Leesburg, VA – The US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final at Morven Park commenced with a stunning display of precision and partnership as Tamie Smith and Ruth Bley’s veteran gelding, Danito, delivered a record-breaking dressage performance in the $200,000 CCI4*-L. Concluding the first phase of competition on Thursday, October 9, 2026, Smith, the reigning Series winner, commanded the arena with an exceptional score of 22.8 penalties, establishing a significant lead and setting a new Morven Park record for this level. The day saw a fierce "dance battle" unfold, particularly as the higher-ranked competitors, ordered by their Series leaderboard standing, took to the ring. Smith’s test was marked by four coveted 9s and a multitude of 8s from the judging panel, distinguishing her performance on a day when scores of 7.5s and 8s were generally considered excellent.

The Pinnacle of American Eventing: US Equestrian Open Series

The US Equestrian Open of Eventing Series, a season-long initiative designed to foster excellence and provide a clear pathway for top-tier eventers in the United States, culminates annually at this prestigious final. The Series comprises a circuit of CCI4-S qualifiers, with riders accumulating points from their top six results throughout the season. This structured approach not only promotes consistent performance but also offers substantial financial incentives, including an additional cash prize pool distributed among the points leaders prior to the Final. Tamie Smith’s triumph in the 2026 Series saw her accrue 265 points, earning her a substantial $25,000 bonus, a testament to her consistent dominance. Her partnership with Danito was pivotal in this achievement, contributing two significant wins at the CCI4-S level earlier in the year: one at Tryon International in May and another at Twin Rivers in September. The Morven Park Final represents the ultimate test and a grand stage for these seasoned combinations to vie for the championship title and a share of the substantial prize money.

Danito’s Enduring Legacy: A Masterclass in Longevity

Danito, a 17-year-old horse, stands as a remarkable example of sustained excellence in a demanding sport. While often overshadowed by his illustrious stablemate, Mai Baum, Danito has carved out his own impressive career, consistently delivering top-level performances. His four-star debut in 2019 at Twin Rivers saw him land on the podium, signaling the beginning of a distinguished journey. His career has been marked by strategic management, with periods of reduced pressure due to minor injuries or intentional breaks, a philosophy that Smith credits for his enduring soundness and competitive edge. This careful approach to his well-being has allowed Danito to compete at the highest levels, maintaining or even improving his dressage scores, as evidenced by his current 22.8, a score comparable to or better than his last CCI4*-L outing at Boekelo in 2021, where he finished 10th.

Smith elaborates on her program’s philosophy: “I think that’s kind of the theme of my program – I don’t know that it’s rocket science. As him and I have both aged, I think we’ve just gotten a little bit more of the feeling of what it’s like to be in the ring and comfortable and just the harmony of it. So I think that’s what you’re probably seeing.” She emphasizes the importance of listening to her horses, stating, “I’m really particular about paying attention to the horses and knowing when to keep the gas pedal on and when to take it off. We let the horses tell us, and it’s just something I think is really important to do for the horses, for everything they do for us, that we try to listen to them. So as he’s had little things here and there, we’ve backed off and when he’s felt great then we’ve pressed on.” This holistic approach to equine athlete management is increasingly recognized as critical for long-term success and welfare in eventing.

Top Contenders and Their Journeys

The dressage phase at Morven Park was a showcase of exceptional horsemanship, with the international judging panel of Peter Gray (CAN), Bea di Grazia (USA), and Christian Steiner (AUT) rewarding quality performances. Many pairs exceeded their typical averages, demonstrating peak form for this championship event.

Sharon White and Claus 63: A Quest for Redemption

Hot on Smith’s heels is Sharon White aboard Claus 63, who delivered a powerful test to earn a score of 26.0. This score not only placed them firmly in second but also significantly surpassed their incoming 6-Run Average by over three penalties. While just shy of their personal best 25.2 from last year’s event, White described it as an even stronger, more connected performance. She attributed her success to a renewed focus on being "present" during the ride, a philosophy she consistently champions but acknowledges as a continuous challenge.

