Athlete Spotlight: Emily Hamel

January 8, 2026

With the pair's recent completion at Les Étoiles de Pau, Emily Hamel and Corvett have etched their names into 5* history, becoming only the second horse-and-rider combination to complete all six CCI5* events in the Northern Hemisphere. Having now successfully finished six of the seven CCI5* events worldwide, the milestone places them among an exceptionally small and elite group in the sport and stands as a testament to years of perseverance, trust, and an extraordinary partnership at the highest level of eventing.


After years of experience under different trainers and working student positions, she established a successful lesson and training program in Kentucky, coaching riders from Starter through advanced FEI levels and producing horses to the upper tiers of the sport. A pivotal chapter came when Emily joined the program of Phillip Dutton; it was there that she met Corvett, a striking Holsteiner with immense talent, a bold jump, and plenty of personality.


Their debut competing at the 5* level came right here, competing at the Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2021. The pair delivered a standout performance, finishing as the highest-placed 5* first-timers and thus launching a run of consistent results at the sport’s most demanding level. That debut marked the beginning of a remarkable streak, as Emily and Corvett have completed every competition at this level they have entered since.


Over the following seasons, Emily and Corvett have methodically tackled the world’s most iconic 5* tracks. In addition to multiple appearances here in Kentucky - most recently finishing in 12th place this past April - the pair went on to complete the legendary Badminton Horse Trials and Burghley Horse Trials, further cementing their reputation for consistency, bravery, and reliability at the top of the sport.


Their most recent 5* performance at Les Étoiles de Pau capped a historic achievement. Combining a personal-best dressage test with confident, scopey jumping across both jumping phases, Emily and Corvett climbed steadily up the leaderboard to secure a spot in the top twenty and complete their six-of-seven milestone. It was a performance that embodied everything their partnership represents: precision, grit, and trust built over time.


Emily Hamel's story - with Corvett at her side - is one of long-term vision and unwavering commitment; proof that a dream sparked on a 4-H field trip can, with enough determination, lead all the way to the very top of the sport.

October 2, 2025
For Alabama native Jim Graham, eventing has been more than a sport — it’s been a lifelong journey shaped by resilience, opportunity, and a deep love for the horse. With over five decades in the saddle, Jim has worn nearly every hat: international competitor, trainer, FEI judge, mentor, and Technical Delegate. These diverse experiences have shaped him into one of eventing’s most respected voices, blending competitive success with an unwavering commitment to horsemanship.
September 18, 2025
Mary Fike’s name is synonymous with the soul of American eventing. Her fingerprints are found not just on score sheets and start boxes, but on the very fabric of the sport — especially where it matters most: the grassroots. With decades of experience spanning competitor, coach, secretary, organizer, and mentor, Mary has dedicated her life to building a sport that is inclusive, educational, and rooted in true horsemanship.
More Posts