Message from the President

Show season is well underway and we have a record number of riders qualified for finals at this point in the year! The shows hosting the classes can be found on the calendar on the website. All qualified riders will receive a qualifying medal and letter of congratulations. Please make sure that we have your mailing address so that we can be sure to get these to you. If you are qualified but we do not have your contact information, your name will be in RED on the points page.

We enjoy receiving bios from our riders. If you would like us to feature you in the newsletter please submit your story to ginger@downeastmedalfinals.com. We love to share everyone’s stories.

We would also like to feature your business on our homepage, please look at the sponsorship page and pick a category. And even if you don’t have a business, we are very appreciative of any level of sponsorship. This show would not be what it is without the support of our generous sponsors!

Have a great June!

-Ginger

Managing the Overheating Horse

Heat exhaustion can quickly become dangerous for horses, so it is important to understand how to cool them safely and efficiently.

By Heather Smith Thomas

Hot, humid weather can result in heat stress if horses are exerting themselves in work or don’t have shade in a pasture. Monitor horses closely in extreme weather conditions, whether they are being ridden, turned out, or even in the barn.

It is important to cool a horse quickly if he is overheating. Some of the tactics for cooling a hot horse after exercise also work for horses on the verge of heat stroke even without exercise.

Air movement is very effective for cooling horses and often more comfortable for the horse than hosing him down or splashing him with ice and water. If he is dangerously overheated, however, most veterinarians recommend applying cold water, said Mike Foss, DVM, of Alpine Veterinary Hospital, in Hood River, Oregon, who has managed many horses overheating on endurance rides. 



When a horse’s temperature reaches 104 or 105 degrees Fahrenheit, the situation becomes dangerous. The fastest way to cool him is to apply cool water over the body, especially on areas where blood is near the skin surface (neck, chest, belly, legs). The veins under the skin on a hot horse will stand out prominently, bringing overheated blood to the surface for cooling via sweat evaporation.

View the rest of the article here.

Rider Spotlight - Anneliese Banghart

The 2022 Downeast Mini Medal Final was won by Anneliese Banghart. Let's learn about Anneliese!

"My name is Anneliese Banghart and I live in Melrose, MA. Last year, in 2022, I won the Downeast Medal Mini Medal (2’6”) Final on the horse I was leasing at the time, Grayson. I ride with Olana Laffey, Andrea Laffey, and Michelle Abren at Evenstride. They have been training me for nine years and I feel so lucky to have such supportive and experienced trainers. When I was searching for barns, two people we knew recommended we look into Evenstride. I still remember my first lesson, which was with Olana’s daughter, Larissa. Ever since then, I have been in love with horses and the sport. At Evenstride, I am surrounded by an environment of nice, friendly, and supportive people.

When I first tried Grayson I was so happy and was excited to be moving from a pony to a horse. He is owned by Sheryl MacLeod at Turning Point Show Stables. He was so good with me that I walked around on him bareback on my first ride. Grayson is now being leased by another girl at our barn. I miss riding him, but it has been fun to watch the two of them grow together. I got a new horse, Firobantos (Franklin) in the fall and I am excited to move up on him. When I showed at Downeast last year I had so much fun! The courses were great and the show ran so smoothly. I have been coming to the Downeast Medal Finals since 2019. It has always been such a great show and experience for me. Everyone is so friendly and the show is so much fun. I feel lucky to be able to experience this show environment each year. Thank you to my trainers, my friends, my family, everyone running the show, and lastly all of the horses and ponies that have helped me get to where I am."

Anneliese in her short stirrup days at DMF!

If you are a Downeast Medal Finals winner or rode at DMF 2022, we would like to feature you! Send your bio and picture to ginger@downeastmedalfinals.com

American National/Farm Family

Thank you to American National/Farm Family for sponsoring the Downeast Medal Finals!

PEACE OF MIND FOR HORSE OWNERS

Whether you simply ride for recreation, race, breed and show — there's a unique level of enthusiasm, loyalty and pride among the people who own horses. The Foster Agency representing American National understands that commitment.

Our equine owners insurance is designed for enthusiasts like you and helps to address the inherent risks involved with owning horses. It's flexible enough to provide property and liability coverage for operations of various sizes and scopes, and yet it can be tailored for your specific interest.

Our general coverage options include liability for certain horse-related activities and participants at shows, exhibitions and property coverage for households and residences contents, farm products and supplies, barns, farm machinery and more.

Our equine-package policy enhancements allow you to select additional coverages that can include protection for computer equipment to non-owned tack and liability coverage for horse show judges and more. You can also choose coverage for other people's horses that are in your care.

You care about your horses, so let’s talk. I can help you choose a flexible and tailored equine insurance for your farm or horse operation. Give me a call today at 207.622.4646.



Dan Foster | The Foster Agency | American National | 20 Bangor St, Augusta, ME 04330

Office 207.622.4646 Website:  an.insure/equine-owners

WHY CHOOSE US?

• The leading insurer of farms in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

• Local agents who understand your lifestyle and take time to listen

• More than six decades of dedicated and dependable support

• Coordinated array of insurance coverage for farm and family

• Excellent claims assistance available 24/7

American National is a group of companies writing a broad array of insurance products and services. Products and services may not be available in all states.

Terms, conditions and eligibility requirements will apply. Property and casualty products and services may be underwritten by Farm Family Casualty Insurance Company, Glenmont, New York.

June 3 Autumn Sky Farm, Newbury, MA

June 3 Senator Bell Farm, Chester, NH

June 4 Life’s A Ride, Saco, ME

June 10 NHHJA Show Series, Fremont, NH

June 11 East Ridge Stables, Charleston, ME

June 11 Cornerstone, Haverhill, MA

June 17 Seacoast Show Series, Fremont, NH

June 18 North Shore, Newbury, MA

June 18 Lucky Clover Stables, Sanford, ME

June 24 Downeast Horse Congress, Skowhegan, ME

June 24 NHHJA Show Series, Fremont, NH

June 25 Coastal Classic Show Series, Nobleboro, ME