The British Equine Veterinary Association's (BEVA) Equine Rescue Fund (ERF) has taken delivery of 'Howie the Rescue Horse', the UK's first lifesized model of a horse designed specially for training vets and firefighters

Howie will be used for the practical elements of the Rescue and Emergency Medicine Training for Equine Vets courses run by BEVA in partnership with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service's animal rescue specialists. He will also be taken on the road to vet schools and be loaned to fire and rescue services wishing to train firefighters in manual emergency equine handling techniques.

Howie was designed to the animal rescue specialist's exacting specifications by Wales-based company Big Beasts, which more usually creates bespoke models, creatures, and props for the film and television industry, as well as for museums and theme parks.

Howie has been named after Genitrix' managing director, Howard Wilder after the company (which makes equine joint treatments such as irap HY-50®Vet) stepped in to cover the significant production costs of the model.

Howard said:  "Horse rescue is a complex and hazardous operation, both for the animal and those trying to rescue it and treat any injuries. As a company actively involved in equine care, we felt it was important to make a significant financial contribution to the Equine Rescue Fund.  It's great that Howie has safely arrived and we hope he'll prove an important asset to the ERF."

Picture shows:  Howie the Rescue Horse with (left to right) Howard Wilder and Buster Brown and Jim Green, Animal Rescue Specialists, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service

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