Menu

Stay in Touch
Sign up for ENews
Subscribe Now

Unlimited access >

Menu

Just tell the kids to use "Perfect Prep"

Hunter/Jumper
#21
  1. I don’t see a Pelham anywhere in that video
  2. He does look like a lot of big horse for her, but it seems like if she could stop standing on her stirrups and follow the motion better (as she asked for advice how to do) then it wouldn’t appear that she is trying to do the water ski type slow down move.
  3. The trip overall would look better if the horse was allowed to carry more pace so they would have an even pace throughout the trip and so she might be able to find a distance other than the deep spot that makes the horse jump over his front end.

He looks green and wiggly but super cute!

#22

[QUOTE=ParadoxFarm;7646274]
Hmm. How about we don’t over-horse our riders?[/QUOTE]

We were just talking about the hundreds of tubes of Perfect Prep in the trash cans at Country Heir a couple of weeks ago.

#23

Got to give them credit for a great marketing campaign. However did we get by without it…

#24

Those were my first thoughts, too. Shorten your stirrups a hole, give a little more release, soften your arms to let go of his face, and send him forward. Forward doesn’t have to mean “fast” it just has to mean that the horse is traveling somewhere, not stuck behind the leg. He looks like a really nice, green horse. If this is really his second show, I’m very impressed by him, and hope that with more time and practice they get each other figured out, because she’s lucky to have him :slight_smile:

I’ll admit I tried PerfectPrep or something like it (whatever is the color of Kraft Mac&Cheese powder) with mine, twice. She’s a very Type A worrier/overthinker sort of horse, so I tried it to go do a few Pleasure classes at local shows a few years ago, just to try and get her to settle and relax, and not worry herself so much at shows. I could tell exactly when she started feeling the effects of it, because she started fighting it :lol: So that ended up being a complete waste of time and money. What wasn’t? Milage, going places, doing things, seeing stuff. Training. She’s figured it out now, and is a total pro at going and showing.

#25

I don’t see how chemistry would help that horse at all. He needs to get his haunches under him and learn to hold his own head up.

And I think it was a pretty nice trip for a 6 year old with a junior up at his second show.

The horse needs to be ridden so he has the muscle to be light in front. It just takes time and wet saddle pads.

A trick I use with a horse like this is alternate releasing rein - while cantering, you put a loop in one rein while keeping the contact on the other. Does a nice job of teaching the horse not to lean his head on my hands, and it is kind to both of us.

#26

[QUOTE=FineAlready;7646344]
This, exactly. I hope they don’t decide to take shortcuts with this horse by using Perfect Prep when he really doesn’t need it.[/QUOTE]

Very interesting that Gage thinks that horse is too wild.

Also interesting (and telling) that a BNT finds Perfect Prep so acceptable and legal that he publicly gives that advice.

It does tell you want is “normal” in the H/J world right now.

#27

I just went online and looked up the ingredients in Perfect Prep (there are several types to use). Interesting…

I know trainers that use it. I’m kind of on the fence…I can see instances where it might be useful.

#28

Also, an 80cc tube of goo is not “a little liquid”!

#29

The longer I think about this the less I find it interesting and the more I find it…disturbing. I’m actually a little angry about this. If this is what we’re teaching juniors…well…

#30

[QUOTE=carasmom;7646399]
We were just talking about the hundreds of tubes of Perfect Prep in the trash cans at Country Heir a couple of weeks ago.[/QUOTE]

:no: disgraceful. What in the world happened to HORSEMEN?!?

This winning at any cost (drugs - lunging etc) bullcrap is despicable. What happen to SPORTSMANSHIP?

#31

She should just pack up that awful, strong horse and send it to me. :wink:

Seriously, though. I don’t really see much fault with this horse at the AGE HE IS AT. I see way more fault with the rider in that she rides really backwards, but I’ll just stop at that.

Disgusting that “perfect prep” was advised rather than “Perhaps the horse could use more flat work to get comfortable with becoming rateable and confident.” Riider did that “pick, pick, pick” ride to some fences that made it to where he had nothing left; if I was a horse and picked to death to the base of the fence, I would be pissy on the back side and get strong.

