Dr. Edwards grew up in Virginia and gained exposure and a desire to pursue veterinary medicine by working in his father's veterinary practice.
Ryland's veterinary education began at the University of Georgia where he graduated in 1990. This was followed by an internship, residency, Masters of Science, and clinical instructorship at Cornell University. He achieved Diplomate status in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1996 while working at Belmont and Aqueduct racetracks in New York. He was most recently a Clinical Assistant Professor at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he completed a PhD in veterinary science. Dr. Edwards has been actively involved in research of equine upper airway disorders, fracture healing, and the management of cartilage injury. His clinical interests are focused on surgical disorders and the diagnosis and management of poor performance in the sport horse.

When Dr. Edwards is not busy at Fairfield Equine, he enjoys time with his wife, Lynn, who is also a veterinarian, and three young boys. He tries to stay fit through running.