WILLISTON, FL (352today.com) – The fourth time was the charm for a Williston-based horseman.

Rider Aaron Vale was part of the U.S. jumping team that competed in the FEI Nations Cup series in Italy, Sweden and France earlier this year.

The team composed of Vale, McClain Ward, Lucy Davis and Spencer Smith had the Luck of the Irish on August 16 when they won the Nations’ Cup of Ireland at the Dublin Horse Show.

At home in Williston, Vale runs a full-service training facility.

The 56-year-old horseman is no stranger to winning in the Grand Prix ring. He competed in his first Grand Prix at age 14 and is closing in on 300 for his career.

The steady and consistent rider ended up as the emergency reserve for the U.S. Olympic show jumping team in Paris. So, the victory in Ireland took on extra meaning.

“I was close after those shows (the FEI Nations Cups) to making the team for Paris. The consolation was to get to Dublin,” said Vale. “Dublin is a top horse show with all the same riders that do the Olympics. That was a great consolation.”

Vale competed on Carissimo 25, an 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding, at all four FEI Nations Cup events. The combination had a clean and careful round, playing a large role in the U.S. victory.

Aaron Vale and Carissimo 25 have only been together about a year. They’re seen here competing in Italy in May which was a precursor to their winning ride in Ireland. Courtesy: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia

“I’ve had him for about a year now. For this level, we’re still getting to know each other,” said Vale. “I feel like I kind of found some things here training before Dublin. It all kind of showed itself with our performance there. I was maybe one or two horses shows short of making the team in Paris. We could’ve used a bit more experience. It’s getting better and better every time we compete.”

The experiences Vale and Carissimo 25 enjoyed in Europe over the past few months have an outstanding foundation for the future, and the combination appears poised for greater things.

“Those bonds and relationships that we have with these horses, it takes a long time when you get to that super top level,” said Vale. “There are so many things that you have to know about the horse, and they have to know about you. I felt like we’re starting to get those little, tiny details that make the big difference.”