"He’s a Freak of Nature, He’s an Alien!” – Sanne Thijssen Retires Con Quidam RB

In a sport defined by extraordinary partnerships, a few combinations leave a mark that transcends results alone. For young Dutch rider Sanne Thijssen, that partnership was Con Quidam RB – the fiery, unmistakable stallion who carried her to some of the most unforgettable moments in Longines Global Champions Tour history.

Now, after an incredible 13-year journey together, Thijssen has announced the retirement of her long-standing partner. At 20 years old, Con Quidam RB leaves the sport having defined an era of Thijssen’s career and captured the imagination of fans around the world.

From the moment they stepped onto the Longines Global Champions Tour stage, Con Quidam RB was impossible to ignore. With his enormous stride, explosive power and unmistakable character, he attacked the biggest tracks in the world with a style entirely his own. Riding him required instinct, trust and bravery – and Thijssen mastered the delicate balance of guiding his bold, natural talent while allowing him the freedom to do what he did best.

More than a partner, Con Quidam RB became the foundation of Sanne Thijssen’s senior career. Having first ridden “Connie” as a teenager, the pair grew up in the sport together, culminating in their first Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix podium at Valkenswaard in 2021 when Thijssen was just 22.

Just a year later, they climbed to the very top step. In 2022, Thijssen and Con Quidam RB stormed to victory in the LGCT Grand Prix of Madrid, confirming themselves as one of the sport’s most exciting partnerships. By that point, Thijssen had already been riding “Connie” for nine years – a testament to the deep trust and understanding that had developed between horse and rider.

But if one moment defined their story, it came in 2023.

Back on home soil at the Longines Tops International Arena in Valkenswaard, with Con Quidam RB now 17 years old, the pair produced a performance that would instantly become one of the most iconic in LGCT history.

The atmosphere that day was nothing short of magical. As Thijssen and her partner soared over the final fences, the stands erupted. Cheers, applause and heartfelt roars rolled across the arena as the Dutch rider crossed the finish line with a smile, pointing proudly at her horse in a moment that captured the hearts of fans around the world.

What followed became one of the most memorable pieces of commentary ever heard in show jumping.

“THE HORSE IS A FREAK OF NATURE. HE’S AN ALIEN!” exclaimed commentator Frederik de Backer as the pair sealed victory.

Still caught up in the drama of the moment, 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 line that would echo around the sport:

“GOODNESS GRACIOUS… GREAT HOOVES OF FIRE!”

Those words perfectly captured what made Con Quidam RB so special. He wasn’t just talented – he was unforgettable.

Known for his fiery personality and unique way of going, Con Quidam RB demanded a rider who understood him completely. Thijssen learned how to pilot his enormous stride and channel his immense power, allowing him to tackle the biggest tracks in the world with fearless determination.

Together they built a partnership defined not just by victories, but by character, emotion and moments that captured the imagination of fans across the globe.

Now, as Thijssen bids farewell to the horse of a lifetime, Con Quidam RB retires at the age of 20, leaving the sport as a true fan favourite – a horse whose performances lit up arenas and whose personality made him impossible to forget.

Some partnerships define careers. For Sanne Thijssen, Con Quidam RB was the horse who built one.