Jorge Gomez and Semik

Team #76

Friends and family gathered to honor horses, friendship and a special man. We celebrated Dr. Jorge Gomez and a horse he imported 20 years ago, Semik, as well as a long-time web of friendships. We are pleased they have been honored with The Dressage Foundation’s Century Club award.

Dr. Gomez and Semik now...

Dr. Jorge Gomez was born in Colombia, South America moving to the United States in the 1960s to obtain a medical degree in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.  He served as a United States Navy Commander from 1967-1970 and in the Reserves until 1976.  He resides in Michigan with his wife Ginette, his three daughters all grown and married.  “Horses have been a strong part of my life. My grandfather was a cavalry officer in the Colombian Army and had a farm.” Jorge says proudly, “I rode horses before I had a tricycle, at about 5 years old!”  Jorge bred and imported primarily Andalusians for about 10 years. His first dressage horse was an Andalusian stallion named Pregonero who, imported from Spain, was originally used as a bullfighting horse. They were to have ridden for the Century Club, but the horse died three months before they could. It would be three more years before Jorge and Semik reached the combined age of 100. Jorge studied under Rosalind Kinstler and has shown to PSG Level.  His present horse Embrujado  (Emby) was born at his Michigan farm in 1989.

Jorge knew about the Czechslovakian horses of Kladruby and decided to go there in the summer of 1984.  He fell in love with two white mares who were purchased and arrived in the U.S. that fall. The horses were transported to the border, taken off the trailer and walked over since the truck was not allowed to cross.  In addition, Jorge purchased Semik (show name Czechmate), a 17.1 hand black stallion, for his breeding program. Semik’s name comes from a mythical horse hero in Czech folklore. “It was very complicated to import a stallion,” says Jorge. “There was a tremendous amount of paperwork and the stallion was held in Bratislava for a long time. There were no diplomatic relations at that time and finally General Alexander M. Haig, former Secretary of State, kindly stepped in to ask them to permit the horse to be shipped.” Semik arrived in the spring of 1985 after a long quarantine in New Jersey.

	Dr. Gomez and Semik then.

As an 8 year old, Jorge sold Semik as a training level dressage prospect to one of Roz Kinstler’s students with support from Maryal Barnett from the judge’s perspective. Over the years Semik progressed to the FEI levels, only showing to Third Level. At 26, Semik, no longer totally black, still grabs attention due to his size as well as his desire for treats.

In this Century celebration, Jorge was judged by Maryal Barnett, long time friend and supporter. Our scribe was Roz Kinstler, long time friend and trainer of both Jorge and Semik. Also present were family, many long time friends and fellow riders. We congratulate all involved and toast these wonderful, long relationships forged by the love of horses.

Written by Tory Sawyer