Horse mannequin LARry to the rescue

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Career

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CAREER

Barrier staff listening to Anthony Hatch from the NSW Fire and Rescue at the 2012 Large Animal Rescue workshop Perth Racecourse. 

Racing and Wagering WA (RWWA) in conjunction with the WA Horse Council will be conducting a Large Animal Rescue (LAR) workshop on Friday June 1, 2018 at the Brigadoon State Equestrian Centre.

The training is designed to ensure racing participants obtain the essential knowledge and skills necessary to deal with equine emergency situations that they may face at racetracks and showgrounds, as well as general paddock accidents.

RWWA Manager Racing Careers and Training Ron Fleming said all WA Racing Clubs, both Harness and Thoroughbred, had been invited to send their starters and barrier attendants to the training to better equip them for these emergency situations should they arise.

“Large Animal Rescue is recognised as one of the most dangerous activities to be engaged in, and so to protect our employees, participants and members of the public, specialised training and equipment is essential,” said Mr Fleming.

“A life-size horse mannequin called ‘LARry’ will be used to replicate extensive real life scenarios where participants will work with the rescue training horse mannequin in a variety of scenarios.”

The course will be delivered by Anton Phillips from the UK, a world leader in LAR training. Mr Phillips has spent many years studying animal psychology and physiology which has enabled the fire and rescue service to achieve safer working practices.

Mr Phillips is one of three Animal Rescue Advisers who previously worked for the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and has since specialised in LAR training.  

Having a strong agricultural and equine background, he became the catalyst to develop a specialist Animal Rescue Team in Hampshire.

RWWA Racing Industry Veterinarian Dr Judith Medd said rescuing horses from situations they may find themselves in can pose a risk to the health and welfare of the horse if not performed by experienced personnel using appropriate and safe techniques.

“This training will equip the participants with the skills they need to manage and protect the welfare of the animal being rescued,” said Dr Medd.

This is the second time RWWA has made this training available to the WA racing industry after the initial course was well received by the industry as well as members of the wider equine community through the WA Horse Council workshops.

ENDS

Media Contact:

Kate Bishop Corporate Communications Coordinator

Direct    (08) 9445 5201

Mobile  0436 372 834

Email: kate.bishop@rwwa.com.au