White’s path to Morven Park this year has been marked by resilience. A knee injury earlier in the summer forced her to withdraw Claus from Bromont’s CCI4-L, where they had been leading after dressage. Months of intensive rehabilitation have strengthened her, allowing her to return to competition feeling "better than ever." This year’s Morven Park holds a particular significance for White, as she seeks to put past disappointments behind her. Last year, a fall at the coffin obstacle dashed their hopes for a podium finish. Claus, a 14-year-old gelding, has a history of brilliant results at the four-star level, including a top-10 finish at Kentucky’s CCI5, but also moments of unexpected difficulty. White approaches these highs and lows with an insatiable curiosity, always believing in the horse’s immense potential. "I’m fascinated," she remarked. "What makes them tick? How can you make them better? How can you make them physically better, mentally better and stronger? And that is all horsemanship. If your horsemanship is good, they’re going to perform better." Describing Claus as her "Thelwell pony" – affectionate yet sometimes unpredictable – she added, "He is absolutely the most athletic horse I’ve ever ridden and he’s so fun to ride, and then mentally he will just disappear for a second or two! I’m really hoping I can keep it together this year but he feels amazing so I’m so happy to be here with him."

Alyssa Phillips and Rockett 19: The Impact of Horsemanship

Alyssa Phillips and Rockett 19 secured third place with a strong score of 26.4. Their partnership, though less than two years old, has quickly blossomed, yielding a string of impressive results. The 11-year-old gelding, initially produced by Sweden’s Louise Romeike, excelled at the three-star level, culminating in a second-place finish at Maryland’s CCI3-L last year. This season has been dedicated to solidifying their four-star education, including a second-place finish at Rebecca Farm’s CCI4-L in July, where only time penalties prevented a win. Their current performance at Morven Park underscores their growing strength and experience.

Phillips’ excellent dressage score also brought validation to a recent discovery. Her coach, Barend Heilbron, astutely observed that Rockett 19 had been experiencing discomfort due to overgrown teeth. "I actually was having a few dressage tests at the shows where he was kind of being a little funny in the mouth, and wasn’t his normal self," Phillips explained. "So then after Stable View, Barend was like, ‘Why don’t we just take a look in his mouth?’ And actually his teeth somehow had gotten pretty sharp, pretty quickly. So I had that taken care of last Wednesday, and it made an immediate difference in the horse – he is so much happier. Today, he trusted the connection in the bridle, and actually was really there for me, whereas the past three shows, he had been a little bit more insecure and hesitant because of what was going on in his mouth. Luckily, Barend was the one that suggested I take a look." This incident highlights the critical role of vigilant horsemanship and expert guidance in maintaining an equine athlete’s well-being and performance.

Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri: The Power of Stepping Back

In fourth place, Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri achieved a score of 26.6, their second-best at this level since their return to top competition. Just a year ago, this pair, now with Dyri at 14 years old, was strategically competing in the CCI3*-S at Morven Park, having taken a deliberate step back after facing challenges at Dyri’s five-star debut and subsequent four-star re-route. Bellissimo’s decision to alleviate pressure and rebuild their partnership from the ground up proved highly effective, leading to a string of wins at lower levels and a successful return to four-star competition, including a victory in April. This US Open run was explicitly set as a major fall goal, a true test of their reaffirmed foundation. Their strong dressage performance indicates that their meticulous work is paying off.

Bellissimo articulated her clear objective: "[I] came here with the goal of doing a personal best 4*-L result with him. I have huge respect for the strength of the field that’s here this weekend, some very proven competition. So I hope for a confident fast round Saturday, and a happy horse Sunday."

Laine Ashker and Lovedance: Nurturing Future Potential

Laine Ashker, unique as the sole athlete competing in both dressage and eventing disciplines on the US Open campaign trail, rode her Maryland International 4*-S winner, Lovedance, to a personal best four-star score of 26.9, placing them fifth. While thrilled with the score, Ashker believes the 10-year-old KWPN mare, affectionately known as "Lottie," has even greater potential. She particularly noted the significant improvement in Lottie’s ability to manage tension during her test. "In the past couple rides, she’s been super rideable – and it wasn’t that she wasn’t rideable [today], she just had a little more tension," Ashker explained. "But honestly this time last year, or even the year before, had she felt that tension, she wouldn’t have been able to work through it. So the progress is there – I was still able to ride her out to the hand, she wasn’t curled in her neck and so I was thrilled – thrilled to bits with her."

