Lucy (Henderson) Cryan, Director of Equestrian Studies and Farm Manager, graduated from Otterbein College in 1986. While a student, she competed on the IHSA hunt seat and western teams. She also participated in eventing and dressage competitions. In 1986 she became a member of the Equine Science Department, teaching riding lessons to college students and overseeing the public riding program.
In 1987, Lucy married and moved to Freeland, Michigan. Here she and her husband started an equestrian business that encompassed training, boarding, and lessons. Cryan Equestrian Center included 40 stalls, 80 acres, a large indoor arena, and a race track. She worked for several years with amateurs and pony clubbers and became interested in dressage. Since then, she has earned both her bronze and silver USDF medals.
Lucy has always enjoyed teaching riding, and has participated in instructor training at Colorado State University's Riding Instructor Training program, Sally Swift's Advanced Instructor Training, and USDF Instructor's Seminars in Lungeing, Riding and Teaching.
In 1994, Lucy returned to Otterbein College as the head riding instructor and IHSA coach. After a few years her position was elevated to the Director of Equestrian Studies, with added responsibilities of teaching freshman labs and the Teaching Methods courses. She also continues to teach independent studies and practicums such as Trailer Driving, Novice Bandaging, and Equine Training and Marketing.
In 2006, Lucy also took on the responsibilities of Farm Manager. With a reduced teaching load and a year-round contract, you can find her at the barn many hours a week. She also continues to travel with the IHSA hunter seat team, and squeezes in riding whenever she can.
Lucy owns a small farm in Sunbury, Ohio where she keeps her husband's Dutch Warmblood and her daughter's Shetland pony. Her young horse Monty lives the spoiled life at Otterbein's Equine Center.
