Gem Twist♂†

About Gem Twist

Gem Twist is a (died 2006) Grey showjumping gelding foaled in 1979, by Good Twist.

Gem Twist was a celebrated Thoroughbred show jumping horse born on June 12, 1979, in the United States. Bred by the distinguished equestrian Frank Chapot and owned by Michael Golden, Gem Twist was registered initially under the name Icey Twist. Despite being a gelding and therefore unable to produce offspring, his influence in the show jumping world was profound.

Throughout his illustrious career, Gem Twist achieved significant success under three notable riders: Greg Best, Leslie Howard, and Laura Chapot. Particularly remarkable was his partnership with Greg Best, during which he won the USET Talent Derby as a six-year-old and earned two silver medals (individual and team) at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. These achievements were complemented by a triumphant streak in various Grand Prix events, with Gem Twist winning the American Grand Prix Association (AGA) Horse of the Year award in 1987, 1989, and 1992.

After Greg Best's injury, Leslie Howard took over the reins, leading Gem Twist to further victories, including an AGA Championship win in 1993. Under Laura Chapot, Gem Twist continued to shine, ultimately being retired with accolades such as the Budweiser Rookie of the Year for Chapot and wins at major competitions.

Gem Twist's career amassed over $800,000 in prize money, and he was eventually inducted into the United States Show Jumping Hall of Fame in 2002, recognising his exceptional contribution to the sport. Even in retirement, his legacy continues through his posthumous cloning, aimed at preserving his superior genetics for future generations.

Researched by the EquiWiki editorial desk · Publisher: Harriet Smith · Editor: Lee Smith · cross-checked by two independent AI models.

His stamp — performance traits

Researched stamp — 5 = strongly passes the trait. Web-sourced; confirm with the stud.