The Passing of a Legend - Gem Twist

[plottwist]

The great one left us today.

[yellowbritches]

:cry:

[onwego]

:cry:

[tullio]

He will never be forgotten! :(

[NeedMyJavaFix]

He was the very first Breyer model that I saved up my own money for :sadsmile:

[Zig]

I loved that horse.... and sadly, I have a horse that has retired from his career and lived a great life.. but he has to be put down this week... and I am dying on the inside.

[Platinum Equestrian]

What an amazing animal! I remember watching him as a small child with Greg Best. :cry:

[eq1234]

I used to have a poster of him and Greg up in my room when I was younger...what a beautiful animal. :(

[ShowJumps]

Gem Twist was a childhood icon. He will be missed but will live on in spirit. What a great horse.

[Tap2Tango]

I got the call that he has passed while at work today...I haven't stopped crying yet. He was the smartest, most talented horse I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was always the first horse to greet you as you walked into the barn. It's going to be really hard to walk back in and have his stall empty. ;( :(

[gf]

:cry: So sad, he was an incredible horse.

[Bumpkin]

How sad.
STARMAN & GEM TWIST in the same year.
:(

May they be jumping high jumps together in heaven.

[Paragon]

I used to have a poster of him and Greg up in my room when I was younger...what a beautiful animal. :(

Likewise. Back before I knew anything practical about horses, when I was just a little kid reading every book ever written about girls and horses, Greg Best was my IDOL. Granted, at the time, it was probably because he was a big name, rode a pretty white horse, and had his handsome face in magazines... but still. :) I bet I still have that poster in a box somewhere.

What a loss.

[naters]

I, too, had a Gem Twist poster, he is the first "super horse" I ever paid attention to, he was the first show jumper that I ever followed, and he was also the first show jumper that I ever saw on TV!

ETA: I met Greg at a show in Charleston SC in the mid 90's. What a nice guy!

[Horseshowaddict]

So so sad :cry:

[tic-tac]

He has done so much for the sport and may he rest in peace
My condolences go out to Greg, the Chapot's, and anyone else invovled with this legend.
:cry:

[equusrocks]

:cry: Ditto the poster thing.

[Platinum Equestrian]

Does anyone know how old he was? I'm going to google it too to see if I can find out. He was so beautiful.

[Horsezee]

God speed Gem...

Does anyone know how old he was? We have his video. It is awesome.

:(

[Jyväskylä561]

I remember when my highest aspiration in life was to pet the nose of Gem Twist...

I was present for his retirement gallop at WEF & I actually got that chance. He was standing in the schooling ring of the grand prix field... I was oogling over him (of course) & the groom asked if I wanted to pet him. I almost fell over. :D I still remember running back to the tent to tell everyone how silky his coat was... :sadsmile: It was truly an honor to be that close to such a legend. So thank you, Gem, for thrilling all of us for so many years. He was certainly the inspiration behind my daydreams of the "mystical white horse" & is also partly to blame I think for my love of big grey geldings... :lol:

Rest in peace, dear Gem. You will be missed terribly.

[spacely]

:cry:
I rode with his owner's niece as a junior. RIP.

[gubbyz]

Thank you Gem Twist, and Godspeed to you.

[Platinum Equestrian]

He was born in 1979. The article I found even contains his death date as of today. Quite amazing it's been updated already.

Bred by the famous equestrian Frank Chapot (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_Chapot&action=edit), Gem Twist (AKA "M&C Gem Twist") had an incredible career with 9 years of winning at the Grand Prix level. The gelding won the "American Grandprix Association Horse of the Year" title a record three times, and vies with legendary horses Milton (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milton_%28horse%29) and Big Ben (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Ben_%28horse%29) for the title of "history's greatest showjumper."
Gem Twist began winning early in his career with rider Greg Best, including the 1985 USET (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USET) Talent Derby as a six-year-old. He went on to win his first two competitions at the Grand Prix level, the Grand Prix of Tampa and the Grand Prix of Florida, in 1987. He finished the year with his first American Grand Prix Association (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=American_Grand_Prix_Association&action=edit) (AGA) Horse of the Year honor, as well as a silver medal from the Pan American Games.
Best continued to ride Gem Twist for several years with great success, including earning two silver medals at the 1988 Olympics (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equestrian_at_the_1988_Summer_Olympics) in Seoul (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seoul). However, Best injured his shoulder in 1992, and the ride was turned over to Leslie Burr Howard (then Leslie Burr Lenehan).
Howard continued the gelding's career, winning both an AGA Horse of the Year title and the AGA Championship, before he was given to Laura Chapot to ride.
Although Chapot was still a Young Rider (21 and under), her first year with Gem Twist was very successful. She won the World Cup class at the $100,000 Autumn Classic, earning her the Budweiser Rookie of the Year award, and rode the horse to his third win at the Budweiser AGA Championships. Her second season continued to be successful, with wins at three World Cup qualifying classes, including one with a starting field of over 80 horses. She finished Gem's career with a win at the World Cup USA East League Championship (which was held at the same venue at which he won his first Grand Prix with Best nine years earlier).
Gem Twist formally retired at the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden) on November 1, 1997. He accumulated more than $800,000 in prize money.
The June 2006 issue of 'Practical Horseman' stated that discussions were underway to clone (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloning) Gem Twist for the sake of generating a stallion capable of passing on the horse's genetic material. According to Frank Chapot, the article wrote, a firm decision on whether or not to clone the showjumper had yet to be reached.

