Ocala, FL – This week’s Ocala Sunday Spotlight shines on a very special horse that is set to compete next week during the Longines League of Nations™ North American Qualifier at World Equestrian Center – Ocala with Ocala’s very own hometown hero, Aaron Vale in the irons. Meet Carissimo 25, aka. ‘Ducky’, a special 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding who recently teamed up with Vale in July of 2023. Known for his breathtaking style and impressive scope, Carissimo 25 has captivated spectators and exhibitors alike with his talent. We caught up with Vale to learn more about his talented team member for next week’s event.
WEC: How did you get the ride on Carissimo 25?
At that time, he went by the name ‘Curly’. His previous rider parted ways with his owner, and he came up for sale. Debbie Smith was hinting at the interest of having a horse that could one day be on the team for the United States. Don Stewart, friends with both Debbie and Carissimo 25’s owner at the time, Georgy Maskrey-Segesman, facilitated the purchase. When discussing who to send the horse to, Don recommended me, because Debbie shows in Ocala, and she would be able to see the horse all the time. So, she bought him, and we started our partnership.
WEC: Tell us about your partnership with Carissimo 25.
He was well produced. He had jumped a few five-stars, so he knew the level. For me, it was about getting the controls a little bit more refined. The horse has ungodly ability and a desire to do the job. For this level of partnership, we’ve really grown together quickly. The horse is so smart, anything you teach him, he retains it. Every day I ride, there is something that is better than the day before. We never seem to take any steps backwards and that doesn’t always happen with horses. That’s what makes me think he’s so intelligent.
Also, the photos and videos of him are ridiculous. It’s a real treat and a pleasure to be able to ride a horse like that. It’s the most unbelievable feeling when you’re in the ring.
WEC: How did Carissimo 25 get his barn name ‘Ducky’?
He used to be Curly, but we came to the name ‘Ducky’ because I like to say he’s the horse that’s been ducking me my whole career. Debbie, his owner, is a Jeep driver and with Wranglers there is a thing where they put rubber ducks on the dash. So, when I called him Ducky, she thought that was just the coolest thing.
He has a ducky saddle pad that we wear at home. He’s got a rubber duck tied to his halter, and there is a very large rubber duck tied to his stall door. He’s a very calm and quiet horse. In the barn he keeps to himself; he’s just a chill dude. Everyone loves Ducky.
WEC: Tell us about your competition journey since you acquired him in July.
We got him last summer, and I showed him once here in a few 1.40m classes to get to know him. Then we went to Kentucky, and I jumped a few national level grands prix, nothing too big, just getting to know him. Then we took him to the Hamptons.
After the Hamptons, we went to Calgary in the fall, because I wanted the experience jumping the bigger heights with some unique fences. Calgary buys fences from the Olympics every year, and our hope, from the very beginning was to hopefully be selected. So, we went, and I had one down or a few time faults. In the beginning, the time allowed was a little bit of an issue, but we are working on it.
I jumped a World Cup™ Qualifier, and we had a silly rail. We competed in a four-star event in Wellington in December and won. Then we went to Abu Dhabi for the first leg of the Longines League of Nations™, which was a great experience.
WEC: What are your hopes for next week’s Longines League of Nations™ Qualifier?
Abu Dhabi did a great job, and it was such an amazing experience. I think WEC is really going to impress everyone next week. The world’s best riders are coming here, so the competition is going to be pretty spectacular. We have a really good team jumping for the United States, so hopefully we have a little luck and have a good result. I hope Ducky and I can represent Ocala well.
Thank you, Aaron for taking the time to chat with us! We wish you and Ducky the best of luck next week, we know all of Ocala will be cheering you on.