At the age of 25, the legendary Holsteiner sire Le Santo (Landgraf I x Metro, by Wildfeuer) was euthanized on Sunday, August 3, 2008, from complications from an injury last week. Le Santo was very well known for being one the highest bonited stallions in the United States, as well as being a leading sire for more than two decades.

Le Santo was injured while being collected on July 30, 2008. With recommendation from several veterinarians and sports medicine specialists, his owners at Irish Hills Farm made the decision to have him euthanized after he was showing no signs of being able to make a recovery. "Le Santo has lived a wonderful life full of love and has touched all who knew him," said owner Lisa Dworkin. "Our decision was based on what his future quality of life would be, and we felt he deserved the right to be able to pass on the greener pastures with dignity and grace."

Imported to the United States in 1987, Le Santo was presented for breed approvals and received 51 Bonits, including an amazing “9” for type. He received the highest Bonits ever in the United States and held that title until 1995. He was repeatedly described as "the ideal modern sport horse."

After a successful career as a jumper, at age 13 he started in dressage. In under 22 months, he was winning fourth level, continuing on to compete in Intermediate I and Prix St. George. He qualified for Region 9 Championships and received Horse of the Year titles. The fact that he was able to do this at 15, is truly remarkable and speaks for his trainability, attitude and disposition.

Le Santo was honored in 1989, and again in 1999, As the American Holsteiner Horse Association “Sire of the Year.” From 1990 through 1998, Le Santo was the leading producer of Premium Holsteiner foals and mares in the U.S. Mares by Le Santo consistently produce Premium foals with several registries.

In 2008, 21 years after his first foals arrived, mares and foals by Le Santo are still receiving their Premium status. Le Santo stamps his foals with powerful movement, extraordinary athletic abilities, an outstanding jump, remarkable dispositions, fabulous ground manners and sounds minds.