WATERBURY – Have you ever thought what you would do if you saw a loose horse running along the highway?

Have you ever thought how you would get horses out of a burning barn and have you ever thought what you should do if you think a horse is being abused? These are some of the emergency situations that most people do not have to handle, but that state and local police and Department of Agriculture employees (Animal Control Officers) sometime do.

The Post University Equine Resources Committee in Waterbury conducted a seminar at the State Police Training Headquarters in Meriden on May 6 for about 30 Connecticut officers who might have to deal with these situations. Led my Melissa MacDonald, a graduate of the Equine Management program at Post, and assisted by Sharon Gallagher and Susan Mik, both current students, they outlined some basic information on horses.

This covered evolution and anatomy to explain equine behaviors. Also covered were approaching and leading a horse and how to restrain it in an emergency situation. This information explained possible horse reactions that might be obvious to experienced horse people, but not so easy to understand for those unfamiliar with horses on a regular basis.

A video on horse rescue, which covered such things as trailer accidents, water rescues and fires was shown. There was also a large component on horse abuse – how to recognize it and what to do about dealing with it.

Fernwood Stables of Cheshire brought two horses for the practical skills section, which was one of the highlights of the morning. This section was important as attendees got to actually put on halters, pick up feet without damage to themselves, learn to lead correctly and also to load horses onto a trailer.

Steve Walsh of the Connecticut State Police Academy Events and Planning Office organized the event.

The Post University Equine Resources Committee, in conjunction with the Connecticut State Police, held a Horse Emergency Seminar on May 6.