This page covers the curriculum to meet state and local agency requirements to be recognized as a credentialed Technical Large Animal Rescue Technician . Please note that completion of Emergency Horse and Livestock Handling is a prerequisite for certification.
This credentialing module is divided into two segments: LRTC Distance Learning, and two days of hands-on Exercises. During COVID we converted our classroom section into on-line distance learning, which turned out to be more convenienent for students as they could proceed through those elements at their convenience.
The Distance Learning module will conclude with a quiz that can be taken "open book." (You can review the material if you aren't sure of an answer.
Assistance with any of these elements can be obtained by Emailing Megan McCoy.
ELEMENT #1: DISTANCE LEARNING
Distance learning has evolved into a series of short videos, each covering a specific subject area. Subject categories include specialized euipment and their uses, tools and techniques and best practices for several types of incidents that are likely to occur.
Technical Large Animal Rescue Training Preview
This feature provides a preview as to the training and exercises involved in certifying for technical large animal rescue.
VIDEO
ROPES AND ACCESSORIES
This video discusses the various ropes and accessories that we use for technical large animal rescue.
VIDEO
AIR FOR PAWS
This video describes the Air for Paws kits and their uses for distressed foals and other animals.
VIDEO
TECHNICAL RESCUE PRACTICES
MOVEMENT OF DOWNED ANIMALS
This video discusses best practices for movement of large downed animals.
VIDEO
MUD AND
BOGGED HORSE
RESCUES
This video discusses best practices for extricating animals trapped in mud or bogs.
VIDEO
CATTLE GUARD EXTRICATION
This video discusses best practices for extricating animals from cattle guards.
VIDEO
TRIPOD PRACTICES
FOR CATTLE GUARD
EXTRICATIONS
This video discusses best practices for utilizing a rescue tripod for cattle guard extrications.
VIDEO
POOL RESCUES OF LARGE ANIMALS
This video discusses best practices for extricating animals from pools and similar bodies of water.
VIDEO
Environmental Emergencies, Part 1:
Hypothermia
This video describes warning signs and best practices when encountering a large animal suspected of suffering from hypothermia.
VIDEO
Environmental Emergencies, Part 2:
Hyperthermia
This video describes warning signs and best practices when encountering a large animal suspected of suffering from hyperthermia (excessive heat).
VIDEO
This index will be expanded as additional videos are completed.
ELEMENT #2 HANDS-ON EXERCISES
The hands-on exercises will put into practice the distance learning concepts. Helmets, gloves, appropriate clothing for handling rescue equipment and appropriate shoes or boots are required. TLAR exercises start promptly at 0800 Hours. Participants are advised to arrive early to sign-in so the exercises can start on time. Participants need to register in advance to attend.
Additional specific-subject short programs and exercises are scheduled for 2026. They include:
Wildfire Awareness
March 7, 2026: 0900-1300
Truckee Meadows Fire District Headquarters, Reno, NV
Large Animal Evacuation and Sheltering (with live animals)
April 11, 2026: 0900-1400
(Multiple locations)
Swift Water Awareness
June 13, 2026: 0900-1400 (With Reno FD's swift water personnel)
Wingfield Park (Truckee River,) Reno, NV
Rescue Frame (Bipod-Tripod) Operations & Simulated Cattle Guard Rescue
July 18, 2026: 1000-1500
Rhodes Rd., Reno
Additional subject matter training sessions will be scheduled.
In order to earn certification you must take the following quiz. It is "open book," meaning that you may review videos in the event you are unsure of an answer. Passing score is 80%.
We will provide correct answers for any missed questions after the quiz is scored.