Save Your Horse! A Horse Owner’s Guide to Large Animal Rescue, the first book to address the subject of technical large animal rescue in a way that makes sense to horse owners. It is also the first that is specifically designed to help emergency responders who have not been trained in this field. In other words, if a horse is trapped in an overturned trailer, falls down a well or off a cliff, Save Your Horse! A Horseowner's Guide to Large Animal Rescue outlines a clear, detailed and safe approach for the rescue agencies to help.

Excellent insight on a horse’s response patterns to trauma. Shows proper lifts and angles. Extensive Resource section and Safe Trailering for horse owners.

Available at www.redjeansink.com. Red Jeans Ink, a Coastal California Publisher.

And, don't forget the LARGE ANIMAL RESCUE WEBSITE, www.saveyourhorse.com.

What IS Save Your Horse! A Horse Owner's Guide to Large Animal Rescue?

In other words, if a horse is trapped in an overturned trailer, falls down a well or off a cliff, this handy book outlines a clear, detailed and safe approach to Save Your Horse!

How does it work?

Save Your Horse! A Horse Owner's Guide to Large Animal Rescue is designed to be used as an on-site resource for emergency responders who do not understand horses and are unfamiliar with the training available in Large Animal Rescue (LAR or TLAR). This book is meant to complement training and field manuals available in the subject.

This handy guide on a vital subject details step-by-step procedures for extricating your horse from the most common life-threatening situations such as overturned trailers or a large animal trapped in a swimming pool. It gives specific information on how to use ropes and straps to get the job done safely. In an effort to make navigation more efficient, Save Your Horse! A Horseowner's Guide to Large Animal Rescue is divided into sections.

• SECTION ONE is aimed at the first responder,offering not just a "how to" guide on rescuing an animal but why he should be rescued. As the author, Michelle Staples, points out, the safety of the responder is the top priority, and she has gone to great lengths to ensure that responders have the best information available.

• SECTION TWO gives a brief overview of the nature of horses and how to handle them. Practical information such as "How to Catch A Horse", "How to Tie a Horse", and reading horse body language will go a long way toward easing some of the instinctual fears associated with working with large animals."Ole Dobbin may be your best friend at home," writes Staples, "but one thousand pounds of flailing, panicked horseflesh will definitely be cause for concern to someone unfamiliar with your friend's normal pussycat demeanor." Also included is a basic, practical First Aid section.

• SECTION THREE on trailer safety was written just for the horse owner and horse hauler, whether professional or recreational. You'll learn about trailers from the perspective of both your horse and the responders who may be called upon to save him.

• A large APPENDIX gives specific information about trailers, tools, training and how to improvise with equipment on hand.

• There is also a RESOURCE chapter listing the LAR or TLAR instructors around the country and where to find the supplies used in this type of rescue, and a chapter on handling large animals other than horses.

Why offer the book to horse owners?

Staples says, "I have targeted horse owners for several reasons. The number one reason is that horses may be saved and injuries may be kept to a minimum. Most emergency responders are not familiar with horses and so can inadvertently injure themselves, bystanders and horses when trying to help. Not only is LAR a rescue that's not covered in their training; it's downright dangerous in ways they don't understand.

"I feel horse owners will be the driving force behind the spread of this type of training, expecting expertise from their local emergency responders. Through this book and networking with each other, horse owners will spread the message that there is technical help available to them in emergencies. I'm hoping that the awareness of that help will increase the comfort level of owners, both at home and on the trail, and while traveling with their horses."

What the experts say!

Save Your Horse! A Horse Owner's Guide to Large Animal Rescue was reviewed by the top instructors and experts in the field. Here's what they have to say about this important book:

• "SAVE YOUR HORSE should be included in every horse person's library as a valuable resource for those unexpected incidents where technical rescue is required." Kathleen Anne Becker, DVM, TLAR Instructor, www.hast.net

• "When I read SAVE YOUR HORSE, the subject matter gave me chills, but Michelle Staples's thorough and important work empowered me as I know it will you. SAVE YOUR HORSE is the perfect blend of the nuts and bolts of rescue operations, the safety aspects of working with horses, and personal anecdotes that bring home vital points. Reading this book will enable you to make a positive contribution to a horse's rescue whether on the highway, farm or trail. I heartily recommend this book." Cherry Hill, author of over 30 books and videos on horse trailering and care. www.horsekeeping.com

• "Great information a horse owner hopes they will never have to use. A very resourceful guide for horse owners that want to be prepared for the unexpected." Eric Thompson, Operations Manager, Emergency Equine Response Unit. www.eeru.org

• "Michelle Staples has assembled information that every horse owner and first responder should know, and know thoroughly. Many horse owners do not realize that the people who respond to a localized accident or disaster are not the same personnel that respond to a major national disaster and may not have the appropriate training to deal with an equine emergency. First responders must realize that the training they receive for human rescue does not necessarily apply to equine rescues. This should be mandatory reading, and training, for both groups." Warren Craig, Code 3 Associates. www.code3associates.org

Book Cover Art

Downloadable artwork of the book cover is available in both large and small sizes. Right click on these links and choose "Save Link As" to download to your computer.

SAVE YOUR HORSE. A Horse Owner's Guide to Large Animal Rescue

Author: Michelle Staples
Illustrations: Sue Duffield
2006 Red Jeans Ink, Point Arena, CA
ISBN: #0-9785685-0-8
Available at Red Jeans Ink - www.redjeansink.com
176 pages, 8.5x11 spiral bound, $24.95
International orders welcomed!