The training emphasized the importance of teamwork within the Incident Command System and featured hands-on scenarios using a life-sized horse mannequin named ‘Rusti.’
Guelph, ON Oct 17, 2025 - Firefighters, emergency managers, veterinary professionals, and community stakeholders from across southwestern Ontario gathered at Grand River Raceway in Elora for a specialized Large Animal Emergency Rescue course, from Equine Guelph. Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS) provided foundational funding for the program back in 2014 and was proud to support the full-to-capacity one day hands-on workshop on October 17,2025. The course emphasized safe and effective techniques for rescuing large animals from emergency situations such as trailer accidents, riding mishaps, weather related emergencies, and incidents involving terrain and hazards. Participants engaged in highly technical, scenario-based, simulated rescues requiring collaborative problem-solving.
“Living in Centre Wellington, with major highways running through the area, we face the potential for farm-related emergencies,” said Sean Marak, firefighter with Centre Wellington Fire. “This training strengthens our regional capacity to respond to complex incidents involving large animals. It’s a testament to the dedication of our first responders and there was great value gained from cross-sector collaboration.”
Large Animal Emergency Rescue participants at Oct 17, 2025 workshop. Photo Credit: Susan Raymond
Fire Departments in attendance included: Centre Wellington, Grand Valley & District, North Perth, Scugog, Milton, Guelph/Eramosa, and Woolwich, with representation from stations in Breslau, Floradale, Connestogo, Maryhill, St. Jacobs, and Elmira.
In one of the day’s most dynamic scenarios, Course Lead Trainer, Victor MacPherson guided participants through a trailer rescue simulation involving a downed horse. Using wide webbing and a rescue glide, the team worked together to safely extract ‘Rusti,’ the horse mannequin, from the confined space. This coordinated effort showcased the importance of planning, communication, and improvisation in high-pressure situations. Watch the clip below to see the team in action.
The training emphasized the importance of teamwork within the Incident Command System and featured hands-on scenarios using a life-sized horse mannequin named ‘Rusti.’ From cast horses to trailer rollovers, each exercise demanded careful planning, adaptability, and strong collaboration. Participants were highly engaged—asking insightful questions and showing genuine enthusiasm to learn. The group worked exceptionally well together, demonstrating excellent teamwork throughout the day. The training team delivered valuable information with professionalism and made the experience both educational and enjoyable for everyone involved. Each scenario highlighted the complexity and unpredictability of large animal emergencies, reinforcing the need for specialized preparation.
Simulation of a large animal emergency rescue drag technique. Photo credit: Monica Laane-Fralick
Participants engaged in a series of technical drag exercises designed to simulate real-world large animal rescue scenarios. After stabilizing ‘Rusti,’ the life-sized horse mannequin, with wide webbing straps and ensuring head and limb protection, teams practiced forward drags using simple loops and Swiss seat setups, as well as the lark’s foot method. Rear assists, backward drags, and sideways movements were also covered, with techniques such as the Hampshire slip used to control direction and minimize risk. In one scenario, firefighters improvised by using fire hoses in place of webbing—demonstrating adaptability and resourcefulness in the field.
Assistant instructors Katherine Hoffman, Troy Moffat, Robert Nagle, and Bev Sheremeto played a key role in facilitating the exercises, guiding participants through proper webbing placement and maneuvering techniques. Each scenario required anchoring ropes, managing tension, and coordinating efforts to move Rusti safely using teamwork in high-stakes situations.
Additional training components included a walk-through of a livestock hauler generously provided by John Sharpe, allowing participants to familiarize themselves with trailer layouts and consider how they might apply to potential rescue situations.
Photo by Monica Laane-Fralick
Special thanks to Lead Trainer Victor MacPherson for his expert guidance throughout the workshop, and to Dr. Chris Riley, Chair of Clinical Studies at the Ontario Veterinary College, who offered valuable insights into the veterinary role during emergency incidents and emphasized the importance of a coordinated response.
Equine Guelph extends its appreciation to the Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS) for its ongoing commitment to advancing large animal emergency preparedness. Their continued support has been instrumental in sustaining and expanding this vital training initiative. Equine Guelph also thanks The GrandWay Events Centre for partnering on this training course.
“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.”
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, Equine Guelph
Web Link(s):
Story Link: https://thehorseportal.ca/2025/10/equine-emergency-rescue-at-the-races
Video of Trailer Rescue short on You Tube: https://youtube.com/shorts/eS9iu4FxgAs
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