International Equestrian Tours |
|
I am lucky enough to have established many wonderful connections during my career and for the last decade have been helping make that international dream a reality for riders all around the world.
In 2018, together with my dear friends Christian Lopez (Mexico) and Alexandra Dattelkremer (Brazil) the Global Amateur Tour was formed. Our vision, to provide talented amateur riders worldwide the opportunity to compete on borrowed horses in prestigious international competitions.
Since then, the tour has grown to span across five continents. The 2025 line up includes Italy, Mexico, Brazil, France, Germany and Argentina and we are currently working on several more exciting locations and riding experiences that may drop in 2025 as well, so stay tuned!
Along with competition tours, we also offer training and experience-focused tours which cater to all ages and levels of riding ability.
Combining my experience in both the equine and travel industry, Lucy Olphert Showjumping as an official agent of Global Amateur Tour offer full concierge services for riders including assistance with their flights, accommodation, travel insurance, horse lease and chef d'equipe duties during the tours.
Scroll on to see the summary of the 2025's tours and dates or complete an expression of interest and I will be in touch with more info.
In 2018, together with my dear friends Christian Lopez (Mexico) and Alexandra Dattelkremer (Brazil) the Global Amateur Tour was formed. Our vision, to provide talented amateur riders worldwide the opportunity to compete on borrowed horses in prestigious international competitions.
Since then, the tour has grown to span across five continents. The 2025 line up includes Italy, Mexico, Brazil, France, Germany and Argentina and we are currently working on several more exciting locations and riding experiences that may drop in 2025 as well, so stay tuned!
Along with competition tours, we also offer training and experience-focused tours which cater to all ages and levels of riding ability.
Combining my experience in both the equine and travel industry, Lucy Olphert Showjumping as an official agent of Global Amateur Tour offer full concierge services for riders including assistance with their flights, accommodation, travel insurance, horse lease and chef d'equipe duties during the tours.
Scroll on to see the summary of the 2025's tours and dates or complete an expression of interest and I will be in touch with more info.
Italy training tour (NEW)
Sept/Oct 2025
Global Amateur Tour Training Experience Tour Length: 8 Days
Includes:
Age criteria: All ages Experience level: All levels welcome |
CHIO Aachen
|
Mexico
June 2025
Global Amateur Tour Competition Experience Tour Length: 9 Days Includes:
|
Argentina
March 2025
Global Amateur Tour Competition Experience Tour Length: 10 Days
Includes:
Age criteria: 12 years and over Experience level: 1.10m plus |
France training tour
July 2025
Global Amateur Tour Training Experience Tour Length: 9 days
Includes:
Age criteria: Any Experience level: Any |
Brazil
August 2025
Global Amateur Tour Competition Experience Tour Length: 11 Days
Includes:
Age criteria: 15 years and over Experience level: 1.15m plus |
Note: All tour prices, dates and durations approximate only at this stage. Final information around dates, duration and prices will be provided to those riders selected prior to confirmation of attendance.
Testimonials
Amy McMullan
“Brazil was one of the best trips I’ve ever done. Incredible experience with a bunch of awesome people. Learned so much and had a great time. Highly recommend Lucy’s trips and I’ll be lining up for another one in the near future!”
“Brazil was one of the best trips I’ve ever done. Incredible experience with a bunch of awesome people. Learned so much and had a great time. Highly recommend Lucy’s trips and I’ll be lining up for another one in the near future!”
Samantha Gillies
"Take every opportunity you are given with two hands! Brazil was an experience of a life time, meeting lifelong friends and making special memories with some exceptionally talented horses. Never did I imagine leaving the country to go ride one of my dream horses and fall in love, or even come home with a medal and placing from the most prestigious indoor show in South America. Lucy has created so many opportunities for so many individuals and I was lucky enough to be apart of it and wouldn’t change it for the world."
"Take every opportunity you are given with two hands! Brazil was an experience of a life time, meeting lifelong friends and making special memories with some exceptionally talented horses. Never did I imagine leaving the country to go ride one of my dream horses and fall in love, or even come home with a medal and placing from the most prestigious indoor show in South America. Lucy has created so many opportunities for so many individuals and I was lucky enough to be apart of it and wouldn’t change it for the world."
Summer Borrie
"If you are wanting the most fantastic experience for yourself and a support person, France is definitely the trip to choose. It involved comprehensive training with a variety of horses and ponies. The opportunity to compete, watch and shop at some of the best shows/grounds in the world. Then to top it off, being immersed in the French culture and cuisine was unbelievably captivating. This trip was well organised and a lot of fun. A definite must to do, on the wish list."
"If you are wanting the most fantastic experience for yourself and a support person, France is definitely the trip to choose. It involved comprehensive training with a variety of horses and ponies. The opportunity to compete, watch and shop at some of the best shows/grounds in the world. Then to top it off, being immersed in the French culture and cuisine was unbelievably captivating. This trip was well organised and a lot of fun. A definite must to do, on the wish list."
