On Friday, October 18th, first responders in Essex County received specialized training in emergency procedures to extricate large animals from tricky situations.  This training was hosted by Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) & The County of Essex Emergency Measures Department and facilitated by Equine Guelph, at the University of Guelph.

This training comes at a critical time when the role of first responders extends beyond just people-related emergencies. The ability to manage situations involving large animals can make the difference in ensuring community safety and animal welfare.

“Our organization was happy to support the training of first responders in our region to engage safely and effectively with large animal rescues,” said Becky Mills, Executive Director of Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association. “We appreciate the work that goes into the planning and facilitation of this type of event and we are so appreciative of the opportunity to learn. WETRA would not hesitate to work with this fantastic group of professionals should a future opportunity arise, as this benefits so many of us in the agricultural sector and our community as a whole.”

30 participants from fire departments, EMS, police services and veterinarians gathered to learn how to work together as a team within the Incident Command System.  They practiced hands-on safe handling techniques for large animals in distress including situations such as vehicle accidents, barn fires and natural disasters.  The group practiced using specialized equipment for large animal rescue operations such as extricating a horse stuck in the mud or trapped in an overturned trailer. 

Many simulations employed a life sized horse mannequin named “Rusti” who was always finding himself in trouble.  Each new scene challenged responders to first consider how both human and animal lives may be at risk before executing their plan.

“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,” says Equine Guelph, Large Animal Emergency Rescue program facilitator, Dr. Susan Raymond.  “This is our 10th year 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”

A huge thank you goes out to the Lead Trainers – Victor MacPherson, assistant trainer Katherine Hoffman and Dr. Chris Riley, Chair of the Department of Clinical Studies at the Ontario Veterinary College.  Riley, was on hand to discuss veterinary roles in animal incidents and the importance of all responders working together and being familiar with their roles ahead of an emergency.

Many thanks to CBC for TV coverage of this event, What does a firefighter need to know about horses?  These first responders found out.

Dan Metcalfe, Emergency Measures Coordinator for Essex Windsor EMS expressed his appreciation for the exceptional day of training, “I would like to express thanks to Equine Guelph, their instructors, and the University of Guelph for bringing the Large Animal Emergency Rescue Awareness Course to First Responders in Essex County, along with Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association for hosting the course at their beautiful facility and all the volunteers who made it possible.  We are looking forward to having more courses from Equine Guelph here in the County of Essex in the near future!”

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.

WETRA (Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association) has been at the forefront of equine assisted therapies and is committed to community safety and animal well-being. This collaboration with the County of Essex Emergency Services along with Equine Guelph, University of Guelph, a leader in veterinary education, ensures that attendees will receive top tier instruction and guidance at their world class facility located in Essex.

About WETRA: Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) provides equine assisted therapy and services to individuals with diverse needs, offering both physical and emotional support. WETRA is dedicated to improving lives through equine related services and activities, and now through this initiative, aims to promote safety in large animal emergencies.

About Equine Guelph:  Equine Guelph is the Centre at the University of Guelph (not-for-profit) serving the horse and its industry through education, research, healthcare promotion and industry development.