New training mannequin expands hands on emergency rescue education
Emergency responders who work with horses and livestock often face unique challenges. Large animals can be difficult to manage during accidents, natural disasters, or other emergency situations. To help improve safety and rescue outcomes, Equine Guelph has strengthened its Large Animal Emergency Rescue (LAER) program with the addition of a second life-size horse mannequin.
For more than a decade, the program has trained firefighters, police officers, veterinarians, and emergency responders in specialized rescue techniques. The original mannequin has played an important role in hands-on education since the program launched in 2014. The addition of a second training horse now allows more participants to practice rescue exercises at the same time.
The expanded training resources recently supported workshops held in Ontario. Participants were able to work through multiple rescue scenarios simultaneously, increasing practice opportunities and improving learning outcomes. The extra hands-on experience helped build confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills among trainees.
Large animal rescue incidents can be complex and dangerous. Horses and other livestock may become trapped in mud, fences, trailers, ditches, or beneath equipment. These animals can weigh more than 1,000 pounds, creating risks for both the animal and the rescue team. Proper training helps responders handle emergencies safely and effectively.
During training sessions, participants practiced a variety of rescue techniques. These included assisted movements, vertical lifts, trailer incident response, mud rescues, fence extractions, and methods for helping animals regain safe footing. Responders also learned how everyday emergency equipment can be adapted for large animal rescue situations.
"Knowledge exchange is essential to advancing veterinary care and improving outcomes for both animals and the people who care for them. By bringing together veterinary experts, first responders and community partners for practical, hands-on training, we can share knowledge, strengthen emergency preparedness and help ensure large animal incidents are managed as safely and effectively as possible," said Tracy Jones, CEO of King Animal Hospital.
One of the key advantages of the program is its focus on practical experience. Trainees are encouraged to work through realistic emergency scenarios that require communication, coordination, and safe handling procedures. These exercises help prepare responders for real-world incidents where quick decisions can make a major difference.
“Starting the weekend working with the horses gave us a real, tangible feel for the animals we'd be dealing with, and a lot of respect for them. From there, two full days of hands-on work showed us that every situation is different, not just because of the animal, but because of the team of responders too,” said Nicola Kidd, Volunteer Firefighter, Rosemont District Fire Department.
She added, “Rotating through the different roles helped us understand what each one involves and the perspective it brings. The weekend was incredibly well organized. The scenarios felt realistic, and it was a safe, supportive place to learn. I'd recommend this course to any rural department.”
Some workshops also included opportunities to work directly with live horses. Participants learned animal behavior, body language, safe handling methods, and techniques for leading and controlling horses during stressful situations. Combining live animal interaction with mannequin-based exercises provided a more complete learning experience.
The training program also highlights the importance of collaboration among emergency services, veterinary professionals, and animal owners. Successful rescues often depend on teamwork and a clear understanding of each participant's role.
Program organizers say the addition of the second mannequin has significantly increased training efficiency. Multiple stations can now operate at once, giving participants more time to practice and refine their rescue skills. This improvement benefits new responders as well as experienced professionals seeking advanced training.
"In today's society, responding to incidents involving animals is both an expectation and an acknowledgement that such incidents will likely involve people putting themselves and others at risk. All large animal incidents, regardless of cause or scope, present a risk of injury to responders," said Dr. Susan Raymond, Program Coordinator for Large Animal Emergency Rescue at Equine Guelph.
She added, "Through proper training of best practices and the use of specialized rescue equipment we significantly mitigate these risks and improve the odds of a favorable outcome for both animals and responders."
Educational partners, emergency organizations, veterinary teams, and community supporters have played an important role in the ongoing success of the program. Their contributions help ensure responders have access to modern training tools and up-to-date rescue techniques.
Looking ahead, Equine Guelph is continuing to offer workshops for firefighters, veterinarians, livestock owners, horse owners, and emergency personnel. Future training sessions will focus on safety principles, rescue equipment, animal movement techniques, and scenario-based learning exercises.
As large animal emergencies continue to occur across rural and agricultural communities, specialized training remains an important tool for protecting both animals and people. The expanded LAER program demonstrates how education, preparation, and practical experience can improve emergency response and contribute to safer outcomes for everyone involved.
Photo Caption: Equine Guelph's two life-size horse mannequins, Rusti (light bay) and the program's newest dark bay recruit, are pictured with instructors and workshop participants at King Animal Hospital on September 19, 2026.
Photo Credits: Susan Raymond