HERS: What never got included on your résumé?
RYAN: A month after getting my license I drove a 30’ RV
down the Merritt Parkway, which does not allow vehicles
that size. I learned a lot that day that I can’t really put on
my résumé…
MATTHEW: Resumes are so sterile. They don’t take the less
quantitative things that make a person into account.
HERS: On a scale of one to 10, how weird are you?
RYAN: Probably a seven.
MATTHEW: One being not so weird, I would rate myself a
two or three.
HERS: What is your favorite quote?
RYAN: “It must be a poor life that achieves freedom from
fear.” Aldo Leopold.
MATTHEW: “It takes change to keep things the same.”
George Orwell.
HERS: How would you describe yourself in one word?
RYAN: Irrepressible.
MATTHEW: Caring.
HERS: A year from now we’re celebrating what a great 12
months it’s been so what do you hope you achieved?
RYAN: I completed guide school, worked a full season as a
guide in the US, moved into an apartment with my partner
and dog, and we are living a happy, adventure-filled life.
MATTHEW: Personal and professional success: the old
women-and-work conundrum.
HERS: What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
34 www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com
EE
EQUINE Lifestyle
Matthew Handal and Ryan Kertanis
aren’t your typical horsemen.
Matthew, a documentary
filmmaker in New York City, has
worked with Milos Forman and
Steven Speilberg. Ryan, a Fulbright
Teaching Assistant at Orkhon
University in the Mongol capital
of Ulaanbaatar, is a guide on
the world’s longest (435 miles)
charity horseback ride. In March
in Montana, the Equus International
Film Festival Awards presented
Matthew, the producer/
director on Riding with thisABILITIES,
with Best Documentary on
Equine Therapy and Best Bond
Between Children and Horses;
HIS & HERS
RYAN: I always feel like there is more work.
MATTHEW: Life. I have things to do. Don’t need extra motivation.
HERS: Tell me something true that almost nobody agrees
with you about.
RYAN: Wayne Gretzky is the greatest, most dominant athlete
in any sport, ever.
MATTHEW: Men and women are not so different. It’s all in
the socialization.
HERS: What was the last costume you wore?
RYAN: When I had long hair I dressed up as Thor a lot.
MATTHEW: It’s been so long… a suit!
HERS: What would you do in a zombie apocalypse?
RYAN: I’d grab my best axe, bow, gear, gal, dog and
horses, and head for the hills. It’s all I need in real life never
mind an apocalypse.
MATTHEW: I have no idea. There are too many real things to
worry about.
quinista
Matthew Handal, Ryan Kertanis:
Smile for the Camera
Ryan was part of The Gobi Gallop crew that won Best
Film for a Cause. We went backstage with both horsemen
as they basked in some well-deserved spotlight.
/www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com