Gem Twist died November 18, 2006.
(http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/)

[Astraled]

So sad, he's an icon. Gem Twist and Greg Best sailing over the gate in the Seoul Olympics is one of the most recognizable and beautiful images of our sport. :sadsmile:

[`reppy]

So sad, he's an icon. Gem Twist and Greg Best sailing over the gate in the Seoul Olympics is one of the most recognizable and beautiful images of our sport. :sadsmile:

http://www.chadofarm.net/Gemtwist/GemSeoul.jpg

That is by far my favorite picture, of any horse. It's just beautiful.

RIP Gem Twist. :sadsmile:

[Playing Games]

:cry:

An amazing horse who had a wonderful life.

Godspeed to you Gem Twist.

[glitterless]

Goodbye Gem Twist. We'll miss you.

I didn't know Starman died too :(

[TQ]

I am so sorry to hear that Gem Twist has left us. I took the photo in the poster. Every photo of him was special because he was special and always provided a beautiful image. He was indeed a special horse.
God speed Gem.

[naters]

Does anyone know what happened?

He lived to almost be the same age as my Nathan.

[GWF]

:cry:
Gem Twist is my favorite horse of ALL time!!!!! What an amazing animal!!!!! He will be remembered forever!
I had a gray pony that looked a little like Gem when I was a little kid, and I remember riding my pony around pretending I was Laura Chapot and he was Gem Twist! Very fond memories! I was definitely one of his biggest fans! I had posters of him all over my room!

God speed Gem. You will be greatly missed!!! :cry:

[Propped Up]

What a fabulouos horse he was. God Speed Gem Twist.

[AstonMartin]

god bless.....:(

[Drvmb1ggl3]

Sad news. What an incredible horse he was, and beautiful to boot. Condolonces to all his connections and thanks to the Chapots for having the foresight to breed him and take him to the top like they did.

Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam uasal.

Godspeed you great grey, you were a credit to TBs the world over.

[harryjohnson Aefvue Senior Gardens]

Sad news, a wonderful horse, we were blessed to enjoy him within our time.

[MGA828]

:cry: :cry: :cry: This is so sad, I loved this horse and every little thing about him. He has such a huge heart and was a happy sole, not to mention stunning. This horse was truly amazing and he will be missed. :cry: :cry: :cry:

[Clarion]

RIP Great One. He was my all time favorite showjumper...:cry:

[VirginiaBred]

Oh, how sad I am to hear this news. What a marvelous and brave horse.

Thank you Gem, for all the memories you gave us. :sadsmile:

God Speed.

[2hsmommy]

Such a wonderful horse who inspired many people :sadsmile: I had TQs poster picture in my room as a kid :sadsmile: Thank you for the memories.

God speed Gem Twist.

[Mayaty02]

wow he was the same age as my old horse - who is no doubt not around anymore. I hope he went peacefully and wasn't in pain. What an amazing and beautiful animal. RIP.

[Levi's owner]

He was just breathtaking to watch. I always remembered how his gray coat would gleam in the sun.

So sorry to hear about his passing. He lived a full life, and had a fantastic retirement.

My condolences to his connections.

[Quinn]

zig, so sorry for what you're facing.

http://community.webshots.com/user/ballyduff

[FairWeather]

Wow. My first "favorite" horse. I had the famous poster of him jumping through that big white jump, it was my favorite.

[XHalt]

So sad. He was definitely my childhood idol as well. I remember galloping my little pony over jumps pretending I was riding Gem Twist. He really was a legend.

[Cindeye]

Godspeed Gem! Jump the big ones at the bridge.

[2Horse]

Thats so sad. He'll be missed. He and Greg was Idols for me growing up. I too had posters and pictures. He was the very first Breyer I bought. Paid a hansom price for him too! That model is still on my shelf in the living room.
He was a great horse.

