When fans attend the world’s premier eventing competitions, there are certain combinations they make a point not to miss. Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 have quickly become one of them, emerging as a combination with tremendous potential for the future. Now, the duo is set to represent the United States at the 2026 FEI Eventing World Championships, August 13-16, 2026, hosted in Aachen, Germany.
Smith and Lillet 3, a 2016 Holsteiner mare (SIEC Livello x Calido I) owned by Molly and Jennifer Duda, have had an incredibly successful career since their partnership began in 2024. Bred in Germany, the mare started her international career with German Olympic medalist Andreas Dibowski, before making the move to the U.S., where she found an immediate connection with Smith.
For Smith, the connection was apparent from the beginning. “I personally love mares,” she said. “She has an intelligent look about her and our relationship was easy from the beginning. She’s always felt like my kind of ride.”
While Lillet’s athletic ability was undeniable, it was her personality that cemented the partnership. Smith describes the mare as confident and always has a ready to, “get on with it,” type of attitude, making her a perfect fit for the discipline of eventing at the top levels.
“She doesn’t waste time standing around,” Smith said. “When she sees you, she shows so much love, but when it’s time to go, she doesn’t mess around. She’s a determined lady who knows exactly what she wants and goes for it.”
Though their partnership clicked immediately under saddle, Smith says earning Lillet’s trust and affection is one of the most meaningful parts of their journey outside the ring. Just a few months after Smith started with her, Lillet started to soften and warm up.
“It was a huge turning point,” she said. “She started to recognize me; she knew my voice and would follow me around. I was really drawn to it.”
As their relationship deepened, so did their results.
The combination established itself as one of the country’s most successful partnerships at the CCI4* level securing a major career win in the 2026 Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, while also earning victories in multiple US Equestrian Open Eventing qualifiers on both coasts. Their win at Kentucky this year was especially memorable, as they were the only combination to finish the show jumping phase without any jumping or time faults.
“She was super,” Smith said following the victory. “I couldn’t have asked her to be better. She was just so rideable and tried her heart out. She jumped so well.”
Beyond ribbons and podium finishes, Smith believes Lillet possesses something that can’t be taught.
“Lillet’s level of presence in everything she does is remarkable,” she said. “She’s so with me, and no matter her surroundings, she goes into the ring and gives it all she has.”
Now, with the 2026 FEI Eventing World Championships on the horizon, Smith and Lillet will join four other U.S. combinations; Will Coleman, Phillip Dutton, Boyd Martin, and Caroline Pamukcu, where they will represent the United States one of the sport’s biggest stages.
For their final prep, Smith decided to stay in the U.K. with Lillet, rather than returning home after beginning their summer season overseas. The extra time together has allowed her to focus exclusively on fine-tuning every detail ahead of their trip to Aachen.
“Having her as my main focus has given me the opportunity to hone in every aspect of our training,” she said. “The time has given me the chance to focus on her and nothing else. It’s been wonderful for our training and partnership – almost like a couples retreat.”
As the duo prepares to step into the championship atmosphere, Smith hopes fans recognize more than Lillet’s results.
“She’s athletic, intelligent, careful, and quick,” she said. “Anyone that watches her can see just how amazing she is.”
Watching from the sidelines will be Lillet’s owners, Molly and Jennifer Duda. Molly Duda, a member of the 2026 USEF Eventing Development 25 Program, and a recent squad member of the U.S. at Team for the 2026 FEI Eventing World Championship U25, is also one of Smith’s students and mentees. Duda and Smith’s relationship extends well beyond horse ownership, creating a partnership built on mutual trust and growth.
“I’ve had the privilege of teaching Molly so many lessons about riding, competing, and navigating the mental challenges that come with performing at the highest level,” Smith said. “But the truth is, Molly has taught me just as much. She has shown me that life doesn’t always have to be a struggle and it’s okay for things to feel easy.”
With a world-class horse beneath her, a trusted team in her corner, and years of hard work culminating in this moment, Smith and Lillet head into the Championship carrying both confidence and momentum. Their partnership has been built on determination and an undeniable connection; qualities they hope shine through as they represent the U.S. against the world’s best.
The USEF International High Performances Programs and the USEF High Performance Pathway Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, the philanthropic partner to USEF. High Performance Program support is also provided by the USOPC and USEF sponsors and members.