Caletto II
Stood at: Woerden 1981-1983, Wellinghausen 1983
Caletto I's younger full-brother Caletto II was a sensation right from the start and was acclaimed Champion of his stallion licensing in 1980 - he was considered the perfect Holsteiner type. He also showed wonderful jumping technique, and later proved this in the showjumping ring with Herbert Bloecker, where the stallion won many tests for riding horses. At a regional show in September 1984, after being proclaimed best in the show, Caletto II was waiting to go into the arena, when he reared up, fell over and broke his neck!
He was described thus in the Stallion Book of the Holsteiner Warmblood Breed by Dr Dietrich Rossow: Significant stallion of Thoroughbred, performance type. Harmonious and deep bodied. Smooth topline, Slightly herring gutted. Muscling not well let down through the haunches. Clean, correct legs and feet. Good walk and trot, absolutely marvelous canter. Very good jumper. Extraordinary form over fences, brillaint with knees. Good temperament."
As a sire, Rossow was equally enthusiastic: "Improvement sire! Offspring mainly of his type with Cor de la Bryère hindquarter. All are performance horse. Five approved sons, 91 approved daughters."
Just how great a loss wasCaletto II has been is shown by the fact that he is ranked 16th in the standings for 1990-2000, with his two megastars, Operette La Silla and Jewel's Classic Touch contributing the bulk of the points. Calletto II's son Caretino jumped internationally with Bo Kristoffersen and later with Ludger Beerbaum, and is himself the sire of Caretano Z, who was leading the 2000 TNT Sires of the World Standings, when he tragically died following colic complications.
A third full-brother, Caletto III was born in 1986. He too embarked on a dual career - in the competition arena and the breeding barn, but he has yet to emulate the feats of his two famous brothers.
