Bend equine rescue hosts class for trail riders to learn injury treatment, large-animal technical rescue skills

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A Central Oregon horse rescue that cares for neglected and abused horses is hosting an emergency rescue class for trail riders this weekend.

Mustangs To The Rescue is an all-volunteer nonprofit that supports animals and the public with assistance, resources and educational opportunities. This weekend the rescue is hosting a special Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue Class (TLAER Class) for horse trail riders.

We spoke Saturday with the instructor of the class, Rebecca Husted, about why the course is not only fun to teach, but vital.

"This one (class) is specifically for trail riders," she said. "People who want to take their horses out into the back country or trail ride close to home, and they might have a problem."

Husted continued, "So sometimes that'll have to do with the trailer on the way to the trail, but what happens if you get on the trail and your 15 miles out and your horse slips and has a problem, maybe they get hurt, or maybe you get hurt?"

The three-day class concludes Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for anyone who is previously enrolled.

If you are not currently enrolled but would like to attend the last day of the special class or have other questions, you can send an email to info@mustangstotherescue.org.