Given that this is Lottie’s first CCI4*-L, Ashker’s strategy balances competitiveness with long-term development. This thoughtful approach highlights a crucial aspect of eventing at the highest levels: the careful management of equine athletes, especially younger ones, in high-stakes environments. The discussion around prize money in eventing often brings this into sharp focus. Unlike disciplines where a second chance might come days later, eventing’s long formats offer limited opportunities each year. Riders must weigh the pursuit of immediate financial rewards against the welfare and longevity of their equine partners. As Ashker noted, "Sometimes, it can’t be about chasing the money. I’d argue that, in equestrian sports, one should never be chasing the money – not if it sacrifices the horse, in any way." This sentiment, echoed by top riders like Will Coleman, who is here with Off the Record, underscores the ethical imperative in eventing to prioritize the horse’s well-being above all else. For Ashker and Lottie, the goal for cross-country is clear: "So tomorrow, my goal is to have a clear round. She’s not the quickest horse, and it is her first Long, so it’ll be a big test [and] how quickly and economically I can get around the course. I feel very confident that the mare can do it."

Dressage Leaderboard: A New Landscape

The final dressage standings for the CCI4*-L reveal a dynamic top 10, significantly reshaped from the initial Thursday entries. While Thursday leaders Kim Severson and Cooley Corraghy Diamond managed to maintain a place within the top group, the influx of higher-ranked pairs on Friday shifted the overall picture:

(Insert Image of Top 10 Scoreboard here, as per original article)

Cross-Country Challenge: Derek di Grazia’s Masterpiece Awaits

With the dressage phase concluded, all eyes now turn to the formidable cross-country course, meticulously designed by the renowned Derek di Grazia. Scheduled for Saturday, the course presents a true four-star challenge, spanning an optimal time of 10 minutes and 9 seconds across Morven Park’s demanding terrain. The topography is a significant factor, featuring a steady, prolonged climb for much of the course before riders and horses can find a moment of respite as they approach the iconic Morven Park Mansion. This undulating landscape, combined with di Grazia’s characteristic design, ensures a thorough test of fitness, courage, and partnership.

Di Grazia’s reputation precedes him; his courses are known for their intricate questions and cumulative effect rather than reliance on single "bogey" fences. While specific obstacles may present individual challenges, the ultimate test lies in the seamless navigation of the entire track, requiring unwavering focus and strategic riding from start to finish. "It’s very much all right there, but one little mistake could have you have a stupid run out, which is what makes it exciting," Tamie Smith observed, capturing the essence of the challenge. The full fence-by-fence preview is available on the CrossCountry App, offering riders and enthusiasts an in-depth look at each element.

Fortuitously, the beautiful fall weather in Virginia this week has ensured near-perfect footing conditions, which will be a welcome benefit for the athletes and their horses. However, ideal conditions do not diminish the inherent difficulty of the course. As Derek di Grazia himself noted, "It’s really up to [the riders] to be able to figure out how to answer all the different questions that are being asked. They are different questions as they go around the course. I always say, you’re not finished until you’re finished, so you really have to stay with it the whole way." This emphasizes the mental and physical stamina required to navigate a four-star long format course successfully.

Looking Ahead: Cross-Country Day Schedule

Saturday’s action will kick off with the CCI4-S division at 9:30 am EST, where Meg Pellegrini and Falcon Crown Z currently lead with a score of 27.2. The highly anticipated US Open CCI4-L will follow at 11:00 am EST. Both divisions will run in reverse order of their dressage standings, building suspense as the top contenders take to the course later in the day. Tamie Smith and Danito, as the leaders, will be the final pair to leave the start box at 1:20 pm EST, carrying the weight of expectation and the challenge of defending their record-setting lead.

Fans can follow the action live through various platforms. A full order of running and live scores for each division are accessible via the World Sport Timing website. Additionally, live streaming of the other divisions will be available for free on the Morven Park YouTube channel, allowing equestrian enthusiasts worldwide to witness the excitement unfold.

The stage is set for a thrilling day of cross-country, where the delicate balance of speed, accuracy, and horsemanship will determine which partnerships advance closer to claiming the coveted US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final title.

Essential Resources for the Morven Park Fall International + US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final (VA):

• Official Website: Morven Park Equestrian Center
• US Equestrian Open Information: US Equestrian Open
• Start Lists & Live Scores: World Sport Timing Results
• Spectator Information: Free General Admission + Hospitality
• EquiRatings Prediction Center: Prediction Center
• Eventing Manager League (Code PCTD): Play Eventing Manager
• *Live Stream (CCI4-L via ClipMyHorse.TV):** ClipMyHorse.TV
• CrossCountry App XC Maps: Morven Park XC Course
• Eventing Nation Coverage: EN’s Coverage
• Volunteer Opportunities: Eventing Volunteers