Save Your Horse! A Horse Owner's Guide to Large Animal Rescue

Save Your Horse! A Horse Owner’s Guide to Large Animal Rescue (LAR) offers a step by step approach to safely and efficiently remove a large animal (particularly a horse) from basic natural or mechanical entrapment using lifts or drags. In other words, whether your trailer overturns with your horse trapped inside, or your horse has fallen into a ravine or off a cliff, this book shows how to rescue him while minimalizing additional injury to either horse or rescuers.

“Save Your Horse!” is designed to be used as a resource for emergency responders who do not understand horses and are unfamiliar with LAR training, and it complements existing training and text books in LAR. The format of the book is simple and efficient. Incidents are sectioned into type: an overturned trailer; a vertical lift; and a diagonal lift or drag. Each section is fully self-contained and gives specific information on how to use ropes and straps to get the job done safely. Other sections of interest to responders include explaining the responders’ role in LAR, basic horse behavior and handling, and responding to livestock transport incidents.

This easy to understand book also contains important information for horse owners about three major areas of concern: safe trailering, how to call for help, and barn fire safety.

Useful in both classroom and field, this book offers something for everyone interested in removing a large animal from entrapment. The type is large, making it easier to read in low light conditions, and there is room throughout for adding your own notes.

Being the first of its type offered in the field of LAR, the first edition of this book (October 2006) quickly became a response classic, especially in areas where training was not available. With copies in North America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, this simple book is popular with horse owners and professionals alike. Now in its 5th edition, “Save Your Horse!” is fully updated with current technologies; packed with photos and drawings; and has an expanded resource section listing trainers from around the world and equipment -- both commercially made and directions for making your own. As in previous editions, the experts in this field have generously contributed their knowledge. From the beginning, the book has been critiqued by the most knowledgeable and experienced people in the fields of LAR and emergency response.

While it’s true you can learn basic methodology from reading a book, it’s also true that “a little knowledge can be dangerous” and there is much more involved in the actual emergency field practice of this specialized work. While the safest methods for rescue are presented, there is no guarantee that all will go well and no one will get hurt, and there is no “right way” that works for every situation. When working with a horse who is entangled in a dangerous situation always prepare for unexpected mishaps and, as all responders are trained to do, work with a buddy.

And finally, according to experts, the most critical safety issue at the scene of a large animal incident is the responders’ lack of knowledge of and experience around large animals, so consider donating a copy to your fire department and animal control. This simple act could save your horse’s life.