Downeast Medal Finals

September 2017

September 14-17, 2017
We are two weeks away from the Downeast Medal Finals! Visit our website for more information. We welcome all questions, suggestions, and sponsorship: please email Ginger at galbert@maine.rr.com .

The Downeast Medal Finals Prizelist has been posted! Go to our website to view the prizelist and send in your entries.


Downeast News and Notices
The 2017 Downeast Medal Finals are almost here!
Have you sent in your entries yet? Closing date is TODAY, except for late qualifiers (Sept. 10). View the prizelist and entry form on our website to sign up.

REMINDER: You do not need to be qualified in one of our Medal Finals to compete in the open classes on Friday and Saturday! We welcome everyone to attend and compete on those days, regardless of qualification status. Stick around for Sunday to watch our Medal Finals qualifiers compete!

WALK TROT RIDERS!
Meadowview Equestrian Center has generously offered to sponsor the Walk Trot Scholarship this year. Entries are due on September 9th. Check out the website for more information.

DERBY CHANGE: The height of the Mason Dixon Memorial Derby has been adjusted from 2'9" to 2'6" to keep following industry trends. Professionals and Juniors competing at 2'9" may still participate in this derby. As always, we will still offer the American National/Farm Family Derby at 2'3".

Interested in a braider for the Finals? Please contact Emily at 207-229-6625.

New for 2017: Overall High Point Maine rider award, based upon cumulative points throughout the show. Thank you to Shires Equestrian for sponsoring this new award!

Table Decorating Contest is back again for this year! Sign up on the Entry Blank.

Horsemanship challenge participants, this year's questions will be taken from articles in the newsletter and the USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Study Guide, which can be found at USHJA.org
How to Build an Equine First Aid Kit

By Katy Raynor, DVM
New England Equine Medical and Surgical Center


Equine injuries can be just as common for horses that are stabled and those that are turned out to pasture. The best way to treat any injury is to be prepared with a well-stocked, easily accessible first aid kit. In fact, keeping even a few of the following first aid essentials could help save a severely injured horse’s life while you wait for your veterinarian to arrive.

Vital First Aid Supplies
Every horse owner needs a few basic first aid essentials. These items will help you dress wounds, and reduce swelling and inflammation until your veterinarian arrives. First aid kits are available for purchase at our clinic, or you can make your own kit with the following items, all of which are available at The Cheshire Horse:
  • Bandages: Protect wounds, support muscles, and hold ice packs with horse leg wraps or self-adhesive bandages.
  • Blunt-Tipped Scissors: Safely cut away and remove bandages and wraps.
  • Buckets: Soak hooves with a few buckets kept specifically for first aid use.
  • Flashlight: View wounds and injuries in low light conditions.
  • Hoof Pick
  • Ice Packs: Prevent and reduce swelling.
  • Rubbing Alcohol: Disinfect wounds, or cool horses rapidly if febrile.
  • Sheet or Roll Cotton: Help apply pressure bandages or offer support to injured muscles or bones.
  • Sterile Gauze: Clean and cover minor cuts and wounds with sterile gauze or Telfa (non-stick) pads of various sizes. Use gauze rolls to hold dressings and pressure wraps in place.
  • Exam Gloves: Keep your hands clean and help prevent wound contamination.
  • Thermometer: Measure your horse’s temperature (normal range is 99.0°F to 101.5°F) if you have a concern before you call the vet. Every farm should have at least one working thermometer.
  • Stethoscope: Know how to take your horses heart rate. If you don’t, ask your vet the next time they come to see your horse.
  • Wound Antiseptic
  • Wound Cleaner
Easy access to your veterinarian’s and farrier’s contact information is also vital. In addition, a complete record of all your horse’s medications, vaccinations, and dewormers is essential – especially in an emergency.

Helpful First Aid Extras
The best first aid kit holds a range of products to deal with a wide variety of injuries or accidents. In addition to the basics, having the following products accessible will help you further prepare for almost any mishap:
  • Electrolytes
  • Probiotics
  • Eye Cleanser/Saline
  • Hoof Boot
  • nSAIDS (phenylbutazone, banamine, Equioxx): Only used after consulting a veterinarian. Always take your horse’s temperature before administration.
  • Poultice

Additional Tip
Always have a fire extinguisher available in your barn and trailer/truck at all times!

Thank you to Katy Raynor and The Cheshire Horse for allowing us to reprint this article, which can also be viewed here .
Upcoming Shows with Downeast Qualifying Classes
Sept. 3   Seacoast Hunter Jumper,  Green Acres Stables, Madbury, NH
Sept. 9   NHHJA,  Tack Shack, Fremont, NH
Sept. 10  CK Equestrian,  Scarborough, ME
Sept. 10  Cornerstone Farm,  Haverhill, MA
Oct. 15  Evenstride ,  Byfield, MA *2018 DMF Qualifying
Oct. 28  Cornerstone Farm ,  Haverhill, MA *2018 DMF Qualifying
Oct. 28  Touchstone Farm ,  Temple, NH *2018 DMF Qualifying
Oct. 29  Lucky Clover Stables ,  Sanford, ME *2018 DMF Qualifying
Nov. 12  Cornerstone Farm ,  Haverhill, MA *2018 DMF Qualifying
Nov. 26  Evenstride ,  Byfield, MA *2018 DMF Qualifying
Thank you so much to our incredible sponsors who help make this show possible.
Become a Downeast Medal Finals Sponsor:
All levels accepted and appreciated! 
Visit  our website  for more information.
For more information, to list your show with Downeast qualifying classes, to be featured as a Downeast spotlight rider, or to become a sponsor, please email Ginger at  galbert@maine.rr.com .