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for these tours?
Riders of any age, level and country may apply. There is something for everyone!
Do you bring your own horse on these tours?
You are most welcome to, but in short not doing so is the tour’s main point of difference. For all our tours we supply quality, purpose bred horses, giving riders the remarkable opportunity to train and compete internationally without the hassle or expense of bringing your own horse.
What types of tours do you offer?
We currently offer the following types of tours:
How do I know which tour is right for me?The application and selection criteria for the tours depends on what age and stage you are at in your riding career. For example, the competition tours generally require a minimum showjumping level of 1.10m and have specific categories depending on age, where as the training tours are for all levels and ages
What language are the sessions taught in?
All tours have English speaking coaches however we also have native speakers in each tour location, so it is also possible to receive your lessons in this language if you prefer.
What kind of sightseeing can one expect on a tour?
The sightseeing opportunities all depend on the location of each tour. For example in France, we offer a day tour to Paris, Eurodisney, the magnificent Palace of Versailles (Olympic venue for the 2024 Equestrian disciplines), the city of Rouen and the chance to spectate at the LGCT Paris and Chantilly International!
Is there an age limit?
No not for our training tours, however, some competition tours have age restrictions. Also any riders under 18 at the time of the tour must be accompanied by a guardian.
Is it just riders or can supporters attend GAT tours? Supporters are more than welcome to join you on our GAT tours. All tours will allow you to take at least one official supporter, however on some tours we can accommodate larger groups. Official supporters pay a fee, which is advertised on the information page for each tour. The advertised price estimate excludes flights and travel insurance but includes, accommodation, some meals, any included sightseeing activities, most transportation, an accompanying Chef d'equipe and where applicable show tickets.
I’m interested in your 2025 tours. When is the latest date to apply?There is no such closure date however the tours generally sell out up to 12 months in advance, so if you don’t want to miss out we advise getting your application in as early as possible.
How do I apply?
All the tours are listed HERE
For all tours you will need to fill out an application form and submit an unedited riding video along with contact details for two referees which is located under each tour on the website. If applying for a training tour, your video does not need to be from competition.
How much do your tours cost?
Each tour is different. All prices are advertised on our website in $USD and are an estimate based on the current costs and exchange rates. The final price will usually be fairly close to the estimate and any changes are advertised as soon as they are known. Once you have signed up to a tour you have the right to cancel and receive a refund if there is a major change to either the price or tour itself. All of this information is detailed in your tour agreement which you need to sign after being selected before your tour is confirmed.
What's included in the price?
The inclusions vary depending on which tour you choose and are all advertised in the 'about the tour' section for each tour on our website. For all tours the price excludes flights and travel insurance, but includes official Global Amateur Tour merchandise, accommodation, breakfast as well as a welcome and farewell dinner, your tour Chef d'equipe, any included sightseeing activities, most transportation, event tickets for any included shows and all horse related costs such as coaching, horse lease and stabling and any required transport or show entry fees.
How do I pay?
After you are selected to attend one of our tours you will receive a tour information form which asks you how you would like to pay. To secure your spot on one of our tours, will need to pay a deposit which will be advised to you prior to signing your tour agreement. For the remainder of your tour costs you can choose either to pay them all at once or pay in instalments over time. You can pay by bank transfer or by credit card using Stripe.
Who goes on a GAT tour?
One of the best things about the Global Amateur Tour is the people you meet and the friendship's you make. Our tours have riders of all ages and all backgrounds, from all corners of the globe. We have had riders from every continent except Antarctica. With such a diverse group our tours are a great chance to to learn and develop both culturally and as a rider.
Other than training and competing what else happens on a tour?
Every tour is different in terms of both riding and non riding activities. But some examples of other activities are listed below.
Our team can talk you through which tour best suits what you are looking for on and off the horse, just complete our expression of interest form, put your questions in the form and we will come back to you with a recommendation.
What locations are the tours? In 2024 we had tours to Argentina, Mexico, France, Germany and Brazil. In the past we have also had tours in New Zealand and Morocco. In 2025 at this stage we have Global Amateur Tour training experiences in Germany, France and Italy as well as competition experiences in Argentina, Mexico and Brazil. We also have a few new locations up our sleeve that we will be releasing soon! The below graphic has some of the locations we are looking at, but sign up for our newsletter below and follow us on socials to keep up to date with the latest news!
Riders of any age, level and country may apply. There is something for everyone!
Do you bring your own horse on these tours?
You are most welcome to, but in short not doing so is the tour’s main point of difference. For all our tours we supply quality, purpose bred horses, giving riders the remarkable opportunity to train and compete internationally without the hassle or expense of bringing your own horse.
What types of tours do you offer?
