BY NIKKI CHAPMAN
Iredell County Rescue Squad recently took another step forward in preparedness and community service by organizing a comprehensive Large Animal Rescue training, which was held at Rescue Ranch. The class brought together responders from across the region, including fire departments, rescue personnel, animal control, equine owners and veterinary professionals. All participants had a shared goal: learning how to safely and effectively respond when large animals are in distress.
At the heart of the training was an outstanding instructional team led by Tori and Justin and their team from 4 Hooves Large Animal Services (4HLAS). Their depth of knowledge, real-world experience, and hands-on teaching style created an engaging and highly practical learning environment.
Participants were guided through critical skills such as animal behavior awareness, rescue techniques, rigging systems, and scene safety, all essential components when working with animals that can weigh over a thousand pounds and react unpredictably under stress.
The training emphasized the importance of teamwork and communication, especially between emergency responders, equine owners and veterinary staff. These coordinated efforts are crucial during large animal incidents, where both human safety and animal welfare must be carefully balanced.
Through realistic scenarios and skill stations, attendees were able to build confidence and competence in handling complex rescue situations.
Large animal rescue training is not just a specialty skill; it’s an increasingly necessary one. In rural and semi-rural communities like Iredell County, encounters with horses, cattle, and other large animals are common. Whether it’s a trailer accident, an animal trapped in mud, or an injured horse in a confined space, responders must be prepared to act quickly and safely. Without proper training, these situations can escalate, posing significant risks to responders, animal owners, veterinarians, and the animals.
A tremendous amount of credit goes to Michelle Hepler from Rescue Ranch, whose dedication and attention to detail ensured the training ran smoothly from start to finish. From logistics to hospitality, her efforts created an environment where participants could focus fully on learning and collaboration. Hepler, together with the Animal Husbandry Manager at Rescue Ranch, attended the 4Hooves training course in June 2025, following their close work with the ASAR teams during Hurricane Helene. Recognizing the significance of these essential skills firsthand, Rescue Ranch aimed to host this training locally in 2026. Cedar Lake Farms provided a food donation, ensuring participants were well taken care of throughout the weekend.
This training is a testament to Iredell Rescue’s commitment to continuous improvement and interagency cooperation. By investing in specialized training like Large Animal Rescue, the organization is not only enhancing its own capabilities but also strengthening the safety net for the entire community.
As always, the mission remains clear: be ready, stay trained, and never stop learning.
Photos
