If Jumeau had been human, he would have been diagnosed as autistic at an early age.  Anything new, no matter how minute, would send him into his "rocking" dance; he trembled when touched, and could not tolerate loud noises.  Gradually, with much patience and "therapy" at home and at his trainer's farm (Rhapsody in Blue), he not only overcame his challenges, but began to embrace the very things he had so feared.  By his first birthday, Jumeau clearly looked forward to the touch of a human hand, as well as the loud roar of crowds.  He even stuck his tongue out for passers-by to tug!  Like many autistics, Jumeau's intelligence level was far beyond average, which allowed him to quickly master his lessons which he was always eager to learn.  Unfortuantely, a subtle lameness prevented the wins in the showring he deserved.  Ironically, after several months of strict rest, he was fully sound a month before his death, and was preparing to show in the Spring.
 
"Jumeau was full of life, loving every minute.  When it was time to come in after turn-out, I would call him and he came at a full run, stopping with his chest only a few inches away from my chest and his head over my shoulder or head.  He was always pushing himself to his utmost limits.  He would run as fast as he could and slide to a stop at the last minute, back and forth in the paddock, getting closer and closer to the fence each time, until he had mastered stopping within a few inches of the fence.  He practiced jumping in his paddock, too, clearing more ground each time.  Beyond his beauty, he was absolutely an athlete; he would have been awesome under saddle.  A small, timid colt afraid of the world had blossomed into a tall, bold young stallion, ready to conquer the world.  The farm hasn't been the same without him."
 

This colt was named after one of the greatest doll manufacturers of all time.  The Jumeau factory in Paris made exquisite bisque dolls (considered to be the finest available in the world) for about one hundred years, beginning in the early 1800's.  Their emphasis was quality rather than quantity, making them affordable only to the upper class -- the two Jumeaus presented by France to Princess Ann and Princess Mary are on display in Windsor Castle.  Even today, a century after the company's demise, the name "Jumeau" is a symbol of everything beautiful and fine in the world of dolls.