We currently offer the following types of tours:
- GAT Training: The training tours (like France and Germany) do not typically involve an official show and are more geared up to focus on daily training with elite coaches, which often also involves riding different horses over the week, as well as informative seminars, physical and mental preparation for the riders, fantastic sightseeing opportunities and the chance to spectate at a major international show like CHIO Aachen. These training tours are available for all ages and levels.
- GAT Competition:The GAT competition tours like Brazil and Mexico generally run in conjunction with a CSI International show and require a minimum level of 1.10m, sometimes 1.20m plus if it is a 5 star show like the São Paulo 5*. These events typically involve several days trialing and getting to know your horse then several days competing with some downtime in between to sightsee and explore these amazing destinations!
How do I know which tour is right for me?The application and selection criteria for the tours depends on what age and stage you are at in your riding career. For example, the competition tours generally require a minimum showjumping level of 1.10m and have specific categories depending on age, where as the training tours are for all levels and ages
What language are the sessions taught in?
All tours have English speaking coaches however we also have native speakers in each tour location, so it is also possible to receive your lessons in this language if you prefer.
What kind of sightseeing can one expect on a tour?
The sightseeing opportunities all depend on the location of each tour. For example in France, we offer a day tour to Paris, Eurodisney, the magnificent Palace of Versailles (Olympic venue for the 2024 Equestrian disciplines), the city of Rouen and the chance to spectate at the LGCT Paris and Chantilly International!
Is there an age limit?
No not for our training tours, however, some competition tours have age restrictions. Also any riders under 18 at the time of the tour must be accompanied by a guardian.
Is it just riders or can supporters attend GAT tours? Supporters are more than welcome to join you on our GAT tours. All tours will allow you to take at least one official supporter, however on some tours we can accommodate larger groups. Official supporters pay a fee, which is advertised on the information page for each tour. The advertised price estimate excludes flights and travel insurance but includes, accommodation, some meals, any included sightseeing activities, most transportation, an accompanying Chef d'equipe and where applicable show tickets.
I’m interested in your 2025 tours. When is the latest date to apply?There is no such closure date however the tours generally sell out up to 12 months in advance, so if you don’t want to miss out we advise getting your application in as early as possible.
How do I apply?
All the tours are listed HERE
For all tours you will need to fill out an application form and submit an unedited riding video along with contact details for two referees which is located under each tour on the website. If applying for a training tour, your video does not need to be from competition.
How much do your tours cost?
Each tour is different. All prices are advertised on our website in $USD and are an estimate based on the current costs and exchange rates. The final price will usually be fairly close to the estimate and any changes are advertised as soon as they are known. Once you have signed up to a tour you have the right to cancel and receive a refund if there is a major change to either the price or tour itself. All of this information is detailed in your tour agreement which you need to sign after being selected before your tour is confirmed.
What's included in the price?
The inclusions vary depending on which tour you choose and are all advertised in the 'about the tour' section for each tour on our website. For all tours the price excludes flights and travel insurance, but includes official Global Amateur Tour merchandise, accommodation, breakfast as well as a welcome and farewell dinner, your tour Chef d'equipe, any included sightseeing activities, most transportation, event tickets for any included shows and all horse related costs such as coaching, horse lease and stabling and any required transport or show entry fees.
How do I pay?
After you are selected to attend one of our tours you will receive a tour information form which asks you how you would like to pay. To secure your spot on one of our tours, will need to pay a deposit which will be advised to you prior to signing your tour agreement. For the remainder of your tour costs you can choose either to pay them all at once or pay in instalments over time. You can pay by bank transfer or by credit card using Stripe.
Who goes on a GAT tour?
One of the best things about the Global Amateur Tour is the people you meet and the friendship's you make. Our tours have riders of all ages and all backgrounds, from all corners of the globe. We have had riders from every continent except Antarctica. With such a diverse group our tours are a great chance to to learn and develop both culturally and as a rider.
Other than training and competing what else happens on a tour?
Every tour is different in terms of both riding and non riding activities. But some examples of other activities are listed below.
- Attend renowned international shows like the Chio Aachen World Equestrian Festival in Germany and Global Champions Tour.
- Rider fitness training
- Informative seminars on topics such as mental skills and course design
- Trail riding
- Cultural and sporting activities such as local cooking, polo or local dance classes
- Sightseeing
- Sights and bites, checking out the local streets, shops and restaurants
Our team can talk you through which tour best suits what you are looking for on and off the horse, just complete our expression of interest form, put your questions in the form and we will come back to you with a recommendation.
What locations are the tours? In 2024 we had tours to Argentina, Mexico, France, Germany and Brazil. In the past we have also had tours in New Zealand and Morocco. In 2025 at this stage we have Global Amateur Tour training experiences in Germany, France and Italy as well as competition experiences in Argentina, Mexico and Brazil. We also have a few new locations up our sleeve that we will be releasing soon! The below graphic has some of the locations we are looking at, but sign up for our newsletter below and follow us on socials to keep up to date with the latest news!
