The British Horse Society sponsors training for Wiltshire Fire Service

The Wiltshire Branch of the British Horse Society has recently sponsored basic horse handling training for the Wiltshire Fire Service Large Animal Rescue Teams.

The Large Animal Rescue project was started in the county in the autumn of 2008 when it was realised that many call-outs involved rescuing animals (especially horses) in some predicament or other. One of the problems identified by Watch Manager Tom Brolan was that many fire fighters had little or no experience of handling large animals.

To be suddenly faced with an unfamiliar animal whose habits they did not understand was a somewhat daunting task and Tom realised that some form of  training was essential for everyone’s safety.

Dedicated crews have received animal rescue training, both in animal awareness and animal rescue techniques at two separate venues in South Wales. Although the training proved to be consistent with operational crews training needs, continuation training has proved difficult.  

As a result of this, the Wiltshire Branch of The British Horse Society, in conjunction with Tom Brolan and Wiltshire College Lackham, organised four three-hour refresher training periods involving some description of equine behaviour, but mainly concentrating on the practical handling of horses in various situations.

Mr Jack Malcolm BHS (SM), Cert Ed, NEBOSH, an ex- lecturer from the College, delivered the training and with the excellent facilities available at Wiltshire College Lackham, feedback has been encouraging. It is hoped that further training sessions along the same lines will be held at the Warminster Saddle Club and Wickstead Equestrian Centre at Highworth.

In addition, the Fire Brigade are looking for an old horse trailer for practicing re-righting skills – if anyone is able to supply such a trailer, they are asked to contact the Watch Manager (tom.brolan@wiltsfire.gov.uk).