Constant van Paesschen has announced the sporting retirement of his trusted gelding, Isidoor van de Helle (Canturo). “It is with tears in my eyes that I make this decision. After an injury, we have to take this step... I hope you will enjoy your retirement!”
Earlier this year, Van Paesschen and the 17-year-old BWP gelding were still claiming victories in the United Arab Emirates. Over their career, the pair won the 1.55-1.60m CSI4* Grand Prix of St. Tropez. They also claimed the CSI3* 1.50m Grand Prix of Oliva twice, as well as two wins in the 1.45m CSI2* Grand Prix.
Their record also includes a podium finish in the 1.50-1.60m CSI4* World Cup of Abu Dhabi, as well as in the CSI5* Longines Global Champions Tour 1.55m in Rome.
“You were my best friend, always my first choice to ride. This year, we would have started our tenth season together,” Van Paesschen continues. “We’ve had an incredible journey. Time and again, you positively surprised me. You were a fighter, believed in yourself, and trusted me endlessly! The fact that we achieved all this success with one blind eye... that says it all!”
“It’s hard to let you go from the sport due to an injury. Time now to pass on your wisdom to the younger horses in the pasture!”
