Next LAER Offering in Nova Scotia!
Guelph, ON - Mar. 27, 2025 - Equine Guelph’s Large Animal Emergency Rescue (LAER) training team returned to the beautiful Holly Oaks Farm on April 30, 2025 in Lynden, ON. The trailer fully stocked with specialized tools and rescue mannequins for the one-day refresher workshop. Hamilton Mounted Police partnered with Equine Guelph for their fifth workshop, highlighting their commitment to enhancing their rescue skills. Additional attendees included York regional police, veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
First responders practice Large Animal Emergency Rescue techniques.
“We were pleased to have members of the Hamilton Police Mounted Patrol Unit participate in the First Responder Refresher Course for Large Animal Rescue, presented by the University of Guelph”, said Sergeant Amberlee Rodgers from the Hamilton Mounted Police. “Their commitment to ongoing training and collaboration highlights the importance of preparedness, safety, and animal welfare in emergency response situations. We value the expertise and partnership the University of Guelph and their team of instructors bring to these critical learning opportunities.”
A successful large animal rescue hinges on swift action and seamless teamwork within the incident command system.
Dr. Chris Riley, Chair of the Department of Clinical Studies at the Ontario Veterinary College, kicked off the day with an insightful discussion on veterinary roles in animal incidents, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and role familiarity among responders. The attendees then launched into hands-on learning, tackling the challenges of safely extricating a 600-pound horse mannequin named ‘Rusti’, from hazardous situations.
Using wide tow straps the crew mastered forward, backward, and sideways drags tailored to the scenarios they faced. "Rusti" proved to be a very cooperative horse as always, never once complaining about the repetitive dragging.
“The proper use of specialized equipment and precise positioning of webbing around the animal’s body are crucial for successful lifting or dragging a large animal to safety,” says lead instructor Victor MacPherson, EBSP Rescue.
Safety was a top priority in every animal handling technique, with participants receiving extensive learning about equine behavior. They were reminded that even a calm-looking horse could react suddenly once freed from a compromising position. Staying out of kick zones is essential, regardless of the horse’s demeanor, as was donning the appropriate personalized protection equipment. After all, no one wants to be on the receiving end of a horse’s surprise kick!
“All large animal incidents, regardless of cause or scope, pose a risk of injury to responders. The key to improving the odds of a favorable and safe outcome for both animals and responders lies in proper training of best practices and the use of rescue equipment,” says course facilitator Dr. Susan Raymond.
Participants honed their skills in tight spots, like horse trailers, and practiced confinement techniques. They also became adept with ropes, learning to create emergency halters. Flossing techniques were covered to position recovery straps correctly. This kind of flossing won't give your horse a dazzling smile but will ensure safe movement without causing further injury. Anatomy lessons stressed that a horse’s head and tail should never be used as handles.
Various lifting methods were discussed and practiced. One scenario required strategic planning to rescue a horse trapped in a trailer. Downed horse and rider situations on treacherous terrain provided opportunities to practice securing both ‘Rusti’ and the rider to glides for easier transport.
Equine Guelph thanks the supporters, facilitators, and participants of these important large animal emergency rescue workshops. A special thank you to Linda Rawlinson (Holly Oaks Farm) for hosting the workshop at Holly Oaks Farm.
Equine Guelph would also like to thank Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS) for its foundational funding of the Large Animal Emergency Rescue program.
`Delivered by Equine Guelph (University of Guelph), in the past decade, the LAER program has continued to grow and expand its offerings to a varied group. If you are interested in helping to build this program or would like to discuss offering this program in your area or to your members, please contact Susan Raymond at Equine Guelph. Courses can be offered on a cost-recovery basis, or through sponsorship, to communities/individuals who would like to expand the reach of this training program.
LAER is Coming to Nova Scotia!
The next offering of Equine Guelph’s Large Animal Emergency Rescue program will be held in the stunning province of Nova Scotia, at Whinny Hills Equestrian Centre, Lunenburg, Aug 15, 2025, 9am – 4pm for $150 with lunch and snacks included. This exciting event promises to bring together first responders, law enforcement, animal welfare officers, veterinarians, vet technicians, emergency animal response teams, horse owners, livestock producers, and associations to hone their skills in large animal rescue. Registration will be limited to 30 participants and they must be a minimum of 18 years of age. A second class may be offered the following day if there is demand. Many thanks to Acera Insurance for providing sponsorship.
Instructors:
Dr. Rebecca Husted, TLAER Inc. ( Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue Inc.) - contributes her time and expertise to several international committees: for equine welfare (PATH, International) and is the NFPA Standard 150 technical chair and subject matter expert. Her current research includes the physiological responses to technical rescue procedures and equipment in large animals.
Victor MacPherson - Lead Instructor Equine Guelph Large Animal Emergency Rescue Program & facilitator for fire services response for Farm and Food Care Ontario. Retired District Fire Chief from the Adjala-Tosorontio Fire Department, Victor works with the City of Vaughan Fire as a Master Emergency Vehicle Technician.
Register through Nova Scotia Equestrian Federation: https://forms.office.com/r/kCRkAFzY4c
About Equine Guelph:
Equine Guelph is the horse owners' and care givers' Centre at the University of Guelph in Canada. It is a unique partnership dedicated to the health and well-being of horses, supported and overseen by equine industry groups. Equine Guelph is the epicentre for academia, industry and government - for the good of the equine industry as a whole. For further information, visit www.equineguelph.ca.
Story by: Jackie Bellamy-Zions, Equine Guelph
Photo Credit: Randy Carter
Web Link(s):
Story web link: https://thehorseportal.ca/2025/05/hamilton-mounted-police-reinvest-in-large-animal-emergency-rescue/
Other web links:
Registration for Nova Scotia Event Aug 15, 2025 https://forms.office.com/r/kCRkAFzY4c