WESTCHESTER, New York – In response to several fire tragedies in the past year, the Westchester Horse Council and the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services fire training center will present a pair of seminars on Equine Rescue Techniques.

The seminars are available to firemen, police, stable owners, trainers and instructors, veterinarians and other interested equestrians.

The first seminar will be on Equine Fire Rescue for firemen, police and other rescue personnel. It will be held Saturday, May 12, at the Beech Hill Farm in Pleasantville, New York. The seminar will be co-sponsored by the Hilltop Engine Company No. 1 of Pocantico Hills, New York.

Some 150 people are expected to attend.

The second seminar, Barn Fire Prevention, will be held in the fall.

Also, a Rescue Aid Handbook for Westchester County is being compiled with a list of stables and barns in Westchester County that would be willing to house displaced or injured horses in an emergency situation. Experienced equestrians and people with horse trailers who are willing to assist will also be included, as well as veterinarians with equine experience.

This handbook will be distributed to rescue personnel, to all participants at both seminars, and throughout the community.

The Westchester Horse Council is a not-for-profit organization created to protect and enhance the interests of all horse lovers in Westchester County. Call 1-914-762-9231 for further information.