It’s where I played my football and cricket. Stonehouse Thoroughbreds colours are the two blues, navy and royal. After my hometown Eaglehawk.
The thoroughbred breeding industry came from intertwining two things. My grandma managed the first TAB in Melbourne, so watching races with her was a big thing together after sports on the weekend as a kid.
My passion for agriculture and farming in general made me decide to bring the two together and work in the breeding industry. Best of both worlds, horses and farming.
2/ What does a workday in the life of Ryan Arnel look like?
Depending on the time of year! However, no matter what it always starts early and finishes late. Owning and operating a small business, means I’m very involved and there’s not too many times you will find me away from the farm.
3/ Who is your favourite horse and why?
Subzero for sure. He was my first ever bet with my grandma when he won the Melbourne Cup. I was in Grade 1 and it was my first learning curve into racing.
4/ Tell us about the best day you had at the races or at the sales, and what made it memorable for you?
Watching Black Caviar win at Royal Ascot from the mounting yard was pretty special. Once in a lifetime kind of thing.
5/ What is your favourite show on Netflix or TV?
Godfather of Harlem, Yellowstone (Stan). Drive to Survive (Netflix)
6/ Now that travel has opened again where is the first place you will go?
Actually back to UK to visit friends and fam in June/July this year. It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to! I lived in England for four years, so plenty of people to be catching up with again. My sister also lives in Belfast at the moment, suppose I should see her again.
7/ What is your favourite cuisine and restaurant?
Put anything in front of me and I’ll eat it. But seafood by the ocean is always a great night out
8/ Name two things on your bucket list?
More travel! I love exploring new places. Any place I haven’t seen yet, I want to go to.
After watching new season of Drive to Survive I wouldn’t mind taking an F1 car for a spin. Car racing is in the family and I reckon I could give it a fair crack.
9/ What’s the best advice someone has ever given you?
I’ve had a lot of excellent mentors to get where I am today through sport and business. But I think one of the best things I remember is something I taught myself. There’s a way of getting anywhere you want to go. You just have to really want to go. Nothing is ever impossible.
10/ Tell us one thing that not many people may know about you?
I’m one of those people that when I get lost while driving I turn the music down so I can see better.
When I was really young I wanted to be a dolphin trainer at SeaWorld, but every time I told Dad I’m going to do it he told me I couldn’t because the pilchards were out of season so they couldn’t perform at the moment.
This is the last edition of this series of Personality Profile stories and they will return in the spring.