[Classic Melody]

I still have a picture from a magazine of Gem and Greg Best in a victory gallop on the wall of my old room in my parents' house ... I had told them never to take it down. I should get it when I go home for Thanksgiving. To a young horse-crazy girl Greg and Gem were the "celebrities" I idolized, not New Kids on the Block. Last year I met Frank Chapot at Wellington but was too shy to ask him how Gem was doing (he and Laura were waiting for results of her class after she'd had a round with rails - she was not happy). Frank was a total gentleman to me, and I know he gave Gem the best life a horse could possibly have.

Godspeed, Gem Twist. You were the best.

[Vandy]

My condolences to those close to him. I had the poster on my wall too, right next to the Touch of Class one. His presence and style clearly made a big impression on an entire generation of horsemen.

[farmgirl88]

I am almost positive that Gem twist was the first breyer i bought and the first show jumper i actually fell in love with as a kid. Sadly, i do not ever recall watching him actually jump...maybe one day ill find a video :). He was greatness...R.I.P. Gem twist.

[gray17htb]

:cry: I love Gem Twist. He is the greatest. What a sad day. :cry:

[naters]

I am so sorry to hear that Gem Twist has left us. I took the photo in the poster. Every photo of him was special because he was special and always provided a beautiful image. He was indeed a special horse.
God speed Gem.

That is amazing... and may I add since we are talking about amazing horses, that several close friends of mine have horses by Just the Best, and they are all just amazing as well. Your stallion really produces NICE horses. I know about 10 of his "kids".

[canyonoak]

1979! so he was 27...27 years of being loved and eventually admired and adored and respected.

I, too, have Tish Quirk's amazing photo of him from Seoul...

well, he's over The Bridge, once again accepting the sunbeams on his coat, once again jumping The Big Ones with craft and ease.

what a horse!

[FlashGordon]

Oh how sad. He was such an amazing animal.

I had the Breyer model too-- it had a place of honor in my room up on a shelf, while all the other "ordinary" model ponies lived in the barn.

My niece now has it and takes it EVERYWHERE, she loves that damn thing. Doesn't realize the greatness of Gem Twist but still, it is cute to see her playing with it.

[Arado*TB]

Such an awsome horse.My condolences to all who were close to him. R.I.P

[dags]

To an icon of our sport. He inspired a generation of young riders, upheld the ideal of composure and grace, and taught many of us a lesson in greatness.

Here's to you Gem, may you and your legend live long in our hearts.

[Walden]

He was the very first Breyer model that I saved up my own money for :sadsmile:

Same here! He was my favorite one. My best friend and I used to fight over who got to play with him

[jewll27]

this makes me sad :sadsmile:

he was one of my all time favorites and always will be. RIP Gemtwist.

[knowonder]

While I am truly truly saddened at his passing, let's not forget to be thankful that this incredible creature came along during our lifetimes. WE got to watch him--some live and some on TV. I've often wished I could watch Man O'War race just once--but this one--this marvelous magical showjumper Gem Twist--he was OURS.

So thank you first and foremost for being in our lives and for providing so many of us with hopes and dreams of jumping around a course as magnificently and majestically as you did.

Godspeed Gem

[naters]

While I am truly truly saddened at his passing, let's not forget to be thankful that this incredible creature came along during our lifetimes. WE got to watch him--some live and some on TV. I've often wished I could watch Man O'War race just once--but this one--this marvelous magical showjumper Gem Twist--he was OURS.

So thank you first and foremost for being in our lives and for providing so many of us with hopes and dreams of jumping around a course as magnificently and majestically as you did.

Godspeed Gem


Yes! Yes! I agree..... how cool he was too!

[skatepixie]

:(

He was beautiful.

I'm just sorry I'm too young to have seen him actually jump, but I've always loved that shot of him from the poster.

[dags]

While I am truly truly saddened at his passing, let's not forget to be thankful that this incredible creature came along during our lifetimes. WE got to watch him--some live and some on TV. I've often wished I could watch Man O'War race just once--but this one--this marvelous magical showjumper Gem Twist--he was OURS.

So thank you first and foremost for being in our lives and for providing so many of us with hopes and dreams of jumping around a course as magnificently and majestically as you did.

Godspeed Gem

HERE HERE!

(I'd give anything to see Man O' War race!)

[Platinum Equestrian]

So sad, he's an icon. Gem Twist and Greg Best sailing over the gate in the Seoul Olympics is one of the most recognizable and beautiful images of our sport. :sadsmile:

My favorite horse pic of all time too... breathtaking...

[dana1011]

RIP Gem Twist :(

[Renn/aissance]

What a horse...

Here's to you, Gem.

