The Nassau Suffolk Horsemen's Association and Muttontown Horsemen's Association, Inc. jointly presented a course in Equine Rescue Techniques for first responders on May 4 at the Gold Coast Equestrian Center in Brookville.

The program was a win-win all around. The first responders learned to have a comfort zone with horses; the owners have a comfort zone that their beloved equines are in willing and capable hands; and the horses get to be handled by people who have a basic understanding of what makes them "tick."

The course was offered to all police officers, firefighters, EMTs and other state and local emergency units - free of charge. The course was intended to help train emergency personnel to learn how to handle horses in dangerous situations. The courses included: basic equine handling, equine restraint, accident simulation, horse trailer design and extrication of horses from trailers. A resource handbook was provided for each participant.

The course involved hands-on training with live animals. The participants were advised to dress appropriately which meant no gym shoes, sneakers or sandals. Fire personnel were asked to bring their turnout gear.

The afternoon was a great success. Twenty plus firefighters, police officers, paramedics and EMTs from the East Norwich FD, Glen Cove FD, Glenwood FD, Hicksville FD, Jericho FD, Nassau County EMT Services and the Old Brookville PD attended this valuable educational seminar.

They learned to deal with horses in both stress-free and stressful environments; they removed "injured" horses from one trailer; loaded and unloaded horses on other trailers; and safely contained three loose horses.

They were able to do these things because of the generosity of: Darcy Burke and his horse, GCEC; Don Reddy and Duke; Harry Springer and Minx; Kathleen Kleinman and Thumper; Bunny Steelman and Shadow; Suge Boglia and Diamond; Laura Hollins and Wally; Ken Hollins and Toy; Steven Hollins and Sammy; Susan Harvey and Pal; Elea Harvey and Flash; and Peter Demetriou and Mac.

Those who attended the event include: Kenneth Adams, Elizabeth Adams, Michael Clarke, John Dowling, Monica Famalet, Lt. Gaianer, Karen Halpern, Zachery Halpern, Malcolm LeRoux, William McKay, Yamil Sarrabia, Vincent Sheilds, Jeffrey Shoemaker, John Shoemaker, David Spy, Mike Tappan, William Testa, William Thompson, Margaret Zulkofske.

Does your town have people who can help you and your horse at the scene of an accident or fire? NSHA offers this course free of charge to first responders throughout Long Island. Call the office of NSHA for more information at 516-868-9600,