Constant Van Paesschen’s 17-year-old gelding Isidoor van de Helle (Canturo x Qredo de Paulstra) has been retired from the sport, the Belgian rider announced on social media on Sunday.

The pair has been competing internationally together since 2016, recording many Grand Prix wins and placings at venues such as Oliva Nova (ESP), Salzburg (AUT), St Tropez – Grimaud (FRA), and Fujairah (UAE). The gelding sustained an injury last weekend while competing in Oliva Nova, Spain – a venue where the two also took their first ever international win together back in 2017 – which made Van Paesschen take the decision to retire his long-time partner.

Van Paesschen announced the news on social media, writing: “My dear Isi – It’s with a tear in my eyes that I’m writing this message. After the injury you have had today it’s time for us to say goodbye to what you loved doing most, jumping. You are the horse that has meant the most to me. You were my best friend, always the first one that I was riding if you didn’t have a lay in. We have been through thick and thin, our 10 season together was starting. What a road we have had together. You have surprised me over and over again, jumped jumps and tracks that I never thought you could. But God you were some fighter, you believed in yourself, you trusted me even though you are blind on the right side. You never questioned what I asked you. You always made your grooms love you and take care of you. You have made Melaine, Emilie and Marie had a tough time during those 10 years but what did they love you and fight for you. I knew one day our time in the arena would stop. But God it’s hard buddy. It’s time for you to go and annoy the young ones in the field now. Please try and teach them to have your mentality. It was a pleasure to have as my main horse for the last 10 years. There are no sufficient words to thank you for what you have done for me my friend, enjoy your retirement.”

At World of Showjumping, we wish Isidoor a happy retirement!