[Just My Style]

I am so, so, so devastated. He was at my barn when I was a kid. I remember the day he (and his brother Spider) shipped in from Frank's. I watched him get off the van and he was amazing. I used to give him carrots and scratches all of the time. I called him "My Dream Horse". I even have a picture of me on my short stirrup pony and my trainer, Arlene, on him at Chubb Park. It is one of my favorites. Condolences to Michael and all of Chado. He was really one of the greatest. :cry:

Do we know what happened?

[tic-tac]

If anyone has videos of Gem, it would be great if you could share, because many of us are way too young to have seen him jump.
Thnx, and once again
R.I.P big guy.

[HunterJumperGin]

Aw, geez, I love that horse. That is my favorite picture of him flying over that huge white fence and LOVING it! So long, friend... :cry:

[TQ]

I didn't realize that he was 27. That seems to be the age for some of the great ones to cross the bridge.
I had to put down Best of Luck at age 27.
I recently got a note from Fran Steinwedell that they had to put down Starman at age 27.
Starman and Gem Twist were both wonderful at the Olympics in Seoul. I was very lucky to have the opportunity to photograph them (along with some other greats) at that Olympics with the most beautiful jumps ever built. I'm glad I was still young enough to run from one end of the arena to the other so I could get photos of the best jumps even when they were at opposite ends of the arena.

Nater, thank you for your nice note about the Just The Best family. I promised Best of Luck that we would continue his wonderful family and Just The Best is certainly done his share!! And now More Than Luck has started his contribution.

[TQ]

Oops! I tried to edit the typo in my previous post, but it did not go through. I meant to say that Just The Best is certainly doing his share of continuing the Lucky Boy, Best of Luck bloodline.

Now back to our original tribute to Gem Twist! Condolences to his whole family and all of his friends. I think that includes evryone who admired him!

[tic-tac]

I just thought I'd share this portrait I found of Gem
http://www.janlukens.com/gem_twist.html
...amazing

[vxf111]

He was one of the greats. Rest in peace.

[Classic Melody]

If anyone has videos of Gem, it would be great if you could share, because many of us are way too young to have seen him jump.
Thnx, and once again
R.I.P big guy.

I've been looking online but can't find anything. There is an old videotape called "Gem Twist" that was released after Laura Chapot started competing him. I have it, but I don't know how to convert it to DVD or get it online. I'm not sure if you can still order it? My copy says, "A Sylvan Production," 813-795-2000 if anyone wants to try that.

He jumped huge, sometimes a foot above the rail. His riders' biggest challenge was not to avoid jumping faults, but to avoid time faults, because he jumped so high he added airtime.

If you watched the World Equestrian Games this year, his jump was a little like Jos Lansink's horse Cavalor Cumano that won the showjumping. You can see a video of them here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n123Vlnr2oo - sorry not great quality! Gem Twist was a little lighter-boned than Lansink's horse, and had a more ground-covering canter, but had the same incredible lofty jump. He always looked like he was going to jump Laura Chapot out of the tack, but she stuck with him.

[AppJumpr08]

:(:( He was (and will always be) one of my most favorite showjumpers.. May he gallop through the greenest pastures that lie across the rainbow bridge.

[Timex]

I used to sneak out of bed late at night to watch the show jumping that was broadcast after my bedtime. Gem Twist and Greg Best, Ian Miller and Big Ben, there are a few horse/rider combos that will stick with me forever. My condolences to the Chapots and the rest of Gem's 'family'.

[Duffy]

TQ - do you have any other pics that you can post??? :)

[Instant Karma]

Oh noooooooooooooooooooo:(

[KathyR]

What an amazing horse. He will greatly be missed.

[magnolia73]

What was most amazing is that he was amazing during a time when there were oodles of amazing horses. He was on the team with For The Moment, Starman and Mill Pearl in Korea- which came right after the great Abdullah and Calypso had their moment in the Olympics.

Spectacular, lovely horse stunning in a photo. Never will be another

[TQ]

I have lots of photos of Gem Twist and Starman (among ohers!) They are all on film and someday I will scan them all to the digital files.
I do't think I can post here. I am not premium member or whatever it is called.

[TQ]

I have all of the horses listed in the post above mine.

[Fairview Horse Center]

With his bloodlines, I would think he would be a likely candidate for cloning. Very sad.

[HorseLuvr]

A terrible loss and a wonderful horse who accomplished an amazing career!!

Just My Style - You have to post that pic if you can!!

I, too like many others was always in awe of Gem Twist.

