Oliver Barrett and Sandhills Briar. Photo: Ashley Grant Blachat
He’s ranked the best young rider in the world, but Oliver Barrett is not taking anything for granted.
The 21-year-old has been around horses since he was a baby.
“At the end of last year, the FEI released the rankings for young riders and I happened to be world number one,” Barrett said.
“I think I was fortunate enough to have a string of really competitive horses that were consistent and that is a reflection of the team behind me, the people that keep these horses going, sponsors and supporters, it was a reflection of a real consistent year.
“It gives me a lot of confidence in what I’m doing and it can lead to future success. I’m not going to take anything for granted, it’s a nice reward and quite fulfilling, but there is hopefully a lot more to my career in front of me.”
There is no doubt that his consistent performances are a product of a lot of hard work and care for his horses. It’s something that Barrett says, he’d be passionate about, with or without competing.
He just loves being around the animals.
“Pryde’s is really crucial to what we do,” he said.
“To have the knowledge that our horses are fully looked after and getting what they need to be able to compete at a high level is so good. We know the importance of nutrition, it is really important to know they are getting what they need to perform on the biggest stage.
“All our horses have been on Pryde’s since day dot, we use EasiResponse, EasiSport, EasiMash as full feeds and on top of that we use a variety of add-ons from Pryde’s as well.
“It’s good to know our horses are feeling as good as they can, when we need it most. We are a high-performing environment and Pryde’s plays a critical part of that.”
Barrett has a big year planned. He is eying selection in the Australian team for the World Championships. As always, he is not looking too far ahead.
“It is something you aim towards to represent Australia and it is a nice reward for the effort that goes in behind the scenes,” he said.
“Just to be able to ride for your country and those who have supported you is a real honour.
“This year we have a world championship in August, which I’ll be aiming to be selected for, I’ll need to put in strong performances at Adelaide’s three day event in April, we’ll see how we go there.
“Ultimately, growing up, I’ve been fortunate enough to represent Australia at Oceania Championships, but I’d love to represent the country at Olympics and World Championships. Also to be able to compete at the highest level of the sport in the future over a period of time. And compete at all the big events around the world.”
And if he wasn’t competing?
“It is in my blood growing up around it, I’ve always had a passion for horses,” he said.
“That obviously comes from mum and dad, the old saying, it’s a lifestyle, they do consume mostly what you do, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“There’s a real satisfaction from developing a relationship between you and the horse, the competitive side is a bonus. I’d like to think if we weren’t competitive, I’d still love to be around the horses and looking after them.”