Setting Records and Winning Hearts By Diana De Rosa

Geste and Judi Holmes

In 1997 Judi McGee Holmes stood in the center of Madison Square Garden. On the exterior she looked totally in control, internally she was focused on the job at hand. She had been asked to present the Grand Hunter Champion Award at the National Horse Show. She was honored, to say the least, but little did she know what a lasting gift that night would be.

As she stood there nervously, Judi focused on what she was supposed to do, not wanting to make any mistakes. She watched as Rob Coluccio led into the ring what Judi later referred to as "the most beautiful gray horse." For a moment he reminded her of "Goose," alias for Gray Wolf, the first horse she ever owned and a horse that even today holds part of her heart. So to refer to Coluccio's mount in the same sentence as "Goose," meant this horse really made an impact. That horse was Geste, and he had won the highest hunter honor awarded at the National Horse Show.

Judi soon forgot about Geste as she again focused on the task at hand. She stood quietly as she waited for the cue to pin the ribbon on Geste's halter.

Suddenly, totally caught by surprise, Geste reached over and licked Judi right in the face, to the delight of the audience, as if to say "notice me, I'm here." Well that was all it took for Judi to fall in love all over again. Goose had been her first and she never thought another horse could win her heart again, but Geste had done just that.

Judi's husband, Jack, watched from the stands and could see the sparkle in his wife's eyes. Jack turned to his friend George Pletcher and commented, "That lick is going to cost me."

Surprisingly, it was Jack, Chief Operating Officer of El Paso Merchant Energy, who encouraged Judi to go and ride Geste. Sure enough he won her heart all over again, but this was one expense Jack was happy to make. In December of 1997 they brought Geste to their Gray Wolf Farm in Houston, TX, named after Judi's first horse.

At Gray Wolf Judi heads up the breeding operation and is in charge of purchasing young horses that they believe have potential. This is very different from what she did up until 1998, when she managed her own investment-banking firm that specialized in energy asset transactions and was recognized as a leading firm in oil and gas property acquisitions and divestitures, both domestic and international transactions. She closed the McGee Energy Services after 14 years to allow her to run the family farm. She also oversees their ranch in northern New Mexico (called Gray Wolf Ranch), where they are involved in cattle operations and wildlife preservation.

Now, life is very different. At Gray Wolf, they have a handful of mares with one a sister to Geste. They also have a mare that is related to Gem Twist, the famous grey horse ridden by Greg Best to a Team Silver Medal in the 1998 Olympics and was named Best Horse at the 1990 World Equestrian Games in Stockholm, Sweden. Their goal is to one day produce their own hunter, with traits similar to Geste, a horse that is truly one of a kind.

Finding a horse with that combination of personality and talent isn't always easy but once the Holmes paired Geste up with George's son and well known grand prix rider, Peter, the ribbons continued to pour in.

To date, Geste has claimed the title of Hunter Champion at Devon, Grand Conformation Champion at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, Grand Hunter Champion at both the Washington International Horse Show and the National Horse Show and winner of the $30,000 American Hunter-Jumper Foundation (AHJF) Hunter Classic at the National Horse Show among numerous other honors. The AHJF is a nonprofit organization with its purpose to promote the equestrian sport of hunter competition. It is the parent organization of the World Championship Hunter Rider Program (WCHR), a nationally sought after awards program for world-class hunter rider competition.

Geste's most recent victory is undoubtedly the most notable. On March 31, 2001, Geste set a record only two horses before him have accomplished. They achieved a perfect score of "100" at the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Classic.

"To have an incredible horse like Geste and a rider like Peter score a perfect 100 during our $10,000 Open Hunter Classic, was an honor for Pin Oak," commented Lynn Walsh, President. "It was a Magical Evening. They never missed a beat."

"When I rode that night, I knew he was going to give his all by the way he schooled," added Peter.

"Geste seems to sense the importance of certain competitions and rises to the occasion," explains Judi. "I will remember that record-setting round all of my life. It was one of those magical times. We knew he was a great horse, and having this confirmed by Sue Ashe and Jeff Wirthman (the judges that evening) meant more than words can say."

Judi can expound upon every round she has ever seen Geste jump, especially those in New York City, the place they first met, even though "watching him perform in Madison Square Garden makes me a nervous wreck." While Judi's heart is pounding and her hands get clammy, Geste has it all under control. "He walks in confident as if to say, - I'm back and I know why I'm here."

"He is truly a gift," notes Judi, "one of a kind and we feel blessed to be his caretakers on this side of heaven."

Judi meant that in more ways than one. Geste, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood, means "gift" in Dutch. His dad is Concorde, who is out of the famous stallion, Voltaire. His mom is Olivia. Sadly, she died giving birth to Geste but left in her memory a horse with all her wonderful traits.

For Pletcher, Magnolia, TX, Geste is a true champion. "Geste is one of the best horses I've ever ridden. He is very easy for a top pro to ride or the easiest amateur."

Peter meant those words in all honesty, because not only does Peter show Geste, but so does Judi. And while she may be his caretaker on the ground, Geste is her caretaker when she's on his back.

Judi's earned her share of ribbons as well. At the 2000 Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Geste claimed the title of Adult Hunter Champion with Judi in the irons.

Geste's personality doesn't just shine in the show ring. At home he is everyone's favorite as well. He loves peppermints and will suck - yes, that's true, he might take a crunch or two, but then he spends another 20 minutes savoring the flavor. Perhaps this comes from the fact that due to his mother's death, he was literally raised and cared for by humans. "He thinks he's human," comments Judi. "And we haven't told him any different.

"To say that we are proud of Geste is an understatement. I know in my lifetime I will never have another horse like him. It is a real privilege to own him. You treasure the gift and try to take care of him as best you can."

Geste - Setting Records & Winning Hearts