[Just My Style]

I wish I could. It was taken in about 1982/83. It was way pre-digital and I don't have a scanner. (Hmm- I'll have to see if I know anyone who does.) The funny thing is that you probably wouldn't recognize him anyway. He still had his dapples and wasn't the "white" color that most people know him for. It was taken at the same show that is featured in the beginning of the Gem Twist video where they mention something about Arlene Orr Amery and him showing pre-green hunters or something like that.

You wouldn't believe the amount of people that are sad about this. In fact, about 20 years ago my mother had a folk art painting done on a table and the artist let us pick some types/ colors of horses that we wanted. Of course, we have one grey showing in the jumpers that is supposed to represent Gem. And we have each of my horses and a couple of other favorites represented as well. It's really neat. Like I said before, he was a family favorite. :sadsmile:

[Mali]

I can still remember the last time I saw him and Laura at Harrisburg. My friends and I were so entertained watching him throw in little bucks after almost every jump. You could tell he was having so much fun! It was early-mid 90's. I had taken many photos at Harrisburg of him being ridden by Greg, then Leslie and finally Laura. They are all packed away in a big box somewhere. I just might have to sit down and see if I can find them tonight. It's so sad to hear of his passing.

[La Gringa]

RIP Gem Twist. I loved watching him jump. He was so beautiful.

[La Gringa]

I didn't realize that he was 27. That seems to be the age for some of the great ones to cross the bridge.
I had to put down Best of Luck at age 27.
I recently got a note from Fran Steinwedell that they had to put down Starman at age 27.
Starman and Gem Twist were both wonderful at the Olympics in Seoul. I was very lucky to have the opportunity to photograph them (along with some other greats) at that Olympics with the most beautiful jumps ever built. I'm glad I was still young enough to run from one end of the arena to the other so I could get photos of the best jumps even when they were at opposite ends of the arena.

Nater, thank you for your nice note about the Just The Best family. I promised Best of Luck that we would continue his wonderful family and Just The Best is certainly done his share!! And now More Than Luck has started his contribution.

You took some of the most beautiful photos of those horses at Seoul Tish.

Are you still taking photos? That one of Gem Twist at the Gate in Seoul is my very very favorite of all time.

[AHorseSomeDay]

I remember watching Leslie Howard and Gem Twist on tv. What a horse! He sure could jump.....He will be missed. :(

I also like that picture of him and Greg Best in Seoul.

[findlymine]

I was at a horseshow this weekend in jacsonville and frank chopot was the course designer and Laura called him and said that Gem was not doing to good and he said too go ahead and put him to sleep and not wait for frank to get back home. That horse is an amazing animal and he will certainly be missed but you just have to remember what an impact he had on the sport as a whole!!!!!!!!!!

[2hsmommy]

Seriously hoping the Chronicle will do an article with some of his photos. Please?!?!?!

[Lion1024]

He was my idol. I am so sad to hear of his passing. RIP Gem. You will be missed.

[zedcadjna]

How sad I loved that horse, I saw him so many times in the show ring, and I have a pic of me standing next to him,he will be greatly missed by so many people....

[M. O'Connor]

The Team Trials for the Seoul Olympics were held at the '88 Hampton Classic; it was my last year as Press Secretary for the show, which had been date-shifted from the end of August to mid-July to accomodate holding the trials; Gem and Greg were at that time setting the world on fire, but their place on the team was by no means a given, since both were relatively inexperienced in international competition compared to others in contention.

Touch of Class won the first trial, but grabbed herself badly, and was exempted from competition for the rest of the week...Mill Pearl won the second one; with these results, Joe Fargis was safely on his second Olympic team, and since Millie had been affected badly by the heat, elected not to participate in the last trial. Meanwhile, Greg and Gem Twist had been having strong results, but hadn't won a trial...On the final day of competition, they made it into the four horse jumpoff that included Katie Monahan/Special Envoy, and Lisa Jacquin/For the Moment, as well as Peter Leone and Oxo. Proving the doubters wrong, Greg and Gem Twist posted a decisive win with a double clear.

Greg's words at the press conference afterwards have stuck with me ever since. Someone (I think it was Nancy Jaffer) asked him what he'd been thinking, and he replied: "I wanted to make them take me." He did it--and everyone knows the rest.

RIP Gem Twist!

[TQ]

Thanks Gringa, glad you like it.
I am still shooting but not doing the hard running any more. I shoot on assignment for various magazines and private contracts. And, of course, I love to shoot photos of the horses at the farm.

I hope the magazines will do tributes to Gem. They can certainly contact me for photos.

[TQ]

M. O'Connor,
That Hampton Classic show was magical with all those great horses and the tension about the selections. And the events that followed changed the selection process for years to come....and we are beginning to work our way back to the old process which did produce winning teams.

