Modesto
Modesto descends from the influential sire Grandeur, himself a proven Grand Prix performer and a producer of high-level sport horses, including the renowned mare Gladys. The pedigree is further strengthened by the presence of foundational stallions such as Lucky Boy, Majoor, Marco Polo, and Sinaeda, names that have shaped modern show jumping bloodlines with athleticism, rideability, and durability.
On the dam side, Modesto represents the distinguished mare family No. 20, widely known as the Sina line. This lineage has long been regarded as one of the most reliable sources of international show jumping talent, consistently producing elite competitors, approved stallions, and exceptional broodmares. Notable representatives from this family include MacKinley, Cavalier, VDL Rocksina, VDL Emmerton, Heechiem’s Tersina, Vivaldi K, Nerina, and Obelix, among many others that have excelled at the highest levels of the sport.
With 45.31% Thoroughbred blood, Modesto brings refinement, stamina, and sharpness—qualities that contributed significantly to his own sport career and are clearly reflected in his offspring.
Sport Career (Palmarès)
Modesto retired following an outstanding international show jumping career, serving as a cornerstone of the French Nations Cup team under the saddle of Jean-Marc Nicolas. He delivered consistent clear rounds and honor rounds in prestigious Nations Cup competitions in Rotterdam, Rome, Lisbon, Lyon, and Lummen, establishing himself as a reliable championship horse.
Individually, Modesto achieved exceptional results across the World Cup circuit, including a second-place finish at the World Cup Final, alongside top placings such as 2nd in Leipzig, 3rd in Gothenburg, 5th and 6th in Vigo, and 7th in Stuttgart, Verona, and Bordeaux. His consistency at Grand Prix level was equally impressive, with victories in Vilamoura and Pontedera, second-place finishes in Vigo, Kuala Lumpur, Madrid, Aachen, Leeuwarden, and Vejer de la Frontera, and numerous additional top placings in major international venues including Paris, Barcelona, Vienna, Bremen, and La Coruña.
Modesto also competed at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, further underscoring his status as a true championship-level performer. His excellence was reflected in his repeated inclusion among the top ten stallions on the WBFSH rankings, reaching as high as ninth place internationally.
Even after retirement, Modesto remains in outstanding physical condition, noted for his soundness, lean limbs, and longevity.
Breeding Performance
Although used selectively as a breeding stallion during his time in France, Modesto’s progeny have already demonstrated notable promise. Under Jean-Marc Nicolas, Quejetaime achieved a 7th place in the Grand Prix of Villers-Vicomte and secured a win in Sainte-Cécile. Trésor d’Ar recorded multiple victories in six-year-old classes at Fontainebleau, while Taloto du Roc and Subrize du Thouet delivered consistent results in young horse competitions.
Among his offspring, Bugatti finished 12th in the VION Cup Finals in both 2012 and 2013, highlighting the stallion’s ability to produce competitive young sport horses.
Breeding Profile
Modesto reliably transmits blood, scope, and athletic ability to his progeny, combined with rideability and modern type. His pedigree, performance record, and early offspring results position him as a valuable sire for breeders aiming to produce horses capable of succeeding at the highest levels of international show jumping.
Modesto stands as a distinguished stallion from one of the most respected mare lines in sport horse breeding—combining elite genetics, proven performance, and lasting influence.
