Eight-year-old Oliver Barrett watched Chris Burton win at Aachen and fell in love with the sport. Fourteen years later, he's heading back to the iconic venue himself, with a horse his family bred, started under saddle and produced every step of the way.

In this episode of the Future Star series, Nicole catches up with Oliver ahead of his first senior World Championships. Sandhills Briar was backed at home in New South Wales, carried Oliver to a CCI5* victory at Adelaide earlier this year, and now the pair are bound for Germany as one of Australia's most exciting combinations.

They talk about growing up on a breeding property, what it's like having two Olympic event riders as parents, and why they've chosen to stay based in Australia rather than following the more traditional path to Europe.

Oh, and Oliver's dad built him a mini Aachen in the back paddock using a tractor. You'll definitely want to hear that story in full.

Highlights

• Sandhills Briar's journey from foal to five-star winner
• Growing up with Olympic event riders for parents
• Preparing for Aachen from Australia
• The pressure riders put on themselves
• A home Olympics on the horizon in 2032

Guest

Oliver Barrett – Australian event rider heading to his first senior World Championships with Sandhills Briar.

This series is brought to you by Littlemax, part of the Bedmax family. Their dust-extracted pine shavings are designed to give horses a cleaner, more comfortable bed. Find out more at bedmaxshavings.com/littlemax.