[QUOTE=dags;7647538]
yup… but what gets me even more is that the suggestion, however inflammatory it may be, won’t even fix the “problem”?!
(problem in “” because there isn’t really a “problem”; horse is just big & young and kid is just tiny & young… both of these circumstances will change!)[/QUOTE]
Agreed!
sigh 
I NEED THE PERFECT PREP! ME ME ME!!! I make jokes about ace darts… For me. Or uptight individuals.
My horse went through a horrible phase and I tried giving him Perfect Prep. Instead of mellowing him out I just had a dull and pissed off horse. That worked out great for all parties (NOT!) Turns out he just really hated where he was despite how much I liked it.
It’s not just the perfect prep though. A kid I used to coach was being coached by another trainer at a local show over the weekend and before another rider on the team went into the ring she slipped it some bute and said ‘because it’s sore and I don’t want it to stop.’ I think it’s much more about what we’re teaching the kids is acceptable than the drugging. It’s ok to slip it some perfect prep if it’s not behaving. It’s ok to slide it some bute if it’s sore and jump it anyway. It’s just a sad and rampant fact of horse showing it seems.
Thank you for saying this in a much better way than I was. It’s exactly what I was trying to get at.
As a mother, I am like alot of people on the forum boards and JMR, in that I read just about every day, but don’t post myself. I found Judge My Ride when they started on Facebook and encouraged my daughter to post. I’ve also encouraged my daughter to be a student of the sport and learn all she can about the accomplishments of famous riders and trainers. Respect for those who have paved the way is tantamount, especially when commenting on them publicly. It appears some here may think extrapolating his comments to one rider, from one post, completely encapsulates Robert Gage and Judge My Ride. He did tell the rider to talk it over with her trainer. Many trainers use natural calmatives like this, in the same way people will take a supplement like holy basil in lieu of prescription drugs. Does that make the person a “drug taker or drug pusher.” No. Is Mr. Gage going around handing out tubes of calmatives to every horse and rider he sees? Does he fill up his barn with clients to juice thier horses? No, he does not. With his background and reputation, he could fill up a barn in an afternoon. He does however, have a history that is so impressive in the irons himself, and with his students, he deserves the benefit of a doubt and an opportunity to respond and clarify to whoever raised this concern before they blasted it on
Chronicle forum. Hence, a ‘pile on’ of people who know little about him, have a free for all dragging the name of a man who is known to be highly ethical as well as successful, through the mud. I defend him and JMR because he has personally us and helped thousands upon thousands of horses and riders at no charge on JMR for a few years now. How often do you get feedback from someone who was one of the top showjumping riders in the World- let alone for free? I know they have a video call that is $30 or something now, but even that is incredibly affordable to talk to the kind of pros they have. He mainly teaches clinics and judges now, so he isnt handing off tubes of Perfect Prep or anything to clients to “take their money with a quick fix” or make money for himself without doing the work. He cares about all riders, not just the riders with unlimited funds to compete. He helps students who are not his own clients for the better of the horse and the sport itself. I’ve been to his clinics and seen the horses transformed, because the riders are transformed before your eyes. If you havent seen what he has done for a rider here in Georgia you need to. You’ll regret trashing him when you find out the kind of man he is. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5d8U8Ie3sY&feature=youtu.be
“I asked him what I should work on after the clinic. He looked at me and was like ‘Get an eq horse’”…that was what stood out to me the most of that video (and that’s not a good thing).
I think Judge My Ride is a fantastic idea and a very useful tool for those that do not have the means to consistent training, clinics, etc…in theory.
ETA: I don’t think having or purchasing an eq horse is a bad thing and the comment was probably said in humor. The comment simply stuck out to me as it being a similar “shortcut” suggestion as is being discussed on this thread.
Mimelny, if JMR had allowed meupatdoes’ comment instead of sitting on it, RG might have had a lot more to say in response to the rider’s question. In defending himself, he might have changed the conversation.
