Large Animal Rescue Workshop Anthony Hatch, a technical rescue instructor from Fire and rescue NSW, and Dr Christine Smith from Agnes Banks Equine Clinic NSW, were the presenters of the Large Animal Emergency Rescue Workshop. This was held at Brookleigh after the Commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW was approached by the Equine Veterinarian Association to conduct workshops around Australia in 2012. Twenty seven people attended the workshop held on 27th - 28th October, including vets, police, vet nurses/students, mounted police, Fire and Rescue, RSPCA, a ranger and a Polytechnic West staff member. The purpose of the workshop was to train vets and handlers in how to respond to emergency situations, give support and assistance and co-ordinate emergency personnel for those often first on the scene of an animal emergency. They were also trained in how to use and improvise large animal rescue equipment and specific techniques for a variety of situations, such as extraction from float accidents, dams, creeks, tanks, wells and caste animals. The veterinary side of it included horses assessment in emergency situations, co-ordinating rescue protocol with words and photos courtesy Dr Joan Deetman Using the mannequin, trainees were taught techniques using various rigging and equipment for the safe removal of the horse in a range of emergency situations, including casting in water and winching up and down. Working together as a team was emphasised, and this included the co-ordination of all emergency service personnel, vets and other animal handlers - which, in the event of an emergency, could be horse owners, bystanders or members of the public who have come to assist.