Ex-galloper ‘Sweeps’ into Orla’s life

A WYONG WINNER AND DUAL KEMBLA GRANGE PLACEGETTER, SWEEPING BROOK IS ENJOYING HIS NEW LIFE WITH STUDENT ORLA SHERIDAN HAVING RETIRED FROM RACING AFTER SEVEN STARTS

When 22-year-old university student Orla Sheridan first met Sweeping Brook, known affectionately as Barney, he was fresh off the track having retired from racing in October 2023.

Thanks to Racing NSW’s Team Thoroughbred program, Barney quickly transitioned from racehorse to a rising star in the equestrian world, finding a new home and purpose with Orla Sheridan not long after his racing silks were put away.

“I’d just come home from a year in England and was looking for a horse,” Orla recalled.

“I saw a Facebook post from Alec at Belltrees in Scone. I went out to trial a couple, and Barney wasn’t even on the list, but Alec said: ‘I’ve got this one you should try.’ I hopped on and just knew; he had something special.”

Despite the instant connection, Barney didn’t come without challenges.

“He’s sweet, but very quirky,” said Orla. “Rosie, who had him at Belltrees, warned me that he bucks and yep, he did.

“But I didn’t mind. I could tell it wasn’t nastiness, he just didn’t know what was going on yet.”

The early months were a learning curve for both horse and rider.

“At the start, he didn’t really understand his job. Going into the show jumping ring, he’d sometimes just stop and have a little kick-out.

“But it was all nerves as he just didn’t know what was being asked of him yet.”

It didn’t take long, however, for Barney to start thriving.

“Once he settled in, he became so easy to have around. He’s athletic and smart, he just needed time to figure it all out,” Orla said.

“I competed him throughout last year and by the middle of the season, things really started to click.”

One of the first breakthrough moments came at Camden in May 2024.

“He won the dressage and went clear in the show jumping. I was having too much fun and went 30 seconds too fast on the cross country,” she said.

Later that year in October, the pair tackled Equimillion, one of the premier events celebrating retired racehorses, and he delivered a standout performance.

“I couldn’t even get him into a dressage arena at the start of the year but at Equimillion, he was winning dressage – he is just incredible,” Orla said.

“We placed third in the Eventing and sixth in the amateur section and I was so proud. That felt like the real turning point.”

Even outside of the arena, Barney’s transformation has been impressive.

“He’s so quiet now you can do anything with him. My brother took him on a week-long trail ride with my dad in the Snowy Mountains.

“He just self-loads on the float and stands quietly. He’s honestly a dream.”

Orla, who’s currently studying full-time at Newcastle University, didn’t grow up on a property but has been around horses since her teens.

“I got my first horse at 16, did lessons before that, and always knew I’d come back to it.

“After exchange, I didn’t have much money, but I had just enough for Barney and it was the best decision.”

The duo competed in their first 80cm event at Camden last month: “That was our first go at that level and it was very exciting.

“He had a bit of a break after some wild storms and a paddock mishap earlier this year, but he’s come back better than ever.”

They’ve already had a strong start to 2025.
“He did the dressage at Hunter Valley and was reserve champion, then competed at Quirindi where he placed second in the 65cm Eventing.

“At Armidale he got an 81% in the dressage and led the class from start to finish. I was so happy with him.”

Looking further ahead, Orla is aiming to return to Equimillion this time at the 80cm level.
“He’s so capable. I don’t think I’ve even scratched the surface of what he can do. He’s smart, and now he believes in himself too. That’s the biggest thing.”

Reflecting on her experience, Orla is passionate about the value of giving Thoroughbreds a second chance.

“I honestly recommend Team Thoroughbred to anyone that is looking for a horse,” she said.

“Barney’s journey from racetrack to ribbons is a testament to what’s possible when patience, talent, and opportunity align.

“It’s such a great example of how amazing these Thoroughbreds are off the track. You don’t have to change them. They already know so much they just need the chance.”

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