Thank you for your help during the Hampton Classic selection trial. It was a wonderful experience and I got some great photos there.

[M. O'Connor]

TQ is probably among those that knows Mr. M as a photographer...1988 was his first year on this side of the water (he's an Irish import), and he was working ring crew for the trials, with his camera in tow. In his portfolio is a beautiful shot of Gem Twist over the curved Gucci wall...on film, of course. I might be able to scan it at some point, but at the moment it's likely packed away in a box in New York (I'm in VA).

[melliebay Aefvue Farms Chesapeake Bay]

So sorry to hear this news...

Godspeed Gem....

[Kinsella]

So sad to hear this news...

My memories are of him bucking and playing on course, then powering off the ground like it was nothing. I loved to watch him show, and probably do have him on video somewhere, but I won't be able to go through them until after I get moved. Though I may be able to get a friend to go through them for me.... Hmmm... Oh, and one Prix with one of the ladies that had a KILLER triple in it that he just jumped bigger and bigger through - it was AWESOME.

[rightangles]

I got up this morning and checked my email before going to the barn and the first thing I saw was RIP Gem, all I thought was NO!! I was fortunate enough to have worked with this amazing horse, and he was truly amazing. I will never forget the day he ripped both front shoes off in the first round of a Grand Prix in Tampa, frantic getting his shoes tacked back on for an impressive win. He was a horse that would just light up when he entered the ring.

I also know just how much he meant to the whole Chapot family, he was truly loved. He spent his entire life with them and was a part of there family.
RIP Gem and condolences to the Chapot family.

[Darkstar]

All of my heart goes out to the Chapots....

Rest in Peace Gem. You will be sorely missed. :(

[Just My Style]

And let's not forget Michael Golden, who owned him for 24 of his 27 years and who ALWAYS made every decision with the best interest of the horse first. :yes:

[Countryhawk]

He was always fun to watch, a real pleasure. My favorite jumping picture of all time is the one that TQ took. A sad day.

[McLeanHunterRider]

RIP Gem Twist. You will be sorely missed. :sadsmile:

[Glimmerglass]

Alas all good things must come to an end. As he was celebrated during his active days, his retirement and now his death he will be remembered by so many. A good friend of mine worked for the Chapot family and took care of Gem briefly, and despite all the success she had in many areas of life it was she admits a high point to be able to bathe him :)

[TQ]

I do indeed remember the charming Irish lad, M. O'Connor with his camera and ring crew duties.

[Drakaina16]

So sad.... Gem Twist was truly a superstar. He was the first horse I remember getting goose bumps from watching. He was also the one that made me want to start jumping. My condolences to all who loved him.

[MHM]

I had that poster too. Beautiful shot, TQ!

I do remember his tendency to pull off a front shoe early in his career, especially in the jump-off. He would just fly around the ring! What a great horse.

[eventer999]

Am I wrong in thinking Anne Kursinski also had the ride on him briefly? Maybe just after Greg?

[Duffy]

I believe you're thinking about Leslie Burr then Lenehan, now Howard. She had the ride after Greg was injured and before Laura.

[HunterJumperz]

Such sad news.
I also had the pleasure of seeing him at the Budweiser Invitational in 2003 when he was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame.
Such a beautiful and talented horse. He will be missed.

[Glimmerglass]

As an aside, did Frank go ahead with having him cloned?

His wikipedia entry cites the following in regards to this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gem_Twist):The June 2006 issue of 'Practical Horseman' states that discussions are underway to clone Gem Twist for the sake of generating a stallion capable of passing on the horse's genetic material. According to Frank Chapot, the article writes, a firm decision on whether or not to clone the showjumper has yet to be reached.

[M. O'Connor]

M. O'Connor,
That Hampton Classic show was magical with all those great horses and the tension about the selections. And the events that followed changed the selection process for years to come....and we are beginning to work our way back to the old process which did produce winning teams.

Thank you for your help during the Hampton Classic selection trial. It was a wonderful experience and I got some great photos there.


You are/were, of course, very welcome--I think '88 was one of the really high points for US equestrian sports and especially showjumping--we have slipped backwards since then; taped GPxs (months afterwards) simply can't compare to the trials that year, live, on ESPN with the team slots in the balance, and even after the last horse had finished, there was still tremendous suspense.

TQ can attest to the level of excitement that week. Not only did Joe have Touch of Class in top form, and a relatively young Mill Pearl surging to the head of the pack; but neither of them had finished out the trials. And suddenly there was the supernova partnership of Gem Twist and Greg Best that seemingly couldn't be considered because of their inexperience, but couldn't be denied after their performance.

[ESG]

http://www.chadofarm.net/Gemtwist/GemSeoul.jpg

That is by far my favorite picture, of any horse. It's just beautiful.

