Rescuing the 4th Ward School horse

This call, which was not unusual, illustrates why we have standard procedures and why responders from various groups who turn out together to calls need to operate from the same training background and procedures. There are usually several operations going on at the same time that need to be in synch in order to be effective and safe. This incident involved a young range stallion with a significantly injured hind leg found next to the Fourth Ward School in VC. That means he was just a few yards off SR-341. Our objective was to remove him for veterinary care without exacerbating his injuries. Our strategy was to load him on the street below, so we needed to prevent him from spooking and moving uphill into traffic. Some responders took up strategic positions to discourage him from moving while containment activities were being undertaken. Everyone is in helmets (with different colors indicating their positions.) Everyone not separated from traffic by panels is wearing bright orange shirts or reflective vests. Traffic cones are placed in the roadway work zone. A Safety Officer is assigned. Everyone communicates via portable radio so we don't have to shout and increase the energy level. (Even these injured horses can reach a point where they could react and bolt.)

Horse found in an abandoned yard with partial picket fence still standing.

The Logistics Team arrived with the panel trailer.

A view of the catch corral being constructed.

Laying out construction netting that will be used to move the horse into the catch corral.

Horse is now safely secured in the catch corral.

Using construction netting to encourage the horse to move calmly into the trailer.

Horse in the trailer.

Horse delivered for veterinary care and recovery.

Close-up of injury.