Help Corvett and Emily Compete in England

​Hello new friends and old. For those who don't know me yet, I'm Emily Hamel, a professional 3 Day Event rider and competitor at the sport's highest level with my horse, Corvett (affectionately known as Barry). We have big plans for 2022, and Team Barry is bound for England to compete at Badminton and Burghley, the most prestigious CCI5*s in the world. But, we can't do it alone. After reading our story, I hope you will support the dream I have worked hard for 20 years to achieve.

 

I took my first official riding lesson at age 8, was hooked, begged my parents for regular lessons, and eventually my very own horse. I grew up in rural Wisconsin, showing at local 4-H and breed shows competing in anything from Western Pleasure to Hunt Seat Equitation to Competitive Trail Class and everything in between. I eventually discovered 3 Day Eventing when my 4-H club took a trip to Rolex Kentucky 3 Day Event, and that was when I decided that I would compete there one day.

 

After that trip, I dedicated my life to eventing and sought out all the possible information and instruction that I could. My parents bought a farm during that time, and I was lucky enough to have several horses at home, start teaching lessons, and train horses. Thanks to that farm and my parents' guidance, I learned the importance of hard work and the dedication it takes to follow your dreams.

 

After many different trainers, horses, and working student positions, I started a successful lesson and training operation in Lexington, KY. While there, I coached the University of Kentucky Dressage Team and taught students of every level from Starter through CCI3*. I produced several horses to the upper levels, most notably Katherine O'Brien's horse Ramsey to CCI4*-L.

 

During this time, I started riding with Phillip Dutton (multiple-time Olympian and medal winner), and that's when my dreams began to become a reality. In the fall of 2015, he offered me a job, so I packed my bags and moved to Pennsylvania to immerse myself in his program. In early 2017, I was promoted to head rider and had the opportunity to compete some of his young horses from Beginner Novice through the CCI3*-S level. After gaining more knowledge and skills than I could've ever hoped for, I felt it was time to go out independently. So in 2020, I started my lesson and training business, Emily Hamel Eventing, operating out of Phillip's True Prospect Farm.

 

While working for Phillip, I started riding the most talented, intelligent, brave, and sassy horse I had ever sat on. He was there to be sold, but no one could ride him well because of his quirkiness. I loved everything about this free-spirited grey Holsteiner and, thanks to my parents, could buy my horse of a lifetime. And, that's how Team Barry began.

 

After lots of training, competing, and riding the rollercoaster that is eventing, we were qualified to run a CCI5*. In 2021, we made our CCI5* debut at Kentucky with no jumping penalties and only a handful of time to finish 21st out of a field of 60+ horses. We were also the highest placed CCI5* first-timers. That fall, we completed the Maryland 5*, adding only 1.6 time penalties to our dressage score to finish in 14th place, making us the biggest movers up the leaderboard. We also were awarded the MagnaWave Ride of the Day in show jumping for our crowd-pleasing performance.

 

The goal is to leave in mid-April to compete at Badminton in May, stay in England to train, and then compete at Burghley in September. This trip is a significant endeavor. I am asking for support to help pay for the expenses of flying a horse across the ocean, training in England with world-class eventing professionals, and competing at the highest level. I plan to put all my energy, time, and talent into being successful at 2 of the most challenging events in the world. Barry is an extraordinary horse, and 2022 is Team Barry's time to shine.

 

That's my story so far, but if you want to stay up to date with all of the Team Barry happenings, you can subscribe to the monthly newsletter . I would love to have you along for the journey. I appreciate your support and encouragement.

 

And in the meantime, enjoy the ride!

 

Just a few transparency notes:
 
In these uncertain times with travel and changing restrictions, our alternate plan is to compete at Land Rover Kentucky in April if we can't compete at Badminton. After that, we would leave for England to train and compete at Burghley in September.
 
Barry's budget for traveling, training, and competing in England is $37,500 and includes:
Travel to England
Board for Barry
Vet, Farrier, other professional services
Training Fees
Competition Fees
 
Competing at this level is not possible to do alone. Barry and I couldn't do it without a team and village of supporters. I am grateful for every person who has been part of our journey. Thank you to everyone who is helping us make this next chapter in our story a reality.