RIP Gem Twist. :sadsmile:

DItto. It was on the cover of the Dover catalog for quite some time, IIRC.

RIP, GT. Godspeed. :sadsmile:

[circusponydreams]

Very sad to hear this, but what a life he lived.

http://www.racehorsewithmagicshoes.com/barrett1/show_jumping/GemSeoul2.jpg

[Little_Brown_Horse]

:cry:

[Glimmerglass]

DItto. It was on the cover of the Dover catalog for quite some time, IIRC.

I think it was most commonly used in an advertisement .. I want to say Rolex. I'm blanking out on which one but it was in almost every issue of SPUR magazine for a year after the Olympics.

[VirginiaBred]

And suddenly there was the supernova partnership of Gem Twist and Greg Best that seemingly couldn't be considered because of their inexperience, but couldn't be denied after their performance.


Damn, what a quote. :eek: :cool:

[Spoilsport]

RIP, Gem Twist.

An unforgettable talented beautiful horse!

I agree it's sad, but he had a great and full life. Who can ask for more?

[Sassenach]

:sadsmile: RIP Gem Twist

[AHC]

Add me to the list of those who fell in love with the pair of Gem Twist & Greg Best in the 1980's. What a great horse! So sad he is no longer with us.

[debsinsb]

RIP to Gem Twist. Truly one of the greats.

[Just My Style]

What I liked about Gem is that he was one of those horses that brought the best out in his riders. Very often, it is the riders bringing out the best in the horses. With Gem, I think he brought his best game every time because HE wanted to. :)

[royal militron]

Does anyone know what happened?

[Coreene]

he said too go ahead and put him to sleep and not wait for frank to get back home.
True horsemen do that, putting the horse's welfare before their own wishes. Good for Frank. :sadsmile:

[caffeinated]

Does anyone know what happened?

He injured himself and was unable to get up. The news story I found said it was a pulled muscle.

[Kirsten]

So sad. What a lovely horse he was.

[Glimmerglass]

This is the article I've seen: Nancy Jaffer/Practical Horseman Nov 20, 2006 "Show Jumping Legend Gem Twist Dies" (http://equisearch.com/equiwire_news/gemtwistdies_112006/)

Gem Twist, considered by many to be the best show jumper America produced--and one of the sport's greatest ever--was euthanized November 18 due to the infirmities of old age.

Gem was ridden until a week before his death. Although he had been winding down as the year drew to an end, a pulled muscle behind meant he couldn't get up. While everything possible was done for him on Saturday, it was obvious that the only alternative was to let him go. Gem was cremated, with his ashes divided between [owner Michael Golden] and the Chapots.

[VirginiaBred]

He injured himself and was unable to get up. The news story I found said it was a pulled muscle.

Oh.
Thank you Glimmerglass for posting that link. What a marvelous horse.

[Mayaty02]

ok now I am crying all over again...the poor guy :sadsmile: At least he wasn't in pain.

[hoofsandnails]

:cry: I just found out, I can't believe it. I had the chance to see him in Tampa. Just Wonderfull. I went and signed up to clean stalls to pay for my lessons just so one day I might ride a horse half as great as he was. I have my mother crawling around her attic looking for and old tape I have of him. She as sad as me.
Gem Twist - He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten!

RIP

[Frank B]

Thank you, Gem, for giving this old guy and his grey horse the inspiration to belatedly live a dream. May your pastures be green and your jumps clean.

[KaraAD]

He was my idol when I was a kid too. And, I remember watching the Grand Prix at St. Chris's when Laura rode him. He really was the kind of horse that brought out the best in riders. She made a turn (between the standards of two different jumps at a full gallop) that I'm sure not a single other rider even considered. Gem plowed through with no more than an inch or two to spare between her leg and the standard (good thing she is so skinny). You could tell Gem thought it was a great idea! She won, of course. It was early in her grand prix course. I was truely inspired that a rookie would pull such a gutsy move and knew that being on Gem must have given her the confidence to do it!

