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Story by: Jackie Bellamy

The merits of attending Ontario’s first Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue (TLAER) Operations program became abundantly clear, just two seasons later, for horse owner Karen Dallimore of Orton, ON. “When my horse Cody became cast, the education I received allowed me to think clearly, put a plan into place and get Cody back on his feet without endangering myself,” said Karen who had already stocked her barn with safety equipment after the intensive hands-on seminar.

She remembered the words of world renowned expert, Dr. Rebecca Gimenez, “I can’t stress enough the need for proper equipment to be worn by ALL when handling these large animals in emergency situations, including a helmet, gloves, reflective vest on roadways, etc. If you’re not equipped, then stay back.” Quickly, gathering up some ropes, a helmet and tools, Karen returned to the scene in her indoor arena where 1,300 pounds of Quarter horse lay cast against the kickboards. The emphasis of having a Plan A, B, C … came together without panic and the council of a “perfect rescue” being the one where the animal frees itself topped the list.

After strapping on a helmet, plan A became nailing a board to the smooth, sloped kickboard so the upside down 16’1 gelding could gain purchase. Cody remained calm but still could not find his way out of the dilemma. With help of her husband, Harry, Plan B became keeping a safe distance away from potentially dangerous hooves that were dangling in the air and extending their reach with barn tools to slip ropes around Cody in order to pull him out of the situation. The TLAER program took participants through the do's and don'ts of large animal rescue so Karen knew where she could and could not attach ropes for a safe rescue. Cody was successfully put back onto terra firma. Thanks to this and other past courses taken through Equine Guelph, Karen also knew to monitor Cody’s vitals and health after his incident and then thoroughly debrief the situation. “It’s in the details, when you can make a plan and work through it,” said Karen who was more than satisfied with how her training turned into action and a successful rescue at Cody’s time of need.

With Dr. Rebecca Gimenez, a world leader in large animal emergency rescue, a 2-day Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue awareness hands-on seminar will be offered Oct 3 – 4 at Grand River Raceway in Elora, Ontario. It is appropriate for a very broad audience - horse owners, first responders, law enforcement, animal control officers, veterinarians, vet. technicians, emergency animal response teams, livestock producers and associations.

Participants will be taken through the do's and don'ts of large animal rescue and guided through a variety of emergency simulations including plenty of hands on demonstrations.

Registration is limited and there is an early bird special $179 until July 15, 2015.

Support provided by Grand River Agricultural Society and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

For more information about this program feel free to contact Susan Raymond and also see article: Awareness Training for Large Animal Rescue – Always Expect the Unexpected for an overview of the first TLAER operations level program hosted in Ontario by Equine Guelph.