Emily Hamel and Corvett Aim for History at Pau: A Final Five-Star Stamp for Team Barry
by Anya Ostrovsky
Over the course of their seven-year partnership, Emily Hamel and her beloved partner Corvett — better known to his fans as “Barry” — have built a resume most riders only dream of. Together, they’ve successfully completed five of the six CCI5* events on the Northern Hemisphere circuit: Kentucky, Maryland, Badminton, Burghley, and Luhmühlen. Now, with a final push to Pau this fall, they stand on the brink of making history as the first horse-and-rider combination to complete all six Northern Hemisphere 5*s. We caught up with Emily as she prepares for this milestone moment, to learn more about what it’s taken to reach this point, what Barry means to her as he nears the end of his FEI career, and what’s next for Team Barry after Pau.
With Pau just months away, Emily admits that emotions are running high. “There’s definitely pressure, but also so much excitement,” she says. “This could be Barry’s last five-star, so I want to enjoy every second. We’re the most prepared we’ve ever been.”
While this record-setting journey may seem like the product of a long-term plan, it actually came together organically. Like many U.S. young riders, Emily grew up dreaming of the Rolex arena at Kentucky, not necessarily a six-event sweep. It wasn’t until she and Barry completed Badminton and Burghley — two of the most demanding events in the world — that the idea even took shape. The pair was named to the U.S. Eventing European Development Tour in 2024, and while traveling, Emily had the idea to check one more 5* off their passport. “At that point, we had four under our belt. When [an event] on the Development Tour fell through, I rerouted to Luhmühlen,” she explains. That left just Pau, and a possibility too extraordinary to pass up. Now, as the pair prepares to head to France, Team Barry’s mission is clear: finish strong, make history, and show the world what this partnership is made of.
Barry isn’t just a partner — he’s the horse who launched Emily’s international career. “He’s been the catalyst for everything,” she says. “I’ve traveled the world with him. He’s quirky, opinionated, and not easy for others to ride, but I’ve put so much into him. Every ride now feels like a gift.” From a first 5* completion at Kentucky to a career-defining run at Burghley — which Emily refers to as “the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life” — Barry has always shown up for her. “He tried his heart out there. That one was extra special,” she recalls. Remarkably, Barry has completed every 5* he’s started — a testament to his toughness, soundness, and joy for the job. “He’s built for it — great feet, great conformation, and he truly loves cross country,” Emily explains. “He has fun out there, and if we ever end up with a 20, it’s because he gets too excited and overjumps into a tough combination!”
For Emily, Pau represents more than just the final pin in the map. “It’s the last five-star we need, but France is also a place I’ve always wanted to go and compete,” she says. “Every country does things differently, and I love experiencing those nuances.” She points out that while U.S. events like Kentucky and Maryland pull out all the stops with production value and atmosphere, events like Badminton and Burghley stand out for their sheer scale and intensity. “At Burghley, the crowds are right there. It adds a whole other challenge.” As Pau potentially marks the end of Barry’s elite-level career, Emily is focused on staying present. “We’re going to soak it all in,” she says. “If this is his last five-star, I want it to be our best.”
What fans don’t often see is the sheer effort behind keeping a 5* horse at the top of their game. “It’s a lot — maintenance, fitness, mental prep, all of it,” Emily says. “Barry pushes me to be better. I even started working with a personal trainer because of him.” Before every ride at a big competition, Emily makes sure to take a few quiet moments — yoga, stretching, a power nap if she has a later ride time — to focus her mind and set her intention. And of course, behind every great horse is a great team. From fiancé Dave Repko — who Emily describes as “her biggest fan” — to her supportive family and growing group of owners, the momentum behind Team Barry is stronger than ever. And yes, Barry has his quirks. “He’s nearly impossible to catch in the field,” she laughs. “The girls end up having to call me. And mounting at home is an exciting process.” But these are the traits that make him Barry.
Though nothing can replace Barry, Emily is already building a powerful next chapter. She now has a string of exciting young horses and a clearer vision for the future of her program. “For a while, I wasn’t sure I’d ever have another horse like Barry,” she admits. “But now, I really believe I can do it again.” One to watch is Newman Hoksehoeve, a horse Emily found in the UK during her Burghley/Badminton campaign. “Newman reminds me of Barry — brave, scopey, and just so much potential,” she says. “He could be my next top horse.” Also in the barn is N’ Angel of Poppes 24 (aka “Lady”), a seven-year-old mare with heart and grit. “She may not be the fanciest, but she tries harder than any horse I’ve ridden.” Kingston, a recent import from the jumper ring in Europe, has not only competed at the level, but won his first FEI stateside at the 2*-L level, which secured Emily her first FEI win. With the addition of new owners, a syndication model in the works, and unwavering belief from her team, Emily is building a program that’s made to last.
Completing all six Northern Hemisphere 5*s with one horse isn’t just a footnote in Emily’s career — it’s a statement. “This would show the world how special Barry is,” she says. “He deserves to be recognized on a global stage.” But it’s also about something deeper: inspiring others. “There’s a lot of pressure in this sport to win,” Emily reflects. “But sometimes the goal is just to do the thing — to finish, to show up, to keep going with the hard horses.” That spirit — tenacious, heartfelt, determined — is what makes Team Barry so special. It’s not just about this fall’s record attempt in France. It’s about legacy, partnership, and paving the way for the next generation. If Barry could talk, “he’d probably say he’s had a great time,” Emily smiles. “He loves the crowd — he jumps higher when he hears them cheer. He likes that I keep things interesting for him. And he definitely enjoys being adored.” For those who want to support or join her journey, Emily offers a heartfelt invitation: “There’s room on Team Barry for anyone who believes in big goals and good horses. We’re just getting started.”
Learn more about Team Barry, Emily’s push to Pau, and how you can be a part of their historic journey on her website at emilyhameleventing.com/team-barry.
