A sweltering and successful rescue

A well known bachelor stallion named Lance, who lived in the range hills above Southeast Reno, made his way into the neighborhoods and to a new construction area. This previous empty field had been graded and ready for dust mitigation in preparation for building. Several community members called the Wild Horse Hotline concerned for Lance’s welfare. Several attempts were made by volunteers to get him back to the gates that would take him back to the range, but he would have none of it. It quickly became apparent that there was more going on. This particular horse has a history of hip and face injury, and now he was walking very painfully and favoring a front foot. The developer talked with range manager, Corenna Vance, and granted permission for the rescue to take place on the property. Although as an observer, it can feel like it takes a long time for response to happen, proper protocols have to be followed. A catch corral was set up on a Wednesday night and baited with hay and water. However, a community member not realizing the operation in place set out a bucket of water and the horse did not enter the corral. The Technical Large Animal Rescue (TLAR) team was called in the next day. For a horse that could not walk well, Lance could still move when too much pressure was applied to direct him, and he bolted past the corral several times. He was very reactive to pressure. The team set up vehicles and construction netting to form a “funnel” and finally, with just the right number of bodies and low energy, moved him into the funnel and into the corral. They were then able to set up a loading chute and get him into the trailer for transport. It was a hot day in the mid-90’s, but the team succeeded. He was transported to the home ranch of an LRTC member who lives on the range where he will get a veterinary check and evaluation.

Goliath Goes to Uc Davis!

Remember Goliath? This big boy is still receiving care from the Least Resistance Training Concepts team. On June 11th he made a trip to UC Davis Veterinary Hospital for an evaluation.

As we have been told, and have suspected, Goliath has a couple of layers of issues affecting him and his development. One is that his legs are still contracted. He has moderate contracture in his front limbs and mild contracture in his hind legs.Two is that he has a neurological problem stemming from his lower neck that causes weakness and decreased proprioception in the front limbs.

The good news is that the x-rays showed no bony or structural abnormalities. The only way to view the soft tissue is through MRI. For Goliath the MRI carries a very real risk because his scores indicate he is at an increased risk of not recovering from anesthesia. In addition, due to his size, he might be too big for their machine.

After much discussion, question asking, etc., it was decided to take Goliath home and try an intensive course of therapy, meds, and care to attempt to reduce the inflammation in his neck, while continuing to stretch his legs.

We have much more insight as to the source of the worst issues right now and can adjust what we have been doing to address those directly. He has already started somatic education (a neurological/muscle therapy), light/laser therapy, supplements, and daily exercises. #GoGoliathGo.

Be sure to follow Raising Goliath-WHC Range Management Facebook page to keep up with this cutie!

Exciting News At Least Resistance Training Concepts!

LRTC added a vehicle to its rescue fleet! It is an International Navistar/Frontline ambulance, originally Sacramento Metro's Multi Casualty Support Unit, then converted to a water rescue unit for the River Delta Fire District, now provided to LRTC as an Incident Support Unit ("ISU-1") for complex Technical Large Animal Rescue (TLAR) calls, highway incidents and evacuations.

The new rig has loads of cabinets so they’ll be able to carry a diverse inventory of supplies and equipment. As it was originally designed as a mass casualty unit, there is plenty of environmentally controlled interior space for people and also to transport downed foals. Initial intended uses are:

Critical foal care and transport
Water rescue
Highway incident safety
General support for complex incidents
Rehab shelter during excessive heat and cold
Food and hydration for extended events
Staging area management (for evacuations)
Inventory of extra equipment and supplies

This unit will support the first out rescue and technical units. As one of the busiest TLAR groups in the country, the team is excited to see ISU-1 in action supporting their calls.

There are still several items to acquire or complete such as placing MUTCD traffic safety equipment in service, acquiring a small generator, completion of a flexible "Foal Carry-all," some additional rope rescue equipment, additional communications gear, servicing the AC units, acquiring a spare tire and changing over the remaining red warning lamps. (The red warning equipment is being converted to amber as replacement lenses are located as this will be a support vehicle, not an emergency vehicle.)

Acquiring ISU-1 was made possible with very generous financial donations from partners: American Wild Horse Campaign, the Virginia Range Mustangs License Plate, and individual donors, and collaboration and support from Wild Horse Connection. A big THANK YOU goes out to them. Partnership and Teamwork is what makes the care of our Virginia Range horses possible