As fas as this thread goes, it might seem like a pile on to you, but I see lots of opposing viewpoints.
I stand by my comment that recommending PP in this situation was irresponsible at best. Perhaps he had a bad day and didn’t take the time to really watch the video and actually give the rider some REAL advice/suggestions. But, when you are a BNT and a JUDGE, you really should be more careful what you say on the internet.
Judge My Ride
Ok folks I am just now being brought up to speed on this whole controversy, so weighing in for the first time.
Let’s start at the beginning. JMR is staffed by a dedicated group of VOLUNTEERS comprised of USEF Judges, Olympic riders and other professionals. All of us have “real jobs” and do this out of care for the horses, riders and sport. We get thousands of submissions and work in every spare moment to try to keep up with the deluge. I just judged and Rob course designed the Northeast Benefit Show in Northampton, MA. These were extremely long days. EVERY break, when not building courses, Rob was on his computer giving free advice to Judge My Ride members. Every evening after shower and dinner, I did the same.
At no cost to the members, we give critiques and hints to riders from literally all over the world. We have members ranging from International stars to Medal finals Champions to beginner cross rail type riders.
We don’t have time to give in-depth advice. We don’t ever want to contradict a trainer. We do our best to help with words we hope will make a difference to both partners and remember this is without ever seeing them in person. Some of our members have started as beginners, stay friends and send follow ups as they progress up the ladder of competition.
We grieve with them at times of loss. We encourage them in times of sadness. We understand and are sympathetic when things go badly. We congratulate and rejoice with them when things go well.
This is a labor of love.
So when folks who don’t know us go on the attack it is very hurtful. You are most welcome to come to our site, create a membership (FREE) and post comments of your own. If you post a photo, we will try to help you.
Regarding the supplement “Perfect Prep”: this is sold over the counter at most tack stores. The active ingredient is Magnesium, which is a “SLIGHT” muscle relaxer when used orally at the dose in this supplement. There have been many many different supplements used for years. Some like Valerian Root become illegal. This stuff is completely legal and comparable to chamomile tea.
Regarding the makers of Perfect Prep having a sponsorship interest in JMR, simple answer is NO
Regarding interaction between exhibitors and judges: IF you have a question about how a class was judged, the right protocol is to go to the steward. IF you want to say hi, the right protocol is to wait until the show is done, then say hi. FREQUENTLY I judge a show, the rider posts a photo and I remember seeing them. I am very happy to say hello to any exhibitor. There is absolutely nothing wrong with anyone saying hello. In fact, at all IHSA and NCAA shows, the riders line up and ask questions about their performance when the show is finished. I am more than happy to talk to them and offer suggestions.
Bottom line: adding a supplement is in no way “drugging your horse”. Everyone knows that better riding is always the answer. We try to help as many riders as possible to improve their riding skills, be safe and have fun.
Carol Dean-Porter USEF “R” Judge Hunters, Jumpers, Equitation, Hunter Breeding and Certified Schooling Supervisor
www.judgemyride.net
[QUOTE=woodhillsmanhattan;7647638]
“I asked him what I should work on after the clinic. He looked at me and was like ‘Get an eq horse’”…that was what stood out to me the most of that video (and that’s not a good thing).
I think Judge My Ride is a fantastic idea and a very useful tool for those that do not have the means to consistent training, clinics, etc…in theory.[/QUOTE]
Not sure how teling her to get an Eq horse is a bad thing? What kind of horse would you suggest she get for the Eq’s then? A Foxtrotter?
More people than riders with no access to consistent training use sites like JMR and Equestriancoach.com, etc. The success and following they have is huge.
You are amazing Carol Dean Porter! We check in from the horse shows too, and read and discuss. Nothing beats seeing a riders face when they get praise from you, Rob or the other pros at JMR. thank you for all you do.
they don’t usually block comments. did someone ask a follow up that did not appear? Carol will know, I will e-mail her. I hope Rob pops in here too.
