November Happy Tails Rescue
Wild Stallion Caught In Fence
In early November, a stallion was found caught in a wire fence. He was trying to free himself, and subsequently creating more tension in the wires. Least Resistance Training Concepts (LRTC) volunteers Tracy Wilson and Kevin McCoy arrived on the scene and jumped into action. Kevin went to try and cut the wires, but the stallion started struggling more. Kevin backed off to let the horse settle. Once the stallion calmed down, Kevin went to back to work. Once he managed to cut a wire that was causing a lot of tension, the stallion understood the two humans were trying to help and he settled in. Tracy watched the stallion’s behavior and kept the working area clear and calm in order to keep Kevin safe while he was near the feet of a wild stallion. This was a great example of fantastic teamwork between Tracy and Kevin and how necessary it is to be very calm and patient when dealing with wild animals. Once the stallion was freed, he walked off sound with very few scratches and no apparent damage to any ligaments or tendons. He walked off, stopped and yawned a few times, an obvious release of tension and then went on his way! A very happy ending, thanks to both Tracy and Kevin! Watch the video here.
Kevin McCoy cutting the stallion loose.
The stallion, freed, took a moment to get his bearings before heading on his way.
Technical Large Animal Rescue Training
Back in late October, Least Resistance Training Concepts (LRTC) planned a two day training for more extreme rope rescue systems with response partners Central Lyon County Fire District and Lyon County Sheriff Search and Rescue. Kerry Tuckett from Rocky Canyon Rescue was the lead instructor taking the crews through some training scenarios over two days. Safety, skills, and working on the same page with responding agencies was the focus of the weekend. This was a great way to work on interagency training and do some team building! To read more details, see photos of the trainings and watch an awesome video of volunteer Maureen Daane rappel down a building for the first time, click below:
Practicing one of the various situations taught during the two day course
A Very Thankful Rescue
On Thanksgiving morning, Wild Horse Connection (WHC) was called to help a 10- month-old colt named Caesar. When WHC volunteers arrived on scene, they noticed the colt had puncture marks on both sides of his neck, possibly from a dog. The first plan was to reunite him with his band and monitor his condition on the range, since the team could see the band grazing in the distance. But Caesar had other plans. After searching the database to identify the colt, they discovered that his mom passed away on the 25th. Now they understood why he didn’t want to be reunited with his band; he was being kicked out and had no protection from the attack. After this discovery, it was clear the best solution was to remove and treat him. WHC called out Least Resistance Training Concepts to help with the transportation and called LBL Equine Rescue, which contacted the vet and got antibiotics and painkillers ready. Rescue is always a costly, but a necessary part of range management. To help the continued vet care for Caesar, you can donate to WHC here.