Recumbent Transport and Other Rescue Techniques (AAEP 2004)

Whether it be a geriatric horse with West Nile virus, a malnourished mare, or a multi-million dollar stallion that is down, recumbent transport can be a useful and safe way to move the horse if performed properly. A rescue glide made of recycled plastic can get the animal onto a trailer or ambulance, and the most difficult part of its use is getting the horse on the glide.
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"We need to learn to prioritize our rescue techniques," said Rebecca Gimenez, PhD, professor at Anderson College in South Carolina, in her presentation on equine rescue techniques at the 50th annual American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention in Denver, Colo., Dec. 4-8, 2004. "We need something that is technologically simple, low-risk, efficient, and the safest for victim and rescuer." She gave an example of cutting a path to a horse trapped on a trail in the mountains after a fall rather than air-lifting it, which should be the last resort. When these last-resort situations happen, you need to be prepared to handle them; she described two techniques that should be practiced and employed in certain rescue situations.

Recumbent Transport

Whether it be a geriatric horse with West Nile virus, a malnourished mare, or a multi-million dollar stallion that is down, recumbent transport can be a useful and safe way to move the horse if performed properly. A rescue glide made of recycled plastic can get the animal onto a trailer or ambulance, and the most difficult part of its use is getting the horse on the glide.

Gimenez explained the process: "You can use a piece of web and 'floss' it around the horse, then drag the animal on. Alternately, you could roll the horse onto the glide. Obviously, this is going to require sedation. We're going to cover the head, protect it, and we don't want that animal to get up and try to hurt someone," she added. She uses truckers' ratchet straps with fleece covers to protect the skin when tying the horse to the glide. She uses specific tying techniques that she and her husband Tomas Gimenez, DVM, PhD, professor of animal and veterinary sciences at Clemson University, teach in their nationwide clinics for emergency first-response personnel, veterinarians, and others

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Written by:

Stephanie L. Church, Editorial Director, grew up riding and caring for her family’s horses in Central Virginia and received a B.A. in journalism and equestrian studies from Averett University. She joined The Horse in 1999 and has led the editorial team since 2010. A 4-H and Pony Club graduate, she enjoys dressage, eventing, and trail riding with her former graded-stakes-winning Thoroughbred gelding, It Happened Again (“Happy”). Stephanie and Happy are based in Lexington, Kentucky.

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