WILLISTON, FL (352today.com) – The inaugural Federation Equestre Internationale’s (FEI) Longines League of Nations™ Final is set for Oct. 6, 2024, in Barcelona Spain.
The NetJets U.S. jumping team will be one of nine countries competing and Williston’s Aaron Vale, who has been a stalwart throughout the year for the American squad, will once again be riding the 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding Carissimo 25 in the much-anticipated sporting event being held at the Real Club de Polo in Barcelona.
The combination was part of the U.S. team that finished third during the second leg of the FEI Longines League of Nations™ series at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala this past March. The first round took place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, then moved to Ocala, followed by St. Gallen in Switzerland in the spring, and the fourth round was in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The series will conclude in Barcelona.
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The United States will be joined by Spain, the host country, along with Ireland, Brazil, Sweden, France, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
However, it was the U.S. team’s performance in August, where Vale was part of the roster that hoisted the Aga Khan Trophy by finishing first in the FEI Nations Cup™ of Ireland. This success has made them a powerful contender for the finals.
Lucy Davis Kennedy and Spencer Smith, who were on the U.S. winning team in Ireland, will join Vale in Spain. The U.S. team will also include Laura Kraut, who earned a Silver Medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and Alex Matz, the son of Show Jumping Hall of Famer Michael Matz.
Vale manages the farm Thinkslikeahorse in Williston.