Large Animal Emergency Response Course

When an emergency strikes, knowing how to safely and effectively respond can make all the difference for humans and large animals like horses. AAHC, GIHP, and TLAER’s  Large Animal Emergency Response Course is an awareness level course designed to equip horse and livestock owners, equine and industry professionals, and first responders with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to handle critical incidents involving horses and livestock, from trailer accidents to barn fires.

Our course covers a wide range of topics, including: Vehicle accidents involving livestock trailers, barn fires (including a round bale hay fire practice), livestock down, stuck in mud/ponds, etc., loose animals in roadways, euthanasia in the field

Who Should Attend?

This course is essential for horse owners, barn managers, veterinarians, farriers, rescue teams, and anyone responsible for equine welfare or emergency response. Whether you’re protecting animals on your farm or responding to crises in the field, this training provides the practical skills and knowledge needed to handle equine emergencies safely and effectively.

When a horse-related emergency occurs—whether it’s a trailer accident, barn fire, natural disaster, or roadside incident—first responders are often the first on the scene, facing unique challenges in managing large, unpredictable animals under extreme stress.

This specialized training equips:

• Firefighters – Handling barn fires, trailer wrecks, and large animal extractions. (CE credit available depending on your county)
• Law Enforcement – Responding to loose horse incidents, road hazards, and public safety concerns. (POST credit approved)
• Animal Control Officers – Safely containing and assisting horses in crisis situations.
• Equine Facility Managers & Large Animal Owners – Preparing for disasters and improving emergency readiness.
• Veterinarians & Equine Care Professionals – Providing medical support in high-pressure rescue situations. ( GVMA CE approved)

By attending this course, participants will gain critical skills in equine handling, emergency response techniques, and tactical rescue strategies, ensuring safer outcomes for 2-legged and 4-legged.

Why This Training is Critical:

In emergency situations, large animals can be highly unpredictable, posing risks to themselves, first responders, their owners, and – sometimes – the public. Standard rescue techniques aren’t enough – Traditional human rescue strategies don’t always work for large animals. Specialized equipment and handling methods are needed to improve outcomes for both 2 and 4 – legged. Prevention saves lives – Learning safe containment, evacuation procedures, and proper restraint methods prevents injuries and fatalities.

What Will First Responders Learn?

🚨 Equine Behavior in Crisis – Understanding how horses react to stress, pain, and fear in emergency situations so responders can approach safely. 🚔 Police & Roadside Response Protocols – Handling loose horses on highways, securing accident scenes, and ensuring public safety when equines are involved. 🔥 Firefighter Rescue Strategies – Safe extrication techniques for horses trapped in barn fires, trailer wrecks, or confined spaces. 🦺 Animal Control & Containment Methods – Best practices for securing frightened or injured horses, including safe restraint techniques. 🚑 EMS & Human-Equine Emergency Coordination – Managing human injuries caused by equine accidents while ensuring horse safety. 🔗 Technical Large Animal Rescue (TLAER) Techniques – Proper lifting, extraction, and harnessing methods using specialized equipment. 🌪️ Natural Disaster Evacuation & Livestock Safety – Protocols for flood, wildfire, hurricane, and emergency barn evacuations. 🚦 Scene Management & Risk Prevention – Strategies for avoiding injury to responders, ensuring horse owner cooperation, and maintaining control in chaotic situations. 📊 Real-World Case Studies & Tactical Simulations – Reviewing previous equine emergencies to refine response strategies. 🤝 Cross-Agency Communication – Working alongside veterinarians, horse owners, and emergency teams for seamless crisis management.

What Horse Owners will Learn:

🐴 Recognizing Equine Emergency Signals – Understanding how horses exhibit pain, distress, and shock in emergencies, so you can act fast. 🚨 Creating an Equine Emergency Plan – Developing a step-by-step plan for fire, flood, hurricanes, barn collapses, and other crises. 🛠 Safe Handling During Emergencies – How to catch, calm, and move a panicked horse safely to prevent injury to both humans and animals. 🦺 Trailer Safety & Accident Response – What to do in wrecks, rollovers, and roadside emergencies—whether it’s your own trailer or another you come across. 💉 Basic First Aid & Triage – Administering immediate care for wounds, fractures, colic, and exhaustion before a vet arrives. 🚦 How to Work with First Responders – Communicating effectively with firefighters, police, and search & rescue teams when horses are involved in accidents. 🔥 Fire Prevention for Barns & Stables – Essential fireproofing strategies, evacuation techniques, and emergency drills every horse owner should know. 🏡 Livestock & Farm Emergency Management – Expanding response skills beyond horses to include cattle, goats, and other large animals. 📋 Essential Emergency Supplies Checklist – The must-have items every barn and trailer should be stocked with before disaster strikes. 📑 Legal & Liability Considerations – Understanding your responsibilities and rights when responding to accidents involving horses.

What Will Veterinarians Learn?

🩺 Emergency Triage & Stabilization – Assessing injured horses in crisis situations, determining when immediate intervention is necessary, and coordinating with owners and first responders. 🔗 Technical Large Animal Rescue (TLAER) Techniques – Safe lifting, extraction, and restraint methods to assist in trailer accidents, barn fires, and disaster evacuations. 💉 Administering Emergency Care in Field Conditions – Managing wounds, fractures, dehydration, and stress-related injuries in unpredictable environments. 🛠 Working with First Responders – Understanding firefighter, police, and EMS scene management & protocols to create seamless collaboration in equine emergencies. 🚦 Scene Safety & Risk Management – Mitigating risks for both responders and equines, ensuring safe handling in high-stress situations. 📑 Legal & Ethical Considerations – Understanding liability and decision-making in equine rescue efforts.  📊 Case Studies & Real-World Scenarios – Reviewing past emergency cases to refine response strategies for future crises. 🤝 Communication with Owners & Rescuers – Facilitating clear, effective communication in emergencies to ensure the best possible outcomes for the horse.

Registration Details:

Questions? Contact: Ryan Hitchcock 

Fee for 2 day course (lunch included): $185
AAHC Members fee for 2 day course (lunch included): $155

Scholarships available for first responders working in Georgia. Application and pre-approval required. More information HERE.

Sign Up Here: Equip yourself with the knowledge, confidence, and tactical expertise to respond effectively when horses are involved in emergencies. Sign up today and be prepared to save lives—human and equine alike.