"The Role of Equestrian Organizations in Emergency & Disaster Preparedness"

Training with experienced and new ACOs, firefighters, and volunteers was a wonderful experience in the beautiful Gold Country.

HALTER presented with a 2016 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Award in the Awareness to Action category at a White House ceremony in Washington DC. HALTER also received an Honorable Mention in the Community Preparedness Champions Award Category.

First responders from Bodega Bay, Fort Ross, Graton, Monte Rio, Mountain, Petaluma, and Timber Cove, joined by Tere Crocker DVM, trained in Animal Technical Rescue Operational skills in Monte Rio.

HALTER sponsored the fun and exciting BATTLE Cup and donated a complete Equine Rescue Kit to the very successful auction.

First responders from Marin Search and Rescue, Marin Humane Society officers, and Petaluma area horse owners trained in Animal Technical Rescue Operational Skills in Glen Ellen. 

The second HALTER Ranch Readiness Day was held June 26th at the SRJC Shone Farm Agricultural Teaching Facility. More than 200 participants engaged in a busy day of presentations, demonstrations, conversation, and information exchange.

Sonoma County’s first Animal Technical Rescue trailer establishes a portable equipment cache to backup animal services, firefighters and veterinarians collaborating providing safe, skilled, humane large animal technical rescue in the North Bay area.

KFPD Explorers invited HALTER to share the fun in hosting an ATR information booth and equipment display at the delicious pancake breakfast. KFPD received donations towards building their equipment cache!

In attendance were 17 CAL fire and emergency responders trained in operational and technical skills at the Atwood Ranch in Red Bluff. We were honored with a visit by Joe Gear, Assist. Chief Special Operations, OES Fire & Rescue.

Made a presentation and new friends at the charming & historic Novato Horsemen’s Clubhouse.

HALTER and Sonoma Smarty honored Moms with a display and fundraising at this fun event annual. Our local ATR team are also fabulous pancake flippers!

HALTER AND IAWTI hosted a VIP reception for Jim Green at the Atwood Ranch in Glen Ellen. Sonoma Valley Supervisor Susan Gorin welcomed Jim Green to Sonoma Valley.

Taught 34 local firefighters and volunteers basics of handling horses and livestock in an emergency.

HALTER delivers “Emergency Preparedness” Outreach presentations to local clubs from April to July.

HALTER becomes a high level sponsors and donated a complete LAR emergency kit purchased at auction by Marin County Mounted Assistance Unit.

Demonstrated the use of rescue back board and straps. With the help of Dr. Amber Johnson, of Artaurus Vet Clinic and horse developer Callie Krickeberg. Made a great connection with Camilla Gray-Nelson owner of Dairy del Canine and noted author of Lipstick and the Leash.

HALTER produces educational display & materials for Sonoma County Farm Bureau Ag Days event for 6,000 local elementary school children.

To date, HALTER has sponsored 3 trainings, 2 community meetings, and more than 52 scholarships to First and Frontline Responders.

HALTER creates "Safe Horse & Stock Handling for Beginners" teaching materials to facilitate education of first and frontline responders and Disaster Service Worker volunteers.

HALTER sponsors FSTEP-LAR Operational Trainings in Sonoma Valley. Classroom module is hosted by Kenwood Fire Department. Equipment and Field Exercise Training is held the Atwood Ranch in Glen Ellen.

HALTER collaborates with local groups to facilitate "Neighborhood Rural Readiness Meetings", providing equipment lists and resources, education information, and general guidance to community stakeholders.

HALTER is facilitating establishment of LAR equipment funds for local fire departments, county Animal Services, and Grange chapters.

First HALTER newsletter is published, encouraging neighbor-to-neighbor communication and collaboration with government and nongovernment agencies. The newsletter is sent to over 1,600 readers.

FirstHALTER sponsors FSTEP-LAR Operational Trainings in Sonoma Valley. Classroom module is hosted by Glen Ellen Fire Department. Equipment and Field Exercise Training is held the Atwood Ranch in Glen Ellen.

HALTER works with portrait photograph, Melania Mahoney, to publish “A Year of Recovery” 2016 calendar recounting the stories of families and animals the helped by the Middletown Animal Hospital. Proceeds directly benefit to MAH, in providing continuing no-and low-cost treatment and services.

HALTER presents examples of Ranch Emergency Kits, Go-Bags and Large Animal identification kits to Petaluma Grange members.

HALTER creates a fun "Holiday Gift List" featuring an array of emergency preparedness items for large animal owners. The HALTER “Holiday Gift Guide" is featured in 3 regional magazines and Sonoma-Marin Farm Bureau November-December newspaper.

Ranch Readiness Day becomes HALTER HONOR the HEROES, on November 15.

Sonoma County Board of Supervisors honors HALTER with a Gold Resolution for “Commitment to helping first responders and community members acquire skills and resources for Large Animal Emergency Response.”

HALTER provides scholarships to First Responders attending two trainings in Northern California.

Glen Ellen Volunteer Fire Department deploys and successfully rescues a down horse on Sonoma Mountain.

Sponsored by HALTER, more than 3 dozen Sonoma County first responders attend trainings, Several become the first responders in many years to obtain State Fire Training certification in Large Animal Rescue.

HALTER brings “Sonoma Smarty”, a life-sized model wearing the Large Animal Lift, to the Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue Open House.

Wildfires blaze through Northern California, displacing thousands of people and devastating many homes, business, families and animals in Lake County’s rural communities. HALTER responds!

HALTER establishes a GoFundMe, raising more than $225,000 to assist in providing financial support for Middletown Animal Hospital.

HALTER brings equine rescue display to the Sonoma Horse Park Season Finale Horse Show, introducing Large Animal Rescue equipment and resource to a large audience.

HALTER facilitates communication and donation support for Middletown Animal Hospital (MAH), other vets, and qualified volunteers.

HALTER establishes fund to provide critical care support to Middletown Animal Hospital, collects and coordinates supply donations for Lake County residents and animals.

In response to requests, HALTER website grows to include resources links for relief donations, volunteer coordinatio and lost animal reunification.

HALTER’s float in the Sonoma 4th of July Parade wins “Best Animal Entry” prize.

HALTER sponsors Open Jumper class at Giant Steps Charity Classic, and awards the winner a trailer tote packed with emergency supplies and a new halter.

HALTER travels to multiple locations throughout Sonoma County to display rescue equipment and share emergency preparedness resources at horse shows, feed stores, fire department open houses, neighborhood meetings and Customer Appreciations Days.

HALTER provides ongoing support to the Western Institute for Food and Safety (WIFSS), and International Animal Welfare Training Institute (IAWTI).

HALTER establishes a grant to the University of California, Davis Center for Equine Health to support sustainability of a Large Animal Emergency training curriculum and development of future educators

Throughout 2014 and into early 2015, HALTER participates in seminars, trainings, and research with leaders in the field of emergency and disaster planning and preparedness.

City of Sonoma proclaims May 4, 2014 Sonoma Valley “Ranch Readiness Day”.

HALTER produces the first Ranch Readiness Day Emergency Preparedness Fair, connecting rural residents with government agencies, service organizations and businesses, and community organizations.

HALTER engages in meetings with educators at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine who introduce HALTER to the equipment and skills developed as a result of numerous emergencies, both large and small.