Exterior:
Santiago VDL is a well-developed stallion with sufficient presence and a good
rectangular model. The head is expressive. The neck has good length with a good
head–neck connection. The neck is well shaped, of good length and muscling, and
emerges deep from the chest. The shoulder has good length and angle. The
withers are well developed with plenty of length. The back has good length and
muscling. The loins are well muscled and well connected. The croup is slightly
sloping, sufficiently long and well muscled. The hindquarter muscling has good
length. The forelegs are correctly positioned. The hind legs are slightly
straight. The pasterns in front and behind have sufficient length and are
slightly upright in front. The bone structure is well developed, slightly
heavy, and of sufficiently strong quality. The hooves are well developed and of
sufficient quality. The heels are slightly high.
Pedigree:
In the pedigree of Santiago VDL, the top sires Eldorado van de Zeshoek and
Kashmir van Schuttershof are combined with the strong Sina dam line. Under
Willem Greve, sire Eldorado van de Zeshoek performed at the highest level and
has made a major name in breeding thanks to offspring such as Killer Queen VDM,
Elektric Blue P, Highway TN and Grandorado TN. The dam Erina has already
produced four offspring competing at 1.30m level or higher, including the
internationally classified 1.45m horse Wadro’s Jerina (s.Zirocco Blue VDL),
with whom Marriet Smit-Hoekstra achieved success. Erina herself is a
half-sister to several international jumping horses, including the 1.55m/1.60m
performer Nerina (s.Amaretto I), who competed successfully with Kent Farrington
and Jur Vrieling, and Drachten (s.Berlin), ridden by Jan-Philipp Weichert. Santiago
VDL therefore shares the same granddam as the top jumping horse Hello Senator (s.Carambole),
ridden by Scott Brash, as well as 1.55m performers such as Jack (s.Quasimodo
van de Molendreef) and the Grand Prix winner Keep Me With You NC (s.Le Tôt de
Semilly). Granddam Jerina also forms the foundation of several international
performers at 1.50m/1.55m level, including Gweedore vd Groote Kamps Z,
Eastborn, Wadro’s Maggie May, Higgins and Just Cavalli.
Performance
test report:
Santiago VDL is a cooperative stallion who works willingly and has a good
attitude. He is uncomplicated to ride. The walk and trot show sufficient ground
cover. The stallion is sufficiently rideable and became looser in movement
during the test. The canter has sufficient ground cover and balance, although
he canter somewhat on the forehand. Santiago VDL became easier to ride during
the test period. Over the fences, Santiago VDL shows good overview. He jumps
with sufficient power and lifts his body well over the jump. During the test,
his foreleg technique improved, and he jumps with somewhat variable use of his
body and hind-end technique. Santiago VDL shows scope and appears careful. He
gives his rider a sufficiently good to good feeling over the jump.
Stable behaviour:
An honest and reliable stallion. Easy to handle and calm in the stable.
Veterinary
report:
During the test period, the stallion was treated once by a physiotherapist due
to mild stiffness. This treatment had a good effect.
Semen evaluation:
Expected fertility class: sufficient.
Breeding
advice:
Santiago VDL can improve jumping qualities, particularly scope, carefulness and
attitude. Mares should possess sufficient suppleness.
Dam report:
Erina is a well-developed mare with a good rectangular model. The head is
expressive. The neck has sufficient length with a slightly heavy head–neck
connection. The neck is horizontal in shape, of sufficient length and
sufficiently muscled. The withers are well developed and of sufficient length.
The shoulder has good length but is slightly steep in angle. The back has good
length and sufficient muscling. The loins are well muscled and well connected. The
croup is sloping, of good length and well muscled. The hindquarter muscling has
good length. The forelegs are slightly toeing-in when viewed from the front and
correctly positioned when viewed from the side. The hind legs are straight. The
pasterns have good length and correct alignment. The hooves are well developed
and of sufficient quality with good heels, although slightly different in
width. The bone structure is well developed and of good quality. The walk shows
good ground cover and purity. The trot has sufficient ground cover and good
balance. The canter is powerful, with good ground cover and balance.
Height:
1.69 m
Colour: Bay
Age: 17
years
This report
contains the information and knowledge available at the time of approval (March
2026). Some details in this report may change in the future based on new
information or additional data.