By: Ava Basch
Competing at a 5* event overseas isn’t just about riding. It requires a lot of preparation and coordination with other people to make everything happen.
Event rider Emily Hamel has recently become the first North American rider to complete every Northern Hemisphere CC15* with the same horse. Her experience traveling overseas highlights the organized training, planning and logistics needed to succeed at this level
Hamel emphasizes that although her horse, Barry, travels very well, it is crucial for any horse to have a strong base fitness prior to traveling. “It is important that you are confident in your horse’s fitness, as there will be travel days where you cannot ride.”
The vetting process for international events include requirements riders may not be familiar with. “Ashley Taylor is my vet,” Hamel said. “She helped me complete the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection needed to take Barry overseas.”
After the health certificate is completed, horses are often shipped to an animal transport facility called the ARK at JFK International Airport. They are quarantined there for at least 72 hours before being shipped to their final destination.
Shipping a horse overseas can be a learning process, especially when it comes to scheduling everything. Hamel said that if you work with a good shipping company that has a lot of experience, they can line up everything for you.
“I use Dutta, and they were able to get Barry shipped to JFK and then to Belgium before he arrived at his final destination,” she said. Using a shipping company with good communication is important to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Competing overseas requires significant time, effort and money, which can create a lot of pressure. No matter the level, Hamel said focusing on enjoying the competition and being present are key to maintaining a good mindset.
“I focus on staying consistent and doing the best I can for Barry,” Hamel said. “I am happy just knowing I did my best.”
Even with careful planning, traveling overseas is difficult for any rider to do alone. Having a trusted and supportive team is important to manage everything.
Business partner Jeanna Epping has helped keep Barry happy and healthy since 2022. She is detail-oriented and handles anything he may need before competition. Hamel also said her parents and fiancé, Dave, are her biggest supporters and are always there to cheer her on.
“It is important to have faith in the people you’re working with,” Hamel said. “That way, while they do their job, you can put all your focus into giving your horse the best ride you can.”
For Emily, seeing how other countries compete and riding against the best in the world is such a special feeling. She said the experience of these international events makes all the planning required to travel overseas worthwhile.
