Tamie Smith and her long-time partner, Danito, took the lead with 22.8 penalties when the dressage phase wrapped up Friday at the U.S. Equestrian Open Eventing Final, enjoying an edge of more than 4 penalties over second-place Sharon White and Claus 63 (26 penalties) in the competition at Morven Park. Just 0.4 penalties behind Sharon was Alyssa Phillips and Rockett 19 in third.
Tamie explained the connection she enjoys with her horse.
“We have such a long-standing partnership, so I kind of know what to expect,” she noted, adding that she always feels sure of Danito heading into the dressage — even if the Hanoverian takes a moment or two to adjust.
“He actually got into the ring and got a little spicy, and I had to back off,” Tamie mentioned.
“My first couple of movements weren’t what I really loved.” she observed, but commented, “After a couple of movements, he just sunk in and felt really great. So I’m really pleased with him.”
World number two-ranked rider Boyd Martin, who won the inaugural U.S. Open in 2025 with Miks Master C, stands sixth on Luke 140 (28.3) in the 4-star Long, which drew a field of 35 to the Virginia venue. Last year’s runner-up, Will Coleman –now world number three- is in seventh place with Off the Record. He’s right behind Boyd, with 28.6 penalties.
The event is a culmination of 20 qualifiers across the country, where contenders vied for a chance to ride for $200,000 in prize money this weekend. Tamie was the series winner. They all start out over Derek DiGrazia’s cross-country course Saturday morning.
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