The Father-Son Dynamic That’s Redefining Spanish Show Jumping

Gil Fournier’s career has always been marked by resilience and adaptability. Now, as he balances his own ambitions with the meteoric rise of his son Jaime Fernández Rey, he finds himself in a unique position: watching the next generation redefine what it means to compete at the top.

“In France, many times I’m not Luis Fernández Gil Fournier anymore,” he laughs. “I’m the father of Jaime.”

Jaime, 24, has become one of Europe’s most promising young riders, a trajectory that began with a dramatic pivot from medical studies to professional show jumping. After training in Denmark and France, Jaime landed a temporary role in the Bahamas that evolved into a full-time opportunity—one his father jokes about with characteristic humor: “He went for a month and they never let him leave.”

Gil Fournier’s own journey mirrors this adaptability. A lieutenant colonel in the Spanish Army, he transitioned from military service to full-time competition in his 40s, proving that experience—both human and equine—is the true currency of success in this sport.

Prío YM: A Horse That Bridges Generations

One of Gil Fournier’s most compelling stories this season involves Prío YM, a stallion whose lineage connects directly to Gil Fournier’s own champion mare, Prío. The younger horse inherits his mother’s “point of honor” and technical brilliance, while retaining subtle traits from his father—a rare opportunity for a rider to compete across generations of the same bloodline.

The horse’s resilience was tested in March during the CSI4* Grand Prix in Rabat, where Prío suffered a severe inguinal hernia. After emergency surgery at Clínica Ecuestre Manilva, the team achieved a remarkable recovery—returning to competition just three months later at the Montemmedio CSI4*.

“The veterinary team in Manilva worked miracles,” Gil Fournier says. “We’re now focused on securing Prío’s path to continental championships, though the competition for spots in those events is fierce.”

Why Binomios Now Define the Sport

Gil Fournier’s observation about the shift from “best riders” to “best binomios” reflects a broader trend in modern show jumping. With horses now bred and trained to specific rider styles, the partnership between athlete and animal has become the decisive factor in success.

“A rider can have incredible technique, but if the horse lacks the right temperament or athleticism, the result will be inconsistent,” he explains. “Similarly, the most talented horse needs a rider who understands its nuances—its rhythm, its confidence, its fears.”

This philosophy extends to Gil Fournier’s current projects. His stallion Ibón is a key player in Spain’s quest for qualification spots at the 2026 World Equestrian Games in Chernihiv. The FEI’s qualification system—which prioritizes results in CSI4* and CSI5* events—means every competition counts, and Gil Fournier’s team is targeting high-stakes shows like the Dutch Masters and Chickens Classic.

“The modern show jumper doesn’t just ride—they become an extension of the horse’s mind. That’s the difference between quality and great.” — Luis Fernández Gil Fournier on the evolution of the sport. 🐎✨ #FEI #ShowJumping

Spain’s Rising Stars: The Next Generation of Binomios

When asked about Spain’s current depth in show jumping, Gil Fournier points to a new generation of riders who are redefining the country’s competitive edge:

• Armando Trapote (with Tornado): A veteran with a knack for high-pressure performances, Trapote’s partnership with the Dutch Warmblood has been a cornerstone of Spain’s recent success.
• Imma Roquet: Consistently delivering top results across Europe, Roquet’s technical precision makes her one of Spain’s most reliable qualifiers.
• Alberto Márquez Galobardes: Known for his calm demeanor and strategic approach, Márquez has been a key player in Spain’s Copa de las Naciones campaigns.
• Álvaro González de Zárate: A rising talent whose adaptability across different horse types has caught the attention of national selectors.

“We have several binomios capable of representing Spain with guarantees,” Gil Fournier says. “The challenge now is maintaining that consistency over the next six months as we aim for Chernihiv.”

The Copa Comunidad de Madrid: Spain’s Showcase Event

Looking ahead, Gil Fournier highlights the IV Copa Comunidad de Madrid (June 19–21) as a critical domestic event. Held at Club RACE in Madrid, the competition—sponsored by La Razón—serves as both a proving ground and a celebration of Spanish talent.

“I’ve seen this event grow from its early days,” Gil Fournier reflects. “It’s now the most important national competition, offering unparalleled prize money and attracting the country’s best riders. For young Spanish athletes, it’s a chance to test themselves against the elite while building momentum for international qualification.”

Event Details:

• 📅 Dates: June 19–21, 2025
• 📍 Venue: Club RACE, Madrid, Spain (UTC+2)
• 💰 Prize Money: €250,000+ (largest in Spanish national calendar)
• 🏆 Key Feature: Open to CSI2*–CSI3* riders, with special focus on qualifying horses for higher-level competitions.

Gil Fournier will compete with Prío YM, using the event as a stepping stone toward continental championships. “This is where the next generation gets noticed,” he says. “And for us veterans, it’s a chance to show that experience still matters.”

Key Takeaways: What Gil Fournier’s Insights Mean for Show Jumping

• The binomio era has arrived: Modern success in show jumping hinges on the synergy between rider and horse, not individual talent alone.
• Spain’s depth is growing: With multiple riders and horses capable of international competition, the country’s qualification prospects for Chernihiv 2026 are stronger than ever.
• Recovery stories matter: Prío YM’s rapid return from injury highlights the importance of veterinary care and rehabilitation in elite equestrian sports.
• Domestic events are critical: Competitions like the Copa Comunidad de Madrid serve as both training grounds and qualification pathways for higher-level shows.
• Family legacy continues: The Gil Fournier dynasty—now including three generations—demonstrates how mentorship and adaptability can sustain competitive careers.

What’s Next for Gil Fournier and Spain

With the CSI4* Barcelona upcoming in June, Gil Fournier’s team will target another strong performance to solidify Ibón’s qualification chances. Meanwhile, Jaime Fernández Rey will continue his international campaign, with appearances at the Chickens Classic and Dutch Masters on his horizon.

For fans following the Spanish team, the next critical dates are:

• 📅 June 19–21: IV Copa Comunidad de Madrid (Madrid, Spain)
• 📅 June 26–29: CSI4* Barcelona (Spain)
• 📅 July 3–6: Chickens Classic (USA)
• 📅 July 17–20: Dutch Masters (Netherlands)

Gil Fournier’s message to aspiring riders? “Study the horse as much as you study the course. The best partners aren’t just talented—they understand each other.”