Downeast Medal Finals

July 2020

September 16-19, 2021

Visit our website for more information about Downeast. We welcome all feedback and suggestions: please email Ginger at ginger@downeastmedalfinals.com

Check out this video for highlights from the 2019 Downeast Medal Finals!

Message from the President

Hi,

I hope that everyone is well and enjoying the phenomenal weather that we have been having. I know that some of you have been able to enjoy your first show and others are finding fun alternatives to horse shows to share time with their friends and horses. Perhaps a cross country school, a trail ride or a gymkhana day, all are fun ways to enjoy time with your horse. Don’t get me wrong, horse shows are fun too, but in times like these we need to think outside the box a little bit. In doing that you will still gain experience and knowledge, and best of all have fun. Please feel free to share your pictures on our Facebook page. I am sure that everyone would enjoy seeing them and getting ideas.

Please continue to be safe and well. I look forward to seeing what everyone is up to!!

Ginger

Rider Spotlight- Madyson Keeley

The Amateur Adult Medal Final at the 2019 Downeast Medal Finals was won by Madyson Keeley. Here is what Madyson had to say:

" I have been riding since I was six years old at Senator Bell Farm with Jess Hunt. I have grown up around horses because my mother has always been a part of the horse community as well. During my riding journey, I have had the privilege to learn and grow with my horse Sweet Potato, or “Katie.” I have owned Katie for about six years now and there is certainly never a dull moment! Us being able to win at this past year’s medal finals is a true testimony to all of the hard work and dedication we have both put in as a team. Riding has always had such a powerful impact on my life, this sport is something I simply cannot live without. It is always such a joy being able to compete at Downeast Medal Finals. I have grown up competing here and have always found it to be one of my favorite finals. This final is so well run, always has challenging courses, and is so inviting to all. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to compete here again. Thank you to all that have made my riding aspirations possible. "

Kippewa Equestrian Academy

Kippewa Equestrian Academy is proud to be a sponsor of Downeast Medal Finals. Our program offers the Complete Equestrian Experience. Located in Monmouth, Maine, KEA is a 14-day fully-immersive experience for girls entering 4th – 11th grades who really love horses! Girls of all ability levels are welcome. Whether an enthusiastic beginner, an advanced rider, or anything in between, academy campers experience the lifestyle of a horse owner. Following CHA safety standards, our campers receive outstanding riding instruction and enjoy caring for the horses from reveille to taps. In addition they have time each day to participate in traditional camp activities such as swimming, boating, or arts and crafts, along with fun and creative evening activities enjoyed in traditional camp programs.

Deydration in Horses

By: Dr. Lydia Gray ,

SmartPak Medical Director/Staff Veterinarian

What is it?

Horses that don’t drink well are a constant source of worry to their owners both in the heat of summer and the cold of winter. When it’s hot, horses that sweat but don’t replace the water lost in sweat by drinking can become dehydrated. This can lead to reduced performance, heat exhaustion and other problems. When it’s cold, horses may drink less because of the temperature of the water. Dehydration in winter can mean impaction colic, choke and other serious problems.

What can be done about it?

There are three ways to try to get more water into horses: feed electrolytes to stimulate thirst, provide warm water in the winter, and add water to feedstuffs such as hay, hay pellets and cubes, complete feeds, and beet pulp.

What else do I need to know?

The average horse drinks between five and seven gallons of water per day. However, when the temperature and workload increase, horses have been known to down as much as 24 gallons to replace losses! Close observation to a horse’s drinking habits as well as his vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, capillary refill time) may indicate when he needs to slow down, get out of the heat, or get some more water into him.

Thank you to SmartPak Equine for allowing us to reproduce this article, which can be found here: https://www.smartpakequine.com/content/dehydration-horse?utm_source=email-partner&utm_medium=LLS&utm_campaign=Dehydration-10798