Equine Guelph delivers focused LAER workshops at the University of Guelph and Woodbine Racetrack

Guelph / Toronto, ON — March 2026 — Equine Guelph continues to provide important Large Animal Emergency Rescue (LAER) training for first responders, veterinarians, and animal professionals across Ontario. Two targeted training workshops held in March underscored the essential role veterinarians play as part of the large animal emergency response team, working alongside fire services and other agencies in complex emergency situations.

On March 6, 2026, fourth‑year veterinary students at the University of Guelph participated in a LAER awareness‑level training, as part of a fourth-year elective on public service veterinary medicine, designed to prepare future veterinarians for real‑world emergency situations. Veterinarians may be called to emergency scenes involving injured, trapped, or distressed animals and must be prepared to work within an Incident Command System alongside fire services and other responding agencies, while prioritizing both human safety and animal welfare.

The course focused on scene safety, animal behaviour and anatomy, head control and working zones, emergency haltering, assisted movement techniques, trailer rescue scenarios, and veterinary‑specific considerations including triage and response decision‑making. Through hands‑on demonstrations and scenarios, students gained practical experience supporting emergency operations in complex and unpredictable conditions.

The University of Guelph training was led by Riley McGilloway of Halton Hills Fire Department, with veterinary instruction from Dr. Chris Riley, along with assistant instructor Katherine Hoffman. Sean Marak of Centre Wellington Fire Department, participating as a trainee instructor, provided additional support during the course.

Marak provided his view on the vet student training day, “Large Animal Emergency Rescue training is important for both current and future veterinarians, giving them the knowledge and confidence to contribute safely and effectively at an emergency scene. When a large animal is trapped or injured, veterinarians who are possibly first on scene may find themselves working close with fire services and other responders under stressful conditions. Understanding scene safety, communication, Incident Command System and rescue skills gained from the course ensures that animal welfare can be addressed without compromising human safety.”

Equine Guelph extends sincere thanks to System Equine for the generous use of a horse trailer, which allowed students to practice realistic trailer rescue scenarios commonly encountered in emergency responses.

A second LAER training workshop took place on March 12, 2026, hosted at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. This workshop was delivered exclusively for AGCO‑licensed racetrack veterinarians, recognizing the specialized risks and responsibilities associated with emergency response in racing environments.

The Woodbine training was led by Victor MacPherson as Lead Trainer, with veterinary instruction once again provided by Dr. Chris Riley. Assistant trainers included Katherine Hoffman and Troy Moffatt, with Moffatt bringing dual expertise as both an AGCO Inspector and a Southwest Oxford (SWOX) Fire Fighter and Fire Instructor.

Both courses were facilitated by Dr. Susan Raymond, Program Coordinator for the Large Animal Emergency Rescue program at Equine Guelph.

The racetrack‑focused training addressed scenarios such as emergencies involving loading a horse into an ambulance with specialized equipment and response challenges during active racing operations. Scenario‑based exercises highlighted the vital role racetrack veterinarians play in emergency preparedness, rapid assessment, and coordinated response with on‑site personnel and emergency services.

“This introduction to large animal rescue was eye opening. It helped me visualize the dynamics of the process. By following an organized plan it is possible to convert panic into productive action,” said Judith Pottins, Veterinarian and horse owner from North York. “Having a team, a plan and some fairly simple tools one can reduce losses significantly and obtain a positive outcome.  Thank you.”

Equine Guelph extends appreciation to Woodbine Racetrack, noting that both the venue and staff provided excellent support for the training. Thanks are also extended to Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS), a longstanding program partner whose support continues to strengthen large animal emergency preparedness initiatives like this one.

Together, these March workshops demonstrate how Equine Guelph’s Large Animal Emergency Rescue program delivers targeted training to specific audiences while remaining rooted in a cooperative approach to emergency response.

More LAER Training Ahead

Equine Guelph continues to provide Large Animal Emergency Rescue training opportunities for first responders, veterinarians, and animal professionals across Ontario. An upcoming LAER Awareness‑Level Workshop will take place on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Restoration Ranch in Port Perry. The workshop is nearing capacity and will offer hands‑on, scenario‑based training emphasizing safety, teamwork, and effective response to large animal emergencies.

Registration available soon: LAER Awareness Level Workshop, May 27 in Ancaster, ON.

These hands‑on workshops will cover key safety principles, assisted movement techniques, rescue tools, and scenario‑based exercises for responding to large animal emergencies.  Hands‑on course registrants will also receive free access to the new Large Animal Emergency Rescue (LAER) online offering proudly offered with the Grand River Agricultural Society as a program partner.   

“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.”

For inquiries about LAER training or hosting a workshop, please contact:
Susan Raymond
[email protected]
Program Coordinator, Large Animal Emergency Rescue
Equine Guelph