On November 18, 2006, the world lost one of its best show jumpers: Thoroughbred Gem Twist was euthanized following a pulled muscle that prevented him from standing. The 27-year-old horse led an impressive and inspiring career at the Grand Prix level under multiple riders.

Gem Twist, born in 1979, competed in show jumping from 1985 to 1997. He was bred by Olympic equestrian Frank Chapot, whose daughter Laura Chapot has gone on to have her own riding career. Gem Twist was born in New Jersey and was purchased by Michael Golden when he was a three-year-old, and Frank Chapot continued to train the horse throughout his career.

Gem Twist’s career began with Greg Best, who rode the horse to victory in the 1987 Grand Prix of Tampa and the Grand Prix of Florida. The pair meshed well and earned a silver medal at the Pan American Games. Gem Twist was honored as the 1987 American Grand Prix Association's Horse of the Year. He would earn the same Horse of the Year honor in 1989.

While ridden by Greg Best, Gem Twist earned two silver medals at the 1988 Olympics. During the 1990 World Equestrian Games, Gem Twist was named the World's Best Horse.

When Greg Best injured his shoulder and ended his riding career in 1992, Leslie Burr Howard took up the reins. Under Leslie Burr Howard’s guidance, Gem Twist won the 1993 American Grand Prix Association Championship, and was named the American Grand Prix Association Horse of the Year for the third time. Gem Twist and Leslie Burr Howard were qualified to compete in the 1994 World Equestrian Games, but it was not to be – Gem Twist sustained an infection that sidelined him from competing until 1995.

When Gem Twist was once again ready for competition, Frank Chapot offered the mount to his daughter, Laura, who was competing at the Grand Prix level for the first time that year. The sixteen-year-old Gem Twist again won the American Grand Prix Association Championship, and Laura Chapot was honored as Rookie of the Year. Laura Chapot continued to compete with Gem Twist until 1997, when, on November 1, 1997, the horse was retired at the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden.

Gem Twist’s career was long-lasting, inspiring, and record-setting. Gem Twist earned prize money accumulating to more than $800,000, and was honored as the American Grand Prix Association’s Horse of the Year three separate times. His signature move of bucking in exuberance after a course quickly made him a fan favorite, and Breyer Animal Creations even made a model of this incredible horse. Gem Twist’s career is one that will not soon be forgotten by show jumping enthusiasts.

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Original Source: Remembering Top Show Jumper Gem Twist