Nelson Pessoa celebrated his 80th birthday at Les Ecuries d’Ecaussinnes yesterday. The Brazilian legend took a break in his busy schedule with his colleagues and friends at Ecuries d’Ecaussinnes and EEM on the big day, as the whole team there had made a big surprise decorating the tack room with garland as well as making a cake to celebrate in an intimate, sincere and joyful happening – just in Nelson’s spirit.

Nelson Pessoa is an unparalleled name in the sport, and hugely respected around the world. He is not only famous for his achievements on the horse back, which included two gold medals and one silver medal from the Pan-American Games as well as the 1966 European Championships-title in Lucerne, but also for training and coaching other riders to the top of the sport. In the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Neco was was the oldest equestrian at the age of 56, while his 19-year-old son Rodrigo was the youngest.

Rodrigo paid tribute to his father on Instagram yesterday, and was followed by the rest of the equestrian world who all celebrated the legend.