Sher Gillespie Equestrian Inc.

11/14/2024

It is vitally important NOT to be suckered by those magazines that feature “Life Styles Of Your Typical Billionaire Equestrian” into thinking that anything short of over-the-top opulence is somehow deficient.

Sure, if you go on a tour of some of the Lexington, Kentucky stud farms you will see palatial stone barns, groomed landscapes, splashing fountains and chandeliers, but those are designed to woo investors into the racing industry.

Or if some private farm looks like the Taj Mahal, goody for them. It’s possible, often even probable, that extremely lavish trappings disguise average or even mediocre riding abilities. Neatness, though, is different from opulence. As is having a clean or clean-ish barn and tack room. Attention to detail in one area of horse management can often reflect an overall attitude that spills over into the way someone rides and trains.

Neatness begins by picking up a broom. Or a rake. Try not, perhaps, to become one of those people who thinks that manual labor is for “other” people. The word for that attitude is “pretentious.”

11/10/2024

11/06/2024

Aachen parade of nations. Steinkraus & Ksar, Kushner & High Noon, Chapot & Tomboy, Wiley & Nautical, Frank & San Lucas, Robertson & Trail Guide. The international elite of show jumping gathers in this location, competing for triumph in the prestigious events of the CHIO Aachen. Vast crowds of spectators have the opportunity to witness both national and international jumping competitions within the Main Stadium, where the schedule offers a hugeley diverse range of activities for all to witness.

10/23/2024

A thought-provoking read.
By Jane Smiley

Most horses pass from one human to another - some horsemen and women are patient and forgiving, others are rigorous and demanding, others are cruel, others are ignorant.

Horses have to learn how to, at the minimum, walk, trot, canter, gallop, go on trails and maybe jump, to be treated by the vet, all with sense and good manners.

Talented Thoroughbreds must learn how to win races, and if they can't do that, they must learn how to negotiate courses and jump over strange obstacles without touching them, or do complicated dance like movements or control cattle or accommodate severely handicapped children and adults in therapy work.

Many horses learn all of these things in the course of a single lifetime. Besides this, they learn to understand and fit into the successive social systems of other horses they meet along the way.

A horse's life is rather like twenty years in foster care, or in and out of prison, while at the same time changing schools over and over and discovering that not only do the other students already have their own social groups, but that what you learned at the old school hasn't much application at the new one.

We do not require as much of any other species, including humans.

That horses frequently excel, that they exceed the expectations of their owners and trainers in such circumstances, is as much a testament to their intelligence and adaptability as to their relationship skills or their natural generosity or their inborn nature. That they sometimes manifest the same symptoms as abandoned orphans - distress, strange behaviors, anger, fear - is less surprising than that they usually don't.

No one expects a child, or even a dog to develop its intellectual capacities living in a box 23 hours a day and then doing controlled exercises the remaining one.

Mammal minds develop through social interaction and stimulation.

A horse that seems "stupid", "slow", "stubborn", etc. might just have not gotten the chance to learn!

Take care of your horses and treasure them.

10/20/2024

Greg Best, USA, riding Gem Twist

Gem Twist is the only horse to have won the “American Grand Prix Association Horse of the Year” three times. As well as this, he brought home two silver medals in 1988 and the “World’s Best Horse” title at the 1990 Equestrian Games.

He was an incredible show jumper, combining spectacular style with scope and speed. He won more than $800,000 in prize money and attracted purchase offers of $2.5 million. Gem’s Twist’s sire was Good Twist, ridden by Frank Chapot, when he was captain of the U.S. Equestrian Team. Good Twist was quick on the course.

Gem Twist inherited his sire’s speed, combining it with size and scope that made him capable of jumping anything a course designer could build.

10/17/2024

10/12/2024

The Legend of Gem Twist: A Showjumping Phenomenon

In the world of showjumping, there are few horses that have left a lasting impact quite like Gem Twist. With his incredible athletic ability, striking appearance, and unwavering spirit, Gem Twist captured the hearts of equestrian enthusiasts around the world and cemented his place as a true legend in the sport.

Owned by Michael Golden and ridden by Greg Best, Gem Twist first rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Standing at just over 16 hands high, this grey Thoroughbred-cross gelding defied the odds with his impressive jumping prowess. Known for his signature style of tucking his legs tightly under his body, Gem Twist had a seemingly effortless way of soaring over fences, making even the most challenging courses look easy.

Gem Twist's career was highlighted by numerous victories, including two Olympic silver medals at the 1988 Seoul Games and the 1992 Barcelona Games. He also won the FEI World Cup Final twice and was named the American Grandprix Association Horse of the Year an unprecedented three times.

Beyond his competitive success, Gem Twist was adored for his gentle temperament and endearing personality. Fans couldn't help but be drawn to his charismatic presence both in and out of the show ring. He had a special bond with his rider Greg Best, showcasing the trust and partnership that is essential in the world of showjumping.

Sadly, Gem Twist passed away in 2006, but his legacy lives on. His remarkable achievements and unique talents continue to inspire riders of all levels, serving as a reminder of what true greatness in the sport looks like. His name is synonymous with excellence, and his impact on the world of showjumping will never be forgotten.

In the end, Gem Twist was more than just a showjumping horse - he was a symbol of resilience, determination, and the extraordinary bond between horse and rider. His story serves as a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and heart, anything is possible in the world of equestrian sports. Gem Twist will forever be remembered as one of the greatest showjumping horses of all time, a shining example of what can be achieved when talent and passion come together in perfect harmony.

10/03/2024

Gem Twist and Greg Best at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where they were Team and Individual Silver medallists.

09/26/2024

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the athletes selected to represent the NetJets at the Longines League of Nations Jumping Final hosted in Barcelona, Spain, from October 3-6, 2024.

🇺🇸 Lucy Davis Kennedy (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

🇺🇸 Laura Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.)

🇺🇸 Alex Matz (Coatesville, Pa.)

🇺🇸 Spencer Smith (Wellington, Fla.)

🇺🇸 Aaron Vale (Williston, Fla.)

For more information and how to watch ➡️ https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-equestrian-announces-netjets-us-jumping-team-6

08/17/2024

Very Important Please Read   www.harmonclassics.com   BRHJA Will Continue under the management of Harmon Classics Inc and Lewis Pack. Harmon Classics Inc is proud to announce that the BRHJA will be co