For Immediate Release: December 29, 2003
Contact: Mark A. Cole • (859) 543-8585, x208 • mcole@usrider.org

USRider Distributes 500 Copies of Large Animal Rescue Video

USRider has produced and widely distributed a video for the purpose of increasing awareness of the need for correct rescue training among emergency medical technicians, law enforcement officials, horse associations and other related groups.

This awareness campaign is succeeding. Since creating the video in the first quarter of 2003, USRider has distributed more than 500 free copies of the large-animal rescue video to numerous organizations and individuals across the nation. Videos have also been sent to Canada, Germany and Argentina.

“Initially, we thought we might send out 50 or maybe 100 copies," said Mark Cole, managing member for USRider, a member-based organization providing trailering assistance throughout North America with its Equestrian Motor Plan. "We offer our sincere appreciation to the numerous newsletters and publications that have assisted us in getting the word out about this worthwhile initiative."

Many animals end up being dragged, strangled, drowned or dropped during attempted rescues because many emergency responders do not have the proper training for rescuing large animals safely.

“Most emergency responders have extensive knowledge about rescuing humans but, due to no fault of their own, lack training in how to rescue large animals properly. When emergency responders are made aware of the need of large-animal rescue skills, most are very receptive. We just need to create awareness,” explained Cole.

The Large-Animal Rescue video covers theory and demonstrations on how to respond to overturned trailers; animals in holes, pools or open sewers; barn fires; trailer wrecks; and animals loose on the highway, trapped in various places or hurt on the trail. The video uses simulated situations to demonstrate how to tie up, pull, strap and lift large animals.

“We are extremely pleased by the quality of organizations that have requested the video thus far,” said Cole.

Those requesting the video include the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the American Horse Protection Association, horse councils, veterinarians, state departments of agriculture, animal welfare departments, humane societies, fire departments and EMTs, libraries, colleges, and riding clubs and associations.

“Several groups have gone above the call of duty by hosting viewings for emergency responders or by making copies and personally handing them out to emergency responders,” said Cole. “Others have taken the initiative to reach a wide audience by playing the video on local cable television.”

Many of those who have received the video have written back to tell us of the positive responses they have heard from local responders and to express their gratitude for being made aware of the issue of large-animal rescue preparation.

"While it is wonderful to get the word out to horse owners and enthusiasts, we must continue to mobilize those who view the video to bring this issue to the attention of local responders and ultimately get them trained and certified in large animal rescue," said Cole.

"A number of viewers have taken this extra step. Some have written to us about how they plan to broaden awareness of this issue,” explained Cole. “One simple idea was to take a horse to the local fire station to let responders simply become more acquainted with horses and to demonstrate proper handling techniques."

The video features Drs. Tomas and Rebecca Gimenez from Clemson University, nationally recognized experts in large-animal rescue training. They have been offering emergency rescue training courses around the country for over five years. Several hundred firefighters, police officers, sheriff’s deputies and animal control technicians along with organized volunteers have attended their two- and three-day workshops. Tomas and Rebecca Gimenez can be contacted via e-mail at tgmnz@clemson.edu or by telephone at (864) 656-5158.

The video was produced by Caren L. Hunter of Sylvan Inc., a television productions and commercial advertising firm. Hunter has served as a producer for television commercials, sales and marketing videos, industrial videos, half hour format national television programs and live broadcast sports television. Hunter’s equine-related productions include Kilkenny Internationale Cup Grand Prix, Zada Enterprises Masters Cup Grand Prix, Cosequin U.S. Open Jumper Championship, USET Festival of Champions and USET Show Jumping Championship. Caren Hunter can be contacted via e-mail at chunter10@aol.com or by telephone at Sylvan Productions at (561) 758-6888.

“At USRider, we are truly pleased and fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such a high level of professionals in this endeavor,” said Cole. “We are hopeful this video will benefit the welfare and safety of horses and other large animals everywhere. It has been widely distributed, but we want to get this into the hands of as many emergency responders as possible. It is still available and we encourage interested organizations to request a copy,” said Cole.

To receive a free copy of the video, send a written request on letterhead to Attn: Large Animal Rescue Video, USRider Equestrian Motor Plan, P.O. Box 54711, Lexington, KY 40555. The request should indicate when the video will be viewed and the approximate number of people who will view it.

Funding for the creation and distribution of this video has been provided by the USRider Leg-Up Annual Giving Fund. This fund was created to enhance awareness of emergency equine response issues and to offer financial assistance to qualified, worthy organizations that provide emergency equine response. USRider donates a portion of its profits to create the Leg-Up Fund. For information about the USRider Leg-Up Annual Giving Fund or the USRider Equestrian Motor Plan’s nationwide trailering assistance program, please call 1-800-844-1409 or visit www.usrider.org.

NOTE: High-resolution images for this press release are available to download at the following link:

http://www.lexingtongraphics.com/usrider/disablement_art/

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