The Horse That Lit Up Valkenswaard: Sanne Thijssen Retires Con Quidam RB

For Dutch rider Sanne Thijssen, the Longines Tops International Arena has always felt like home. And few horses have ever lit up the Valkenswaard arena quite like her long-time partner, Con Quidam RB.

Now, as the legendary stallion steps into retirement, the Longines Tops International Arena looks back on the unforgettable moments the pair created on its turf - moments of brilliance, emotion and connection with the home crowd that have become part of the venue’s story.

The partnership between Thijssen and Con Quidam RB was one built over years. Having first ridden “Connie” as a teenager, the two developed together through the ranks, forming the kind of understanding that only time can create.

More than a partner, Con Quidam RB became the foundation of Sanne Thijssen’s senior career. Their journey on the Longines Global Champions Tour brought them to arenas around the world, but Valkenswaard would always hold a special place.

It was here, in 2021, that the pair first stepped onto the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix podium together. Riding in front of a home crowd at just 22 years old, Thijssen delivered a composed performance to finish second in Valkenswaard - a breakthrough result that hinted at even bigger moments ahead.

While victories would follow across the Tour, including a standout LGCT Grand Prix win in Madrid in 2022, the most magical chapter of their story would once again unfold at the Longines Tops International Arena.

In 2023, with Con Quidam RB now 17 years old, Thijssen returned to Valkenswaard determined to deliver something special in front of the Dutch fans.

From the moment they entered the arena, the energy around the Longines Tops International Arena was unmistakable. The crowd sensed the possibility of something extraordinary.

Con Quidam RB, famous for his huge stride and fearless jumping style, attacked the course with his trademark power and personality. Thijssen, knowing her partner inside out after years together, allowed him to flow across the track while guiding every stride with precision.

When they returned for the jump-off, the tension in the arena was palpable.

Fence after fence fell behind them. The pair seemed to glide across the arena, the stallion’s enormous scope and rhythm carrying them forward.

Then came the final jump.

Clear.

As they crossed the finish line, the Longines Tops International Arena erupted. Applause rolled across the grandstands as Thijssen pointed proudly towards her horse - a spontaneous moment that perfectly captured their partnership.

It was a victory that resonated far beyond the result sheet.

The moment was immortalised by commentator Frederik de Backer, whose emotional call instantly became part of show jumping history.

“THE HORSE IS A FREAK OF NATURE. HE’S AN ALIEN!” he exclaimed.

Still caught up in the drama, he continued:

“This horse was not born out of a mare. He was not bred. I think he landed with a spaceship, with a UFO, and then decided he wanted to be a horse and found Sanne Thijssen.”

Then came the unforgettable line:

“GOODNESS GRACIOUS… GREAT HOOVES OF FIRE!”

Those words perfectly captured what the Valkenswaard crowd had just witnessed.

Con Quidam RB was never an ordinary horse. Known for his fiery character and unmistakable jumping style, he demanded complete trust from his rider. Thijssen developed the rare ability to channel his huge stride and immense power, creating a partnership that could take on the biggest tracks in the world.

But at the Longines Tops International Arena, their connection with the crowd added another dimension.

Here, the Dutch fans watched the partnership grow. Here, they celebrated their first podium on the Tour. And here, they witnessed the career-defining victory that would become one of the most iconic moments ever seen in Valkenswaard.

As Con Quidam RB now steps away from the sport, he leaves behind more than results. He leaves memories - of breathtaking rounds, roaring grandstands and a partnership that seemed perfectly at home in the Longines Tops International Arena.

Some partnerships define careers.

For Sanne Thijssen, Con Quidam RB was the horse who built one