"A few days ago, you decided your time with us was over," grandson Constant Van Paesschen shared in a moving tribute. "I remember as a child how you taught me the love for horses. We will all strive to make you proud."

René Van Paesschen’s impact on the sport was monumental. Alongside François Mathy, he was regarded as one of Belgium’s premier horse dealers for decades. His expertise was world-renowned; most notably, he prepared his 18-year-old son, Stanny Van Paesschen, for the 1976 Montreal Olympics, where Stanny secured a historic bronze team medal.

His legacy remains visible at Haras de Wisbecq, the world-class facility he developed near Brussels. René was also a key figure behind the former Jumping Kapellen and a deeply dedicated breeder. Though a longtime supporter of the sBs studbook, he later pivoted to the AES, always advocating for the respect and recognition of breeders. His passion remained undiminished until the end: "I am convinced my best foal is yet to be born. I want to breed one more champion for my grandson," he once said in an interview.

The equestrian community extends its deepest condolences to the Van Paesschen family.