As a junior, Santerre won several championships and received a recognition award from the town of Blainville, Quebec for his accomplishments. It was in his early twenties that Santerre decided to pursue an equestrian career. Starting as a groom and working his way up, Santerre grew his understanding by working with many top level riders throughout Europe and North America. Some of the riders Santerre learned from include: Eric Lamaze, the 2008 Canadian Gold and Silver Medalist, Olympic Medalist Norman Dello Joio, Grand Prix Rider Candice King, International Rider David McPherson, and Olympian Ludo Philippaerts.

Santerre’s first head trainer position was at W. Charlot Farms in Ontario, Canada which he eventually left for an opportunity to work with Chef d’Equipe and Olympian Frank Chapot at Chado Farms in New Jersey, USA.

Along with his international career, Chapot is known for his experience in starting young horses and it is with him that Santerre found his niche. His experience at Chado Farms and at Mr. Philippaerts’ Stables in Belgium exposed him to many talented young horses where he developed a personal “dictionary” about the qualities required for a competitive horses. With his desire to start youngsters and his talent of recognizing gifted horses, Santerre was able to open his own business. Santerre used his skills to coach riders, train horses, and begin importing horses from Europe for resale.

After working on his own for only two years, Santerre was competing at the Grand Prix level, a Level not even approached by many riders with much more showing experience. In addition, several of the horses selected by Santerre are now competing at the top level; either in the Grand Prix Ring or in some of the most prestigious Hunter classes in North America.

Santerre’s efficient but soft approach produces long lasting results and is often sought after by many riders and owners. He has started numerous horses labelled too “difficult” or “dangerous” to train, and brought them to the top of their capacity. Santerre’s undertakings have led him to BC, Canada where he currently trains, coaches, and provides sales consulting for equestrians in the area.