The Journey of Excellence: An Interview with Constant Van Paesschen

Belgian show jumper Constant Van Paesschen has established himself as one of the sport’s most respected athletes. Hailing from a family deeply rooted in equestrian success, Constant has carried on the legacy of his parents, Stanny and Béatrice Van Paesschen, both accomplished Grand Prix riders. In a recent interview, he shared his thoughts on his career, challenges, and aspirations for the future.

Following in the Family Footsteps

Constant’s introduction to show jumping was as natural as it was inevitable.
“I’ve always been surrounded by horses, so for me, it was an easy and logical step to take,” he explained.

Growing up under the guidance of his father, Stanny, Constant learned the value of patience and understanding in developing horses.
“My father taught me to be patient and to give the horse all the chances it needs to grow and develop,” he said. “Sometimes you’re surprised by a horse you didn’t expect to reach a certain level, but with time and the right approach, they get there.”

Career Milestones

One of Constant’s most memorable achievements was earning third place at the Longines Antwerp Grand Prix in 2014.
“It was a fantastic day,” he recalled. “My father was part of the organizing committee, which made it even more special. It’s been a long time now, but it’s a moment I’ll never forget.”

The Bond Between Horse and Rider

Constant has had the privilege of working with remarkable horses like Citizenguard Toscan de Sainte Hermelle.For him, the foundation of a great horse-rider partnership lies in the horse’s willingness to perform.
“The most important thing is not their technique or how they jump but that they want to do the job,” he explained. “If a horse wants to jump the fences and wants to do it clear, that’s what matters most to me.”

Daily Training and Coaching

A typical day for Constant involves keeping his horses happy, healthy, and fit.
“It’s important to ride them in a way that keeps their bodies strong and their minds relaxed,” he said. “When you arrive at a show, the horses should be happy and ready to perform.”

In addition to his riding, Constant is also a coach. His approach focuses on helping students understand their horses and develop their own style.
“Every student is different, and I can’t impose a single way of riding. A good trainer guides students to be the best riders they can be, using their own understanding and abilities.”

Staying Grounded

Show jumping involves a demanding schedule and high-pressure environments, but Constant credits his family and team for helping him stay focused.
“I’m very fortunate to have fantastic parents and a great team who take care of many things for me,” he said. “They help me avoid a lot of stress, and that allows me to focus on my riding.”

When setbacks occur, Constant takes a reflective approach.
“I think about what went wrong and how I can improve. It’s about adapting and making things better.”

Looking Ahead

As for the future, Constant’s goals are shaped by the capabilities of his horses.
“I respect what my horses can do and want to ensure they enjoy their work,” he said. “I hope to add one or two horses to my string that can compete consistently at the biggest five-star shows. I’ve had a taste of it when I was younger, and I miss it, but I know that horses of that caliber don’t come out of nowhere.”

For 2025, Constant prefers a moment-to-moment approach.
“I don’t set specific goals anymore. I focus on how my horses feel, and if they’re comfortable and happy, I know they’ll perform well. My aim is to enjoy the journey as much as possible,” he concluded.

A Promising Journey

Constant Van Paesschen’s career is a blend of talent, dedication, and a deep connection with his horses. As he continues to build on his legacy, his passion for the sport and commitment to his horses’ well-being remain at the heart of his success.

Valentina Sozzi | Ph. Stefano Secchi

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