Text © World of Showjumping

Very sadly, Constant Van Paesschen’s former top horse Isidoor van de Helle (Canturo x Qredo de Paulstra) has passed away, the Belgian rider announced on social media. 

The 17-year-old gelding was retired from the sport in April, after sustaining an injury while competing in Oliva Nova, Spain – a venue where the two also took their first ever international win together back in 2017. The pair started competing together internationally in 2016, recording many Grand Prix wins and placings at venues such as Oliva Nova (ESP), Salzburg (AUT), St Tropez – Grimaud (FRA), and Fujairah (UAE).

“My champ, my friend, my everything, my isi,” Van Paesschen wrote on social media. “This has been the hardest day of my life so far, to have to say goodbye to you. We have tried everything we could to give you the retirement you deserved, to give you back what you have given me over all these years. I never would have imagined and hopped i would have a fighter like you. Always gave your best, always tried as hard as you could, always pulled your stables mates to a higher level. You truly have been my once in a lifetime horse. Everyone loved you… the stable is gonna feel empty without your presence. My Sunday mornings looking out my bedroom and looking at your window is gonna be hard and lonely. I’m afraid of the sadness I will have every time I will pass your stable. Please be there for me in hard times. I will need you! RIP my dearest friend.” 

At World of Showjumping, our thoughts go out to Constant and all those close to Isidoor.