#32

Honest question:

Do you all have the same reaction to the use of energy paste or red cell?

1 Like
#33

Surprised at all the emotion here. The longer I show, the more I realize I have a lot more fun when I don’t care what every one else is doing. Honestly don’t care if people use Perfect Prep, would rather see that than excessive lunging, and a quieter round is still not a winning round.

Those horses that pack around with their own eye and lead changes? They are not Perfect Prep horses believe me, I have three. Takes a lot more than a tube of Perfect Prep.

The problem has always to me been one of disclosure on sale horses. That is where I would get emotional – not disclosing use of calmers to a buyer.

1 Like
#34

[QUOTE=trubandloki;7646332]
I agree. I certainly do not see an animal that is even close to out of control.[/QUOTE]

Beautiful horse in need of flatwork to be lighter and have self carriage. I don’t see what quieting this horse would achieve.

#35

[QUOTE=Nickelodian;7646466]
Honest question:

Do you all have the same reaction to the use of energy paste or red cell?[/QUOTE]

I will answer this honestly :slight_smile: I think part of the reaction some have to “calming” supplements is the thoughts of these zombie horses that look like they are barely making it over the fences. Long distance runners, tennis players, football players, etc. – if you asked them what they think about taking a “calming” supplement prior to a big game, don’t you think they would look at you as if you were from another planet. But if you asked if you think it’s OK if they drink some coffee in the morning before the event, I am sure they would think that’s no big deal.

Prepping a horse to make sure he has ENOUGH energy to get through an event is more understandable than trying to dumb him down so he barely makes it around.

I do think it’s a shortcut for a horse that’s not fit enough to have endurance to do long shows or what have you.

Disclaimer: I don’t use red cell (and variants) on my horse. Never needed it.

#36

[QUOTE=Nickelodian;7646466]
Honest question:

Do you all have the same reaction to the use of energy paste or red cell?[/QUOTE]

Yes.

#37

[QUOTE=ToTheNines;7646471]
Surprised at all the emotion here. The longer I show, the more I realize I have a lot more fun when I don’t care what every one else is doing. Honestly don’t care if people use Perfect Prep, would rather see that than excessive lunging, and a quieter round is still not a winning round.

Those horses that pack around with their own eye and lead changes? They are not Perfect Prep horses believe me, I have three. Takes a lot more than a tube of Perfect Prep.

The problem has always to me been one of disclosure on sale horses. That is where I would get emotional – not disclosing use of calmers to a buyer.[/QUOTE]

I don’t disagree with you, and I go back and forth on the calming supplement issue, for a variety of reasons including those mentioned in this thread. At the end of the day what really bothers me is the judging, which I attribute as the cause of the drugging/supplementing/LTD. It is despicable that Mr. Gage, a judge!!!, actually recommended PP, but I’m glad he did and I hope this shines a light on this problem (although I’m sure the powers that be still won’t do anything, it’s not as if the light isn’t already brighter than the sun).

#38

[QUOTE=Nickelodian;7646466]
Honest question:

Do you all have the same reaction to the use of energy paste or red cell?[/QUOTE]

Yes, why does the horse need it? Is the horse not fit enough? Is the horse not healthy enough? Is the horse being over worked?

Why would a healthy, fit, sound horse need energy paste to get through some show classes? Maybe if the horse does not have enough “oomph” some more hill work is in order - or perhaps a rest from a busy show schedule.

I do not condone training via drugs or supplements.

#39

I thought I was watching the wrong video - every time he said whoa I was thinking push him forward in front of your leg and off forehand girl! A nice young horse trying to canter in a tea cup and do his job as best he could - just needs to be ridden positively forward so he’ll focus on the jumps not the scenery and get off the forehand IMHO. And whats with the never be able to ride him in a snaffle because she’s petite statement - I am 105lbs and I can effectively ride big horses with having to up the bit to compensate for my lack of mass.

#40

Do the makers of Perfect Prep have sponsorship interests in Judge My Ride???

1 Like

Get your Digital Subscription here - only $21.95 / year

Subscribe here
See gift options

Sign up to our monthly newsletter!

By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.

Copyright © 2023 The Chronicle of the Horse