Longevity and Loyalty: The Enduring Partnership of Maya de la Joya and Un Lord du Rozel
In the high-stakes world of elite show jumping, the bond between a rider and their horse is often fleeting, dictated by the relentless pursuit of higher rankings or the natural physical limits of the animal. Yet, the partnership between Spanish rider Maya de la Joya and the French gelding Un Lord du Rozel stands as a rare testament to consistency and mutual evolution. Now entering their ninth campaign together, the duo has transformed a promising start into a sustained presence at the highest levels of the sport.
Este curso es la novena campaña conjunta de Maya de la Joya Fernández Longoria y “Un Lord du Rozel”, un binomio que ha construido su trayectoria sobre la regularidad y una evolución con resultados sostenidos en el tiempo.
For those following the international circuit, the longevity of this pairing is as impressive as their results. While many riders rotate mounts to find a specific “type” for different courses, de la Joya has grown alongside Un Lord du Rozel, navigating the transition from youth categories to the elite senior stage.
A French Foundation and a Spanish Start
Un Lord du Rozel was born in France on April 24, 2008, boasting a pedigree designed for the demands of high competition. He is the son of Mylord Carthago, a stallion recognized as one of the most influential in the international circuit and Vestale du Rozel, a daughter of Narcos II. Before arriving in Spain, the horse competed in France under the guidance of riders such as Marc Dilasser and Swan Bourven.
The horse arrived in Spain in 2018, marking the beginning of his partnership with the Madrid-based rider. At the time, de la Joya was already a known entity in national team circles. She had debuted in the Children category in Wierden in 2016 with Aixa del Maset and competed in Youth Nations Cups between 2017 and 2018 with Tip Top de Ceran. However, the arrival of Un Lord du Rozel represented a change of dimension
for the rider.
The adaptation period was remarkably brief. In their debut season of 2018, the pair immediately began recording results, including a sixth-place finish at the SHOT de Carmona and a tenth-place finish at the Gran Premio de Santander.
The 2019 Breakthrough
If 2018 was about adaptation, 2019 was the year the partnership ignited. The duo secured a runner-up finish in the Spanish Youth 1* championship, a result that opened the doors to the prestigious CSIO events in Fontainebleau, and Hagen. This momentum carried them to the European Junior Championships in Zuidwolde, where they achieved a dual triumph: a gold medal as part of the Spanish team and an individual silver medal for de la Joya.
The victory streak continued domestically in 2019. The pair won their first joint Grand Prix at the Final ANCADES—which marked de la Joya’s fourth title achieved with four different horses—and added another victory at the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid. This established a pattern of reliability that would define the next several years of their career.
Consistency Across the Categories
The partnership’s record is characterized by a steady accumulation of wins across various venues and years. Following their 2019 success, they secured further victories in 2020 at Las Cadenas and the RACE. More recently, in 2024, they claimed victory at the CSN 4* of the Real Club Pineda de Sevilla.
The statistical impact of the horse on de la Joya’s career is significant. Between 2018 and 2025, Maya de la Joya achieved 11 national Grand Prix titles; five of those were won aboard Un Lord du Rozel. This level of consistency culminated in 2023 at Montenmedio, where the pair won the Spanish Young Riders Championship, securing the individual gold medal in the final year de la Joya competed in that category.
As they transitioned toward the elite senior ranks, the duo tested themselves on some of the most demanding tracks in the world. Last year, they competed at the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) sanctioned events including Geneva and the Saut Hermès de Paris, recording clear rounds and meritorious classifications.
Defying the Clock: A Second Youth
In a sport where the physical toll on a horse is immense, Un Lord du Rozel continues to perform at a high level well into his late teens. The French gelding celebrated his 18th birthday on April 24, 2026. Despite his age, his current form remains sharp, recording five clear rounds in seven outings, four of which were in international competitions.
This sustained performance is attributed to a rigorous care regimen. Alongside de la Joya’s riding, the dedicated function of the horse’s groom, Katia, has been pivotal. Because of this comprehensive support system, the veteran gelding is described as experiencing a second youth
.
Partnership Snapshot: Maya de la Joya & Un Lord du Rozel
| Milestone | Year / Date | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Partnership Start | 2018 | Arrival of horse in Spain |
| European Juniors | 2019 | Team Gold, Individual Silver (Zuidwolde) |
| Young Riders Champ. | 2023 | Individual Gold (Montenmedio) |
| Recent Major Win | 2024 | CSN 4* Real Club Pineda de Sevilla |
| Current Age | April 24, 2026 | 18 Years Traditional |
As they move forward into the 2026 season, the focus remains on maintaining the health and precision of a veteran horse while continuing to challenge the world’s best. The story of Maya de la Joya and Un Lord du Rozel is more than a series of medals; It’s a blueprint for how patience and proper care can extend the peak of an athletic career.
Follow the official results of the upcoming Spanish circuit for the next verified update on the duo’s performance.
Do you think the bond between rider and horse is the most critical factor in longevity at the elite level? Let us know in the comments or share this story with fellow equestrian fans.
