ELORA – Equine Guelph’s Large Animal Emergency Rescue (LAER) training team made waves on the East Coast this summer with fully booked workshops in Nova Scotia and P.E.I.
And the next stop on the training tour is the Grand River Raceway in Elora on Oct. 17.
On Aug. 16 and 17 first responders, veterinarians, and horse owners gathered for a full day of hands-on training designed to prepare them for the unpredictable world of large animal emergencies.
The LAER team landed in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia on Aug. 16, where Whinny Hill Equestrian Centre hosted a full day of hands-on training led by Victor MacPherson of EBSP Rescue, Ontario Veterinary College chair of clinical studies Dr. Chris Riley and internationally recognized instructor Dr. Rebecca Husted of TLAER Inc.
Husted’s teaching style adapts to the unique challenges of each region.
Nova Scotia’s rural landscape and unpredictable weather offered a distinct learning environment.
In a previous visit in 2023, Husted saw firsthand how rural communities manage animal care during disasters – sometimes without power or running water.
Facilitator Heather Myrer from Equestrian Nova Scotia was instrumental in bringing the course to the province, Equine Guelph officials stated in a press release about the training.
“With over 4,000 members, the Equestrian Nova Scotia is taking a proactive approach to horse welfare in the face of increasingly extreme weather,” officials continued.
They are looking at partnering with firefighting organizations to expand access to large animal rescue training across Nova Scotia.
The success of these sessions has sparked interest in future offerings in Atlantic Canada and plans are underway to partner with firefighting organizations to expand access to rescue training across the province.
Participants learned essential techniques for safely handling and rescuing large animals in crisis.
“From emergency halter creation to cast horse rolls and trailer extractions, the days were packed with practical scenarios and teamwork drills,” officials stated.
The life-sized horse mannequin Rusti once again played the role of the patient (and very quiet) equine in distress, helping attendees master forward assists, sideways drags, and vertical lifts.
“The one-day workshop proved to be a powerful learning experience for all involved,” officials stated.
“Participants walked away with new skills, deeper understanding, and a greater sense of preparedness for real-life emergencies.
“The hands-on nature of the training, combined with expert instruction and realistic scenarios, left a lasting impression. One firefighter summed up the experience as ‘eye-opening.’”
A few days later, the LAER team was welcomed by the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown, P.E.I., for another two successful workshops.
Hosted on Aug. 18 and 19, these sessions brought together veterinary professionals and emergency responders from across the island.
“The P.E.I. workshop further demonstrated the growing demand for specialized large animal rescue training in Atlantic Canada,” officials stated.
Elora training
With Atlantic Canada energized and equipped, the LAER team now returns to Ontario for its next hands-on workshop at Grand River Raceway in Elora, thanks to program partner Grand River Agricultural Society.
Scheduled for Oct. 17, this full-day course runs from 8:30am to 4pm, with lunch and refreshments included.
Participants will once again work with Rusti and specialized rescue equipment in realistic scenarios, including trailer incidents, downed horse and rider situations, and safe lifting techniques.
“Whether you’re a first responder, veterinarian, animal welfare officer, or horse owner, this course offers critical skills that could make all the difference in a real-life emergency,” officials stated.
Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged. To register, visit thehorseportal.ca/course/large-animal-rescue-workshop-awareness-level-hands-on-october-17-2025/.
Anyone interested in helping to build Equine Guelph’s Large Animal Emergency Rescue program or offering this program in their area can contact Susan Raymond at slraymon@uoguelph.ca.
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.
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.
