Jerome Guery: A Champion’s Legacy and a Family Dream

Jerome Guery, one of Belgium’s leading showjumping riders, has built a remarkable career marked by highlights such as a silver medal at the World Championships and a European team medal. As he looks toward future goals, including the Los Angeles Olympics, he’s also focused on building a family legacy in the sport with his son, Mathieu. We sat down with Jerome and Mathieu to discuss their journey, the retirement of Quel Homme de Hus, and what lies ahead.

A Family Passion: Riding Side by Side

Jerome and his 19-year-old son, Mathieu, share a strong bond built on family and a passion for showjumping. They work together at the family stables, blending experience and youthful ambition as they develop horses and aim for new heights in the sport.

“It’s really nice to share the same passion,” Jerome says. “We spend all our time together, and now that Mathieu works with me and my wife at the stable, it’s become a family business. It’s his future. I’ll do a bit less, and he’ll take on more.”

Mathieu started taking riding seriously during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before that, he was just following along to shows without much focus. “During COVID, I really started to concentrate on riding,” Mathieu explains. “Now, going to the same shows and sometimes even competing in the same classes as my dad is something special. One day, it would be amazing to be in the same team together—maybe even at a senior Nations Cup.”

Jerome is clearly proud of his son’s dedication. “It makes me proud to see him ride at such a high level,” he says. “Sometimes we even compete against each other, and it’s nice to see how far he’s come. It’s not just about being a father; it’s about being a mentor too.”

When asked about the best advice his father has given him, Mathieu says without hesitation, “To stay focused. Sometimes I get distracted, but when I really concentrate, I ride better. That’s something he always tells me.”

Jerome nods, agreeing with his son’s words. “It’s true. Focus is key in this sport. One small mistake can cost you everything. You have to stay sharp every second.”

The Impact of Quel Homme de Hus’s Retirement

A pivotal moment in Jerome’s career came recently with the retirement of his iconic stallion, Quel Homme de Hus. Known for his exceptional talent and resilience, the horse was instrumental in putting Jerome on the map as one of the sport’s leading riders.

“The goal was to have him fit for Paris, and we did it,” Jerome reflects. “Many people didn’t think it was possible after his injury, but we worked hard to get him back to the top level. We planned for Paris to be his last competition, and now he’s retired from sport but continuing as a breeding stallion.”

Jerome acknowledges the profound impact Quel Homme de Hus has had on his career. “A horse like that comes along maybe once in a lifetime. He shaped my career and gave me a name in the sport. There are many good riders, but having a horse like him made the difference. I’m grateful that life brought him my way.”

While the horse is no longer competing, Jerome is optimistic about his legacy. “I’m sure we’ll see his offspring making an impact in the sport. He has unique qualities that I hope will carry on to the next generation. Quel Homme de Hus gave me so much, and now it’s time for him to pass on his legacy.”

New Challenges: Aiming for Los Angeles

With Quel Homme de Hus retired, Jerome is already setting his sights on the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles. His focus is on developing two promising young stallions, Romulus de Mariposa and Remus de Mariposa.

“They’re both really different despite being brothers,” Jerome says. “Romulus de Mariposa is more sensitive, while Remus de Mariposa has more power and confidence. It will be interesting to see which one develops into the top horse for the big events. Right now, Remus is a bit ahead, but that can change quickly at this age. I’m really focusing on them for the moment and hoping one of them will be my horse for LA.”

Both horses come from an exceptional lineage, being full brothers out of Margriet de Mariposa, a daughter of Flora de Mariposa—the famous mare ridden by Penelope Leprevost. “I know the line well since I rode their mother,” Jerome says. “They both have the scope and quality needed for top sport. I’m hopeful that one of them will be my Olympic horse.”

Mathieu adds, “They’re both really different despite being brothers. Romulus de Mariposa is more sensitive, while Remus de Mariposa has more power and confidence. It will be interesting to see which one develops into the top horse for the big events.”

Jerome knows the unpredictability of the sport all too well. “You never know with horses,” he says. “When I first started with Quel Homme de Hus, I didn’t expect him to be so good. It was only after our first victory here at the Sunshine Tour that I realized he could be my next Olympic horse. Sometimes horses take you by surprise, and that’s what makes this sport special.”

Mathieu, too, has his own ambitions. “I’m still a young rider this year and next year. My main goal is the European Championships in Riesenbeck this summer. Last year, we came back with a medal, and it was an amazing experience. I’d love to be part of the Belgian team again.”

The Future of the Sport and New Talents

Reflecting on how the sport has changed in the past decade, Jerome notes, “It’s become much more professional. You see a lot of young talents coming through and reaching the top level very quickly. It’s not like it used to be, where experience was the main factor. Now it’s about being professional from a young age.”

Jerome remains realistic about his own career while pushing his son forward. “I still have a few good years left, but the future belongs to the younger generation. That’s why I’m focusing on helping Mathieu develop into a top rider. He’s got the passion and the talent, and with hard work, he can make it to the highest level.”

Mathieu appreciates his father’s guidance and knows that the support is invaluable. “I’m lucky to have his experience to learn from. It’s up to me to make the most of it and keep improving,” he says.

Building a Legacy Together

Jerome Guery’s story is not just about winning medals and competing at the highest level. It’s also about building something lasting, both in the sport and within his family. As he hands over more responsibility to his son while still pursuing his own goals, he is paving the way for a new generation of Guery riders to make their mark on the showjumping world.

Whether it’s the dream of Olympic gold in Los Angeles or seeing Mathieu shine at the European Championships, one thing is clear: the Guery family is determined to continue pushing forward—together.

Valentina Sozzi | Ph Stefano Secchi

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