[SweatySaddlepad]

Oh my godspeed Gem..................I was lucky enough to have seen him in person several times, he was not only talented, (I don't even think talent is the right word) he had SO much personality. The crowd cheered and rose to their feet when he and Greg walked in the ring. It is the end of an era, Gem, Big Ben, Starman, Abdullah all gone............I know we have great riders and horses now but I will never forget seeing the likes of Gem speeding around the course, his delight in the corners, with sound effects :).........watching Big Ben appear to step over massive jumps, Starman with his pure charisma, Abdullah who was incredible and seemed to float.................The bridge is full of talent today :sadsmile:

[Nikki^]

For those who want to see pictures I found a link:

http://www.pmgpictures.com/bin/phelps.dll/go?a=disp&pt=1&t=sr-loadersearch.html&si=606E05A3406A4ADC9F7E3C82096409&usp=0&_spb=0&_spe=0&_spw=0&mw=2&se=22&searchtext=gem%20twist

I remember watching him on TV and he was always my favorite. He's the reason why I'm such a sucker for grey horses :D

[crystalacresponies]

Oh how sad. I was lucky enough, living in NJ, to have seen Gem compete many times at Devon, indoors, etc. I just Loved to watch him. I remember how he would kick out & how it made me laugh. What a great horse! Simply the Best! Sincere condolences to all his owners, riders & friends. RIP Gem.

[Hidden]

RIP Gem.. another of your young fans, he was the first show jumper I knew by name.

[katirobinson]

It is the end of an era, Gem, Big Ben, Starman, Abdullah all gone............

One great horse. Isn't that what everyone wants. I can't help but think there aren't too many people making the next Idle Dice these days... Why?

PS
Sorry to Hijack the thread...

[harryjohnson Aefvue Senior Gardens]

Oh, I think there are people trying to make the next "superstar" horse. Consider ourselves so lucky to have been a part of the time when there were so many celebrity horses - Gem Twist, Starman, The Natural, Big Ben, Idle Dice, Next Milton, Jet Run, Calypso, Touch of Class, Abdullah; all of these horses won not only their competitions, but the hearts of the crowd.

Perhaps today's plethora of Grand Prixs have made the competitions diluted enough where no one horse can be a star? Or are there just so many great horses that none is more noticeable than the next?

At any rate, I miss the electricity that all of these horses brought to the ring.

[M. O'Connor]

The problem is one of the "right" horse with the "right" rider...Greg Best was fortunate to have the loyalty of Frank Chapot who had confidence in his ability to ride Gem Twist, and both were fortunate to have Michael Golden's support. It would be very unusual today for an owner to have in place a mentor of Frank's calibre, with a rider of Greg's talent available, and then have a horse with the ability to take them all to the top of the mountain--certainly a horse like that can't be purchased, only made, and the wonder of it all was that Gem Twist was produced by Chado Farm from a champion line that originated there. It was certainly all meant to be.

[Kinsella]

For those who want to see pictures I found a link:

http://www.pmgpictures.com/bin/phelps.dll/go?a=disp&pt=1&t=sr-loadersearch.html&si=606E05A3406A4ADC9F7E3C82096409&usp=0&_spb=0&_spe=0&_spw=0&mw=2&se=22&searchtext=gem%20twist

I remember watching him on TV and he was always my favorite. He's the reason why I'm such a sucker for grey horses :D

Lovely photos - thank you for the link.

on a side note - #16 isn't Gem Twist... I think it's Milton... Another great that IIRC has gone to the bridge.

[Tory Relic]

Goodspeed, Gem. My condolences to the Chapots and all of his riders.

[Silver Bells]

Gem Twist was a true legend! He will be sadly missed.... :(

[JumpingPaints]

What I liked about Gem is that he was one of those horses that brought the best out in his riders. Very often, it is the riders bringing out the best in the horses. With Gem, I think he brought his best game every time because HE wanted to. :) This is what amazed me about him as well... sometimes it was as if he knew better than the rider how to do a particular course! It will be interesting to see if they clone a stallion of him, which was mentioned a while back in PH.

[BasqueMom]

RIP Gem Twist and Godspeed over the Bridge! You were magnificant!

[OakesBrae]

RIP Gem Twist. You were my favorite. It is because of you that I always dreamed of a big gray horse to carry me eagerly over the fences. You were such a partner to your riders, and you gave fully of yourself.

I watched Gem & Greg with wonder when I was a kid. Gem was just breathtaking in person. Godspeed Gem...

[clint]

Godspeed Gem; I'll bet you could jump that bridge.:sadsmile: Gem and Greg were my heroes, and I wasn't even a kid.

[Sadie'sMom]

So sad to hear of Gem's passing, but yes, he lived a long and well spent life, obviously enjoying his job. I am not a spring chick anymore, and I still have the poster on my wall. TQ, that is fabulous composition!

[Weatherford]

Godspeed, Gem. :cry:

And God bless Michael Golden, the Chapot Family, Gred Best, and Arleen Orr for doing the absolutely RIGHT thing by this WONDERFUL horse!!

I remember hearing many, many years ago that Michael turned down 3 or 5 million dollars for the horse (in his prime). Michael said Gem was a member of the family and he could never sell him. KUDOS to him, especially, for doing the right thing!!

:cry: