Next Stops: Nova Scotia and PEI.
Guelph, ON July-12-2025 - Under the weight of high humidity and soaring summer temperatures, firefighters from across Bruce County and beyond gathered in Mildmay, Ontario, for a demanding training session in large animal emergency rescue. Hosted by Equine Guelph and funded by the Bruce County Federation of Agriculture (BCFA), the July 12 workshop challenged first responders to master highly technical simulated rescues designed to protect both animal and human lives in crisis situations. This was not the first time Mildmay played host to such vital training—Equine Guelph previously delivered a Large Animal Emergency Rescue (LAER) course at this location in 2018, laying the groundwork for continued rural emergency preparedness.
Building on that legacy, BCFA President, Chris Cossitt expressed strong support for the 2025 initiative.
“Bruce County Federation of Agriculture (BCFA) was pleased to sponsor the recent training offered to firefighters with support from Rob Wells Trucking and Don Dittner Construction,” said Cossitt. “BCFA recognizes a need to support our rural firefighters with specific rural needs training resulting in 28 firefighters receiving the Equine Guelph, University of Guelph Large Animal Emergency Rescue (LAER) training. Thanks to South Bruce Firehall Mildmay Station and Dave West, Fire Prevention Officer/Health and Safety Training Coordinator, for providing the location and support for our attendees.”
First responders pull together during a Large Animal Emergency Rescue drill hosted by Equine Guelph in Mildmay, ON
Participants included firefighters from South Bruce, Arran-Elderslie, Chatsworth, Severn Fire Rescue and South Bruce Peninsula, along with a team from Mildmay Veterinary Clinic.
The training emphasized teamwork within the Incident Command System and featured hands-on scenarios involving a life-sized horse mannequin named 'Rusti.’ From cast horses to trailer rollovers, every exercise required careful planning, teamwork, and adaptability. Each scenario throughout the day highlighted the complexity and unpredictability of large animal emergencies.
“The training offered by Equine Guelph was a huge success amongst Bruce and Grey County firefighters,” said Krista Tiernan, Fire Chief/CEMC for Municipality of South Bruce. “Your expertise and dedication made a significant difference in my understanding of Large Animal Rescue Training. The training far exceeded my expectations and proved to be incredibly valuable to emergency service personnel in the event of a large animal emergency.”
One drill involved the use of a rescue glide—a fundamental tool for moving incapacitated animals safely over challenging terrain.
Slip Into Glide
On the steamy July afternoon, responders were tasked with securing Rusti to the rescue glide and hauling him up a steep incline. After stabilizing the hefty mannequin with wide webbing straps and ensuring head and limb protection, the team coordinated their efforts to pull Rusti to safety. Anchoring ropes and managing tension, they worked in unison, demonstrating not only their physical strength but also their ability to communicate and execute a plan under pressure. The successful completion of this scenario was a vivid demonstration of the importance of preparation, precision, and teamwork in emergency response.
“Attending the large animal rescue training was an incredibly eye-opening experience,” said Firefighter Sean Lichty of South Bruce Fire Rescue. “I was deeply impressed by the depth of knowledge and professionalism demonstrated by the trainers. The course introduced a wealth of innovative techniques and practical strategies for safely moving large animals, many of which I had never encountered before. Most importantly, the unwavering emphasis on responder safety throughout the training was both reassuring and empowering. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from such experienced instructors and to be better prepared for real-world rescue scenarios.”
“Our large animal emergency rescue program prioritizes the welfare and well-being of animals involved in incidents, while emphasizing the safety of those involved in rescue operations,” said Dr. Susan Raymond, facilitator of the Large Animal Emergency Rescue program at Equine Guelph. “We are over 10 years offering this important specialized training and we are committed to enhancing large animal rescue capabilities through education and practical training. We are fortunate to have an incredibly dedicated team.”
Special thanks were extended to Lead Trainer Victor MacPherson, Assistant Trainer Katherine Hoffman, and Dr. Chris Riley, Chair of Clinical Studies at the Ontario Veterinary College. Dr. Riley provided valuable insights into the veterinary role in emergency incidents and the importance of coordinated response efforts.
Equine Guelph would also like to thank Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS) for its foundational funding of the Large Animal Emergency Rescue program.
Eastward Bound: LAER Training Takes to the Coast
In August, the training team will head east, with upcoming sessions in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. The Nova Scotia session at Whinny Hill Equestrian Centre in Lunenburg on August 15 is already full, prompting the addition of a second session at the same venue on August 16, from 9 am to 4 pm. Registration is $150 and includes lunch and snacks. Many thanks to Acera Insurance for sponsoring this event. Space is limited to 30 participants aged 18 and older.
👉 Register for the August 16 session.
The team will then travel to Charlottetown, PEI, for a hands-on workshop at the Atlantic Veterinary College on August 19.
👉 Register for the August 19 session.
Meet the Instructors for the East Coast Training:
• Dr. Rebecca Husted, TLAER Inc. – A volunteer firefighter, Public Information Officer, and Fire Prevention Instructor for the City of Gray, GA, Dr. Husted is internationally recognized for her work in technical large animal rescue. She edited and authored the only textbook available to the fire service and veterinarians on this subject and contributes to several international committees, including PATH International and NFPA Standard 150, where she serves as technical chair and subject matter expert.
• Victor MacPherson – A seasoned instructor with over a decade of experience in large animal rescue training, Victor is a retired District Fire Chief from Adjala-Tosorontio Fire Department and currently serves as Acting Chief Mechanical Officer for Vaughan Fire. He is also a facilitator for Farm and Food Care Ontario and a retired Master Corporal with NATO service in Europe.
• Dr. Christopher Riley – A veterinarian and Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Dr. Riley brings a wealth of academic, clinical, and field experience. He has served as a volunteer firefighter in Australia and New Zealand and is currently Chair of Clinical Studies at the Ontario Veterinary College. He is widely published and actively involved in animal rescue and disaster response training.
When ‘Rusti’ and his entourage come back to Ontario they will be off to the races again for a training day at Grand River Raceway in Elora on October 17, 2025
👉 Space is limited. Register early!
Interested in hosting an event or learning more?
Participants must be a minimum of 18 years of age. First responders, pre-service, law enforcement, animal welfare officers, veterinarians, vet. technicians, emergency animal response teams, horse owners, livestock producers and associations are all encouraged to attain skills in large animal rescue. If you are interested in helping to build Equine Guelph’s Large Animal Emergency Rescue 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.
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
Photo Credits: Susan Raymond
Web Link(s):
Story weblink: https://thehorseportal.ca/2025/07/first-responders-in-bruce-county-receive-specialized-large-animal-rescue-training/
Nova Scotia training: https://thehorseportal.ca/course/large-animal-rescue-workshop-awareness-level-hands-on-nova-scotia/
PEI Training: https://thehorseportal.ca/course/large-animal-rescue-workshop-awareness-level-hands-on-pei/
Grand River Raceway Training, Elora ON: https://thehorseportal.ca/course/large-animal-rescue-workshop-awareness-level-hands-on-october-17-2025/
Equine Guelph Large Animal Emergency Rescue (LAER) training information: https://thehorseportal.ca/first-responders/
Email for LAER organizer, Susan Raymond: slraymon@uoguelph.ca
Source: Equine Guelph