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
|
MexicoJune 2025
Global Amateur Tour Competition Experience Tour Length: 9 Days Includes:
|
ArgentinaMarch 2025
Global Amateur Tour Competition Experience Tour Length: 10 Days
Includes:
Age criteria: 12 years and over Experience level: 1.10m plus |
France training tourJune/July 2025
Global Amateur Tour Training Experience Tour Length: 9 days
Includes:
Age criteria: Any Experience level: Any |
BrazilAugust 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:
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 classes 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!
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 on the Global Amateur Tour website https://www.globalamateurtour.com/events
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.
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 classes 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!
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 on the Global Amateur Tour website https://www.globalamateurtour.com/events
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.