Eva Baldi
Luskville July 10, 2022
The Pontiac Equestrian Association put on a first aid clinic to help horse owners know the best course of action in an emergency.
Fourteen participants were hosted in the indoor arena of . . .
Jade and Jean Sebastien Roi’s Luskville horse boarding facility “Écurie Ozalee”.
The workshop was led by clinician Julie Villemaire, who has been teaching first aid for 22 years and has been a certified instructor for advanced equine first aid for the past six years. The participants were taught mainly about prevention, as according to Villemaire, the most important aspect of first aid is being prepared ahead of time. Attendants learned the proper way to pack their first aid kit, what to keep stocked in it, and the importance of keeping it clean for emergency use.
Among other things, the participants learned and practiced a safe way to tie their horses, how to apply compression bandages, and how many household items such as sugar, honey, a bra, diapers, feminine hygene products and gorilla tape can effectively be used in equine first aid.
Participants also recieved a four page pamphlet of notes and material. This included a more exact way of measuring their horse’s weight, which can prove to be useful when administering correct dosages of medication.
Villemaire is adamant about the importance of horse owners knowing first aid. Because of this she volunteered her time to the association.
Pontiac Equestrian Association President Brian Evenchick said “I took home some great ideas that I hope I will never have to use.”
