There are horses that pass through. And then there are those that return at the right moment. At 10 years old, Quito de Mariposa is rejoining Jérôme Guéry’s stables with a clear promise: to aim for the very highest level. A logical, well-considered return—almost scripted in the Belgian way. And above all, one more piece in a string currently being rebuilt.
A return in the natural order of things
For Jérôme Guéry, Quito’s return is anything but a dramatic twist.
Behind this return is also groundwork. That of Seppe, who guided Quito through a key phase of his development.
« When the horse was entrusted to Seppe (Wouters), it was at the beginning of his eight-year-old year. He was a very careful horse who still needed to continue jumping eight-year-old classes at that stage. The idea was for Seppe to ride him for a year. We integrated Seppe into a structure to develop our young horses, and Quito fully fit into that program. Seppe met our expectations perfectly. »
One year turned into two, because of results.
« He had such good results after one year that we decided to give him another. »
But timing always catches up with plans.
« After Lanaken, we discussed that the horse had matured enough to probably join my stables and start competing at a high level. But to avoid rushing things, we left him with Seppe for a few more months. »
The turning point? Strong performances up to 4* Grand Prix level.
« The horse really shone in his first Grand Prix, where he placed third and sixth. That’s when we decided he was ready to join my stable and begin competing at five-star level. »
A logical handover, but not without significance.
As often in these situations, seeing a horse of this caliber leave is never neutral for a young rider. But the collaboration is part of a broader project.
Other horses are expected to join Seppe’s stables in the coming months, with the clear aim of allowing him to continue developing on the junior circuit and progressing further.
A mutually beneficial exchange, almost like a well-oiled system.
A key piece in a rebuilding string
Context matters. And Guéry doesn’t hide it: his string is under construction.
« Bringing Quito into my string works well right now because I’m in the process of rebuilding a high-level string. »
Almost perfect timing.
« He will fully have his place in my string to compete at five-star level. We’ll start this weekend here in Compiègne at three-star level. Then, if everything goes well, he’ll go to Fontainebleau already at five-star level. »
Clear projection. Gradual progression. A classic but ambitious plan.
The profile: careful, strong-minded, and powerful
Guéry knows the horse. He has ridden him before. And the picture is clear.
« He’s a horse I know well, that I’ve already ridden before. He’s always been very talented. »
His résumé already speaks for itself: - Belgian Champion at 6 years old - 8th at the World Championship for 7-year-olds
Each time with Virginie Thonon.
But beyond the results, it’s the feeling that stands out.
« You can feel he’s a horse with all the ability—extremely careful, scopey, with a very good mindset. »
And above all, a rare mental engine.
« He has incredible carefulness and a willingness that is really striking. The horse always wants to do the job. He’s truly a fighter with a great mentality. »
The kind of horse that doesn’t overthink, just goes forward.
A 100% Belgian story
Quito is also a story of people, and loyalty.
« It’s another Belgian story. It’s a horse I own with Alexander Oancea, my friend and partner. He bred him. When he was two, he gave me half of the horse. »
A project built over time.
He’s been with us for ten years. We really took the time to develop him. I think we made the right choices.
Carefully structured training: Virginie Thonon and Manu Casais for the basics, then Seppe for competitive experience.
The result: a horse that has never been rushed, but has always performed.
« In every championship he competed in, he reached the final. »
How far can he go?
The question remains open. But Guéry isn’t closing any doors.
« It’s hard to say. Everything he’s done, he’s done well. I think he’s a horse that will surprise people. »
And ambitions rise quickly.
He’s a horse with the ability to compete at the Olympics, that’s for sure.
Los Angeles 2028? Why not.
« He’s ten years old, so Los Angeles is possible. Now we have to see how things develop. »
No promises. But a trajectory.
Sale or sporting project?
In Guéry’s system, the door is never completely closed.
« My structure also works with trading, so obviously we’re not closed to it. »
But the immediate goal lies elsewhere.
« The primary objective is first to develop him to five-star level, and then we’ll see,” adds Jérôme.
Translation: sport first. The rest will follow.
Some of Quito’s performances
Belgian Champion (6-year-olds) in Gesves
8th at the World Championship for 7-year-olds in Lanaken
Winner of the Junior Grand Prix 1.40m in Mechelen
Winner of the Junior Nations Cup in Opglabbeek
Winner of Sires of the World in Opglabbeek
Winner of the 2* Grand Prix in Brussels
Winner of the 3* Grand Prix 1.50m in Oliva
Quito de Mariposa is not a gamble. He’s a project reaching maturity. At 10 years old, he’s in the right place, at the right time, with the right rider. And in a rebuilding string, that’s almost like a signature.
Seppe Wouters, Jérôme Guéry, Alexander Oancea and Mathieu Guéry after the victory in the 2* Grand Prix at the Brussels Stephex Masters in 2025.
