When your nickname is “Ducky,” odds are everyone’s going to buy you duck-themed items, because of course. And the team at Aaron Vale’s Thinkslikeahorse has happily leaned into the theme when it comes to his current top grand prix horse and partner for this week’s Longines League of Nations Ocala, Carissimo 25, better known as “Ducky” in the barn.

Ducky got his nickname from the collection of rubber ducks that live on the dashboard of owner Debbie Smith’s Jeep. (Trading rubber ducks is a tradition among Jeep owners.) Since Smith purchased him in 2023, the gelding has amassed an impressive collection of his own waterfowl-themed gear, including:

• A duck-patterned saddle pad used during training sessions at home.
• A stuffed duck toy that lives in his stall at all times as his unofficial mascot.
• Duck charms hang from his tack and halters. 
• Stall door decor, including a duck charm at all times. 
• Duck number pins, keeping the theme consistent even at shows.

Even groom Nicola “Nicky” Cook and the team get in on the theme.

“We wear duck earrings, duck socks, and even have a few duck-themed good-luck charms when we’re at shows,” she said. “It’s become a fun tradition. Ducky is definitely a horse with a brand.”

Paired with Vale since July 2023, the 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Cascadello—T-Clintissma, Clinton) owned by The Carissimo Group and bred in Germany by Sport A Media S.R.O., has captivated audiences with his breathtaking style and impressive scope.

Their partnership reached a high point at the 2024 RDS Dublin Horse Show (Ireland), where they played a pivotal role in securing the U.S. team’s victory in the FEI Nations Cup CSIO5* and were third in the Rolex Grand Prix of Dublin CSIO5*. For Vale, who was the traveling alternate for the U.S. Olympic team in Paris, Dublin was the culmination of experience gained competing in Italy, Sweden and France earlier in the year.

“He’s always been a good horse,” Cook said. “But he’s come on leaps and bounds, and we’re just so proud of how far he’s come.”

Home at Thinkslikeahorse in Williston, Florida, Ducky settles into his routine under the watchful eye of Cook, and while he’s a serious competitor in the ring, he has plenty of personality behind the scenes.

Aloof, Independent And Occasionally Quirky

• When Cook first started working with Ducky, he wasn’t the friendliest horse in the barn.

“He was very aloof,” she said. “He wasn’t mean, but he liked his own space.”

Over time, he’s become more sociable. “Now, he’ll come over to play with us and then decide he’s had enough and just walk away,” Cook said.

• He prefers to watch the world go by from his stall. “He loves having his door open so he can just hang out and take everything in,” Cook said. “He’s just very aware of his surroundings.”

A Simple But Sweet Routine With Plenty Of Naps

• Ducky has traveled extensively, competing across Europe and the U.S. While some horses struggle with travel, Ducky isn’t one of them. He adjusts well to new environments and is a seasoned pro when going to new places. 

“He has slept his way around every single country,” Cook said.

After arriving at a new show, he sleeps for the first few days to settle in.

“If he’s not flat-out sleeping, something’s wrong,” Cook joked.

• Turnout is a priority. Ducky spends most mornings outside relaxing before he is ridden. Vale typically rides him last, giving him plenty of paddock time.

• His favorite treats? Watermelon.

“He absolutely loves it,” Cook says. “I give it to him a lot when we’re traveling.”

• Ducky also loves his treat ball filled with carrots, which hangs in his stall for entertainment.