Ines Joly and the 9-year-old gelding Come On Z (Comme Il Faut x Quamikase des Forêts) are parting ways. Following a stellar performance at the recent French Championships, where the duo claimed third place, the top talent is leaving Joly’s stable. Although the name of the new rider remains confidential, the gelding is expected to reappear at the highest international level very soon.
A Crowning Achievement in Fontainebleau
For Ines Joly, the departure is bittersweet, but gratitude prevails. "I am incredibly grateful to my investors for making the effort to keep him until the French Championships, despite the many offers we were already receiving," she explains. "This championship feels like a true crowning achievement for our work. Of course, I would have loved to keep him longer to guide him to the top level myself. Without this sale, we would have made our 1.60m debut in Madrid, but that will now happen with another rider."
Comparison to a World-Class Horse
Joly does not hide her admiration for the gelding, making a bold comparison: "It is a privilege to ride a horse like Come On Z. He is a little genius. I often compare him to Harrie Smolders’ Monaco; he doesn’t have that track record yet, but the quality is there. I’ve been riding him since he was seven, and we built him up very gradually from the 1.30m to the 1.55m level."
According to the rider, the gelding was sometimes underestimated due to his careful nature. "He is incredibly respectful, which made some people doubt his scope, but he is a true fighter. He has proven what he is capable of and is still far from reaching his full potential."
Finding the Right Stable
Following the success in Fontainebleau, the phone didn't stop ringing, but a rushed sale was never the intention. "I didn't want to just send him anywhere. It was essential for me to choose the stable that best suits his character," Joly states.
While Joly dreams of one day keeping horses of this caliber long-term, she remains realistic and passionate about her role as a producer: "My investors are not benefactors, but thanks to them, I can compete at this level. I thoroughly enjoy training young horses and restoring confidence in those who have lost it. We developed Come On Z ourselves, and I am immensely proud of the journey we’ve shared."
Fontainebleau as a Showcase
The departure of Come On Z is not an isolated case. Following the transfers of Grand Duc de Paradisio, Hard'Rock Queen HJD, and First To Cash Out, this marks the fourth top duo from the French Championships to split. More than ever, Fontainebleau has proven to be the ultimate stage for showcasing French talent to the international market.
