Gijón, Spain – August 30, 2025 – The speed test was a novelty in the sports program at the Gijón International Horse Show CSI 4* & CSI 2*. A competition with long distances between some obstacles, during which you can gallop and shave off hundredths from the stopwatch. Only 30 combinations had qualified for the Volvo Trophy CSI 4*, those that had obtained the best results during the previous trophies in this category.
Among them, the Portuguese Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida (POR), one of the favorites, who entered the ring last. Applauded by the public at all times, the duo was unable to lead the test. In obstacle 8, the stallion Kentucky RW knocked down a pole and the pair was left without a podium finish this time.
In the end, it was the Belgian Constant van Paesschen (BEL) who claimed the top spot, dashing towards victory with Diaz du Thot. Van Paesschen had already won the Dicar Trophy in Las Mestas last year. And this year he has once again led a podium at the International Equestrian Competition, but in the 4* category.
Yuri Mansur (BRA) teamed up with Glinka de La Treille for silver honors while Julio Arias (ESP) and Conisha des Forêts gave the home crowd something to cheer about, rounding out the top three.
Final Results – €29,500 Volvo Trophy CSI 4*
1) Constant van Paesschen (BEL) & Diaz du Thot – 0 – 65.12
2) Yuri Mansur (BRA) & Glinka de La Treille – 0 – 65.28
3) Julio Arias (ESP) & Conisha des Forêts – 0 / 0 – 67.15
Source: News Release (translated & edited) from CSI Gijón
Photo: © CSI Gijón
