Downeast Medal Finals
September 12-15, 2019
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DMF is proud to announce that all Saturday equitation classes will be qualifying classes for DMF 2020, NHHJA qualifying classes for 2019, and MeHJA qualifying classes for 2019. These co- qualifying classes are only available one time and only at the 2019 Downeast Medal Finals in September.
Please note some rule changes for 2019. Most important are highlighted here but the others can be seen in the
rules section
of the website:
- If a rider, or a trainer on the rider’s behalf, feels that a division adjustment is warranted they may petition the management of DMF for a division adjustment. All decisions by the management are final.
- Horse show secretaries are asked to submit results in a timely fashion, one week after the classes are held.
- Secretaries are asked to provide a complete address, or an email/ phone number for each rider.
- Secretaries are asked to notify DMF if the show is cancelled or classes did not fill.
- To help avoid confusion in the stall reservation and checkout process, we ask that all extra stalls be billed to an account or accounts, so that DMF is no longer responsible for stall splits. Thanks for your understanding.
- McCarthy Enterprises has asked that one check/credit card be given for any multiple horse accounts.
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Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome
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By Magda Rosol, DVM
Afred-Waterboro Veterinary Hospital
Equine ulcers or Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is a very common condition affecting horses. The majority of horses have ulcers. In fact, 90% of racehorses and between 60-90% of horses in work/training have gastric ulcers. Foals are also affected by gastric ulcers. Why?
The equine stomach produces gastric acid 24/7. This is a problem because the upper portion of the stomach (squamous or non-glandular portion) does not have a protective layer. Stomach ulcers form most commonly in this location. Unfortunately, the blood flow to this region is poor, leading to slow healing of ulcers. Unlike the lower portion of the stomach (glandular portion) which has a coating to protect itself from ulcers. With this being said the glandular stomach is still prone to developing ulcers but not nearly as much as the upper non-glandular portion.
EGUS is a man-made disease. It is uncommon in wild horses. The reason for this is how we have changed the lives of domesticated horses. Stress is a large component of equine ulcers. 70% of horses with mild stress can develop ulceration. However, 20% of horses without stress develop gastric ulcers. What type of stress causes ulcer? This can include training, stalling/stall confinement, excessive grain intake, limited hay/grass intake, showing, trailering, and living without a companion.
Symptoms of EGUS include the following: no symptoms, colic, poor hair coat, weight loss/failure to gain, bruxism (grinding teeth), grumpy with tacking up/blanketing, getting cast in a stall (trying to find relief), anorexia (poor appetite), poor general attitude/demeanor, and poor performance.
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How are equine ulcers diagnosed? Your veterinarian will perform a sedated and fasted (12 hours) stomach scoping. This involves place a long tube-like camera through the nostril, down the esophagus and into the stomach. Once gastric ulcers have been diagnosed, proper treatment is necessary. Gastrogard® (omeprazole) is the only approved treatment. Omeprazole, the active ingredient in Gastrogard®, stops the stomach from producing acid and allows the stomach to heal with time. The typical course of treatment is 30 days, however a 30 day re-scoping will be performed. After this time, additional treatment may be needed. Other oral treatments for gastric ulcers do not work because they need to be administered as often as every 2 hours, must be given prior to feeding, or there is no research/proof showing they are effective.
Help prevent ulcers by allowing free choice hay, providing environmental enrichment, limiting stress, allowing access to pasture, limiting stalling, allowing access to friends/other horses, allowing frequent feedings of hay, reducing or eliminating grain, and limiting trailering.
EGUS is curable but keep in mind many horses in work can and likely will continue to form ulcers. The stomach of the horse will continue to secrete gastric acid and, with time, more ulcers can form. Preventative measures are of great importance and using Gastrogard® prior to stressful events is advised.
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The 2018 Walk Trot Poles Medal Final at the 10th anniversary Downeast Medal Finals was won by Casey Dunn. Casey was also the Champion of the Walk Trot division. In this Get to Know series, we will be highlighting the champions of our 2018 Medal Finals classes as well as our 2018 Hunter Derbies. Here is what Casey had to say:
"My name is Casey Dunn of South Berwick, Maine. I am 10 years old and have been riding for four years. I became interested in horses after watching my sister ride. It looked really fun. Now I ride and compete with my favorite mare Crackers. The best part about horse riding is the companionship with Crackers and jumping. Competing at Downeast is really fun for me. I have competed there for two years in a row. Being around all of the nice people and horses is the part I like best. I really hope to make it to make it to the Olympics someday for jumping."
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Upcoming Shows with Downeast Qualifying Classes
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Feb. 3
Wild Iris Equestrian
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Hiram, ME
Feb. 24
NEJA Winter Series
,
Cumberland, ME
Mar. 31
NEJA Winter Series
,
Cumberland, ME
Apr. 28
Lucky Clover Stables
,
Sanford, ME
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Become a Downeast Medal Finals Sponsor:
All levels accepted and appreciated!
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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
ginger@downeastmedalfinals.com
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Thank you to
Spotted Vision Photography and Riitta Fortier for providing us with many wonderful photographs from the Downeast Medal Finals.
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