O’Connors, U.S. Step to Fore in Team Event

Karen and David O’Connor, a husband-and-wife riding team, gave the United States the lead after the opening day of the three-day team equestrian event at Conyers, Ga.

Karen O’Connor, riding Biko, had the best U.S. performance in the dressage with 39.6 penalty points. Her husband, riding Giltedge, was next with 40.8 penalties.

The U.S. leads after the first two dressage rounds with 80.4 penalties. Great Britain (84.2) and Canada (87.2) follow.

“We’ve talked a lot as a team about having our lifetime performances here at the Olympics,” Karen O’Connor said after her ride.

The O’Connors credit the training program of team Coach Captain Mark Phillips, former son-in-law of Queen Elizabeth II and Olympic equestrian gold medalist. “The captain’s been brilliant,” David said. “He has given me the tools. Giltedge is not the best mover, and he was really swinging for me.”

The best score of the day, 35.2, was posted by Ian Stark of Great Britain on Stanwick Ghost.