Prio YM: The Gritty Return of a Spanish Show Jumping Dynasty

In the world of elite show jumping, some horses possess a physical presence that commands the arena the moment they enter. Prio YM is not one of them. Born in 2016 at the Yeguada Militar, the black gelding is described by his rider, Luis Fernández Gil-Fournier, as “humble” and “normal” in physique. Yet, beneath that unassuming exterior lies a rebellious spirit and a technical brilliance that has seen him climb the ranks of national competition, survive a life-threatening medical crisis, and fight his way back to the 1.50-meter level.

For Gil-Fournier, a military officer and experienced rider, Prio YM is more than just a talented athlete; he is the continuation of a historic sporting legacy. The horse is the son of “Ibón” and “Espinosa,” both of whom were also ridden by Gil-Fournier to victory in the Spanish National Horse Championship. This rare familial trifecta—winning the same championship with a horse, its father, and its mother—solidifies Prio YM’s place in the annals of the Asociación Nacional de Criadores del Caballo de Deporte Español (ANCADES).

A Rebel in the Ring

Prio YM’s journey to the top was far from linear. His early years were marked by a challenging temperament and a “difficult mouth” that made traditional equipment problematic. At age six, even as competing in Montenmedio, Gil-Fournier had to rely on a hackamore—a bitless bridle—to maintain control. The horse’s rebellious nature was evident; he would often attempt to shake the gear off with his hands while galloping.

Despite these behavioral hurdles, Prio YM possessed an innate bravery and a specific technical quality: he “crawls” over jumps, a trait inherited from his mother, Espinosa. While Espinosa lacked a powerhouse physique, her sheer will to clear the fence carried her to the highest levels of the sport. Prio YM shares that same tenacity. According to Gil-Fournier, while the horse may initially resist moving, once he “ignites,” he becomes an unstoppable force in the arena.

Even as he reached nine years of age—his final year of formal training—doubts persisted. Gil-Fournier admitted to questioning whether the horse would ever truly reach the required level for elite competition. The turning point came during tests at Montenmedio and subsequently in Mâcon, France, where a strong performance in a 1.50-meter event revealed a potential that had previously been hidden.

The Peak: From Segovia to Rabat

The culmination of this progression arrived in September 2025 at the Centro Ecuestre de Castilla y León in Segovia. Competing in the Spanish National Horse Championship, Prio YM delivered a masterclass in precision. He became the only horse in the field to finish all three rounds—set at heights of 145/150cm—without a single penalty, securing the gold medal.

“Prio YM” no es un caballo que destaque en la primera impresión. Nació en 2016 en la Yeguada Militar, hijo de “Ibon” y “Espinosa”, su físico no llama especialmente la atención, pero sí lo hace su forma de estar en la pista. “Es un caballo humilde, que pasa desapercibido. Bonito porque es negro, con un físico muy normal, pero con mucha personalidad y mucho carácter”, explica a LA RAZÓN su jinete, Luis Fernández Gil-Fournier, el cual también montó a sus padres, dentro de su trabajo como militar. Ese carácter peculiar ha sido, desde el principio, uno de los ejes de su evolución. “Es rebelde, no le gusta verse sometido”, puntualiza Gil-Fournier.

Following the national victory, the pair took their talents international, traveling to Morocco for the CSIO4*-W in Rabat. Prio YM stepped up to his first four-star Grand Prix, showing a level of ease that surprised his connections. While he knocked down two rails in the triple combination, Gil-Fournier noted that the horse seemed to be “strolling” through the course, exerting minimal effort to clear the massive obstacles.

A Life-Threatening Turn

Just as Prio YM was establishing himself as a force on the international stage, disaster struck. During a training session, the horse began showing signs of acute pain, twisting his body in distress. Upon examination, Gil-Fournier discovered a severely hardened testicle, leading to an immediate suspicion of an inguinal hernia.

The situation was critical. Prio YM was rushed under sedation to the Hospital La Equina de Manilva for emergency surgery. The veterinary team managed to save both testicles, but a second surgery was required to close the inguinal rings and prevent a recurrence. The recovery process was grueling; the horse required three months of absolute rest. Because the abdominal musculature must support the horse’s entire weight, the healing process had to be managed with extreme caution to avoid surgical failure.

The Road Back to 1.50 Meters

Returning to the sport was a lesson in patience. Gil-Fournier implemented a strict, progressive ladder of heights to test the horse’s strength and confidence:

• Phase 1: Initial returns at Las Cadenas with rounds at 1.10 and 1.20 meters.
• Phase 2: A step up to 1.30 meters at the RACE.
• Phase 3: A return to Montenmedio in March 2026, gradually increasing the height.

The final test came last week, when Prio YM returned to the 1.50-meter level. After an initial round with four penalties, the horse responded the following day with a flawless, clear round. For Gil-Fournier, this result is the ultimate validation of the horse’s resilience and the surgical success in Manilva.

Prio YM’s journey—from a rebellious youth to a national champion, through a surgical emergency, and back to the elite heights of show jumping—serves as a testament to the bond between a rider and his horse. Having conquered the 1.50-meter mark once again, the pair now looks forward to regaining their standing in the international circuit.

Next Checkpoint: Prio YM and Luis Fernández Gil-Fournier will continue their progressive competition schedule to regain full match fitness for the upcoming season’s major events.

Do you think Prio YM can reclaim his national title after this comeback? Let us understand in the comments below.