[QUOTE=inca;7647643]
I stand by my comment that recommending PP in this situation was irresponsible at best. Perhaps he had a bad day and didn’t take the time to really watch the video and actually give the rider some REAL advice/suggestions. But, when you are a BNT and a JUDGE, you really should be more careful what you say on the internet.[/QUOTE]
I stand by my comment that people should give someone with his gravitas the benefit of the doubt and time to respond considering his schedule.
Just to clarify so that no one unfamiliar with the rules is led astray…just because something is sold over the counter at tack stores and feed stores, that does NOT necessarily mean it is legal. It IS correct that nothing in Perfect Prep is illegal. However, there are plenty of over the counter things (such as Quietex) that are readily available that are illegal. Quite a few thing, like Quietex, have valerian root in them and are not legal, even though they are readily available.
And if you are ever in doubt, contact the USEF. They are more than willing to answer questions so that you can be fully informed so as not to accidentally break the rules.
I have been very civil and have not “trashed” anyone. I don’t know the man and I commend him for volunteering his time. But, when you are a BNT and a judge, you have every reason to think carefully before you type words that will last forever on the internet.
[QUOTE=Mimelny;7647652]
Not sure how teling her to get an Eq horse is a bad thing? What kind of horse would you suggest she get for the Eq’s then? A Foxtrotter?
More people than riders with no access to consistent training use sites like JMR and Equestriancoach.com, etc. The success and following they have is huge.[/QUOTE]
:lol: Definitely not a Foxtrotter! That could be amusing though.
Telling a kid that wants to work on herself and improve that the way to improving is to get a better/specialized horse is on par with telling someone to give a greenie Perfect Prep…basically after the video I was left with the same impression as I had before. Both suggestions may be useful. But both suggestions aren’t what I would expect to hear from a world class rider/clinician.
I like JMR. I wasn’t saying people shouldn’t post, etc. I have posted a photo myself back when they were on Facebook…I can’t remember who critiqued me. They very helpful and made suggestions to improve my hands on an IHSA flat eq picture.
I’m not sure why that should stand out as a bad thing.
Dear Ms. Porter. If only you could have come on here and offered an apology for Mr. Gage’s obvious lapse in judgement and explained that JMR doesn’t condone the use of calming supplements and that nothing can replace hours in the saddle…blah blah…blah. But no, you try to convince us of your altruism and that you are doing the equestrian community a huge favor…oh and Perfect Prep is just a slight muscle relaxer. Really?
I expect more out of a judge. Now two judges have disappointed me.
[QUOTE=Mimelny;7647664]
they don’t usually block comments. did someone ask a follow up that did not appear? Carol will know, I will e-mail her. I hope Rob pops in here too.[/QUOTE]
The OP’s screen shot of her comment as linked in post #4
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/meupatdoes/media/Mobile%20Uploads/JMR_zps287f967d.png.html
And by the way, Ms. Porter, we all give advice on a voluntary basis, too. 
[QUOTE=RugBug;7647675]
Unfortunately, any use of calmatives for a horse (rider can be drugged out of their mind), is illegal according to USEF. Doesn’t matter if everyone does it. It’s not legal.
Mr. Gage should know that. Now, if he would’ve asked how the horse is around home and if a vet has recommended Mg supplements due to a deficiency, that’s a different story. But the quote is focused on the show ring and for calming purposes…which, again, is illegal.
I’m not sure why that should stand out as a bad thing.
#2 I get obviously. And #1 I didn’t know so thanks for clarifying and I am sure that’s how it was meant. Watching the video fresh from reading this thread probably wasn’t the best idea!
GR410 and GR411 would indicate that PP is NOT legal if given to affect a horse’s performance…even though its ingredients are legal. The motive/reason behind the administration is what is illegal, not the actual ingredients.
Are you going to get suspended for PP? Probably not but that still doesn’t it make it “legal.” Some people care about the motive more than others. I have more important things to think about over if my competitors are using PP…but having a judge recommend it for calming comes off wrong.
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.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
