Welcome to Equine Rescue Ambulance

 

The Equine rescue Ambulance, Inc. (ERA) was established in 2002 by Dr. Rachel Westerlund, with Renee Townsley, Danielle Class, and Jean Class. ERA provides emergency rescue, stabilization and transport services for equine athletes downed or injured during Maryland’s cross country events. Specifically, Dr. Westerlund saw the need for local emergency rescue services during racing, fox hunting, and other competitions.

ERA is a volunteer based rescue operation that provides a humane and dignified approach to equine rescue during cross country events in the state of Maryland. You may have noticed us standing ready onsite at the Fox Hall Team Chase, the Green Spring, Elkridge Harford, and Howard County Point to Points. We also are onsite at My Lady Manor and The Grand National Races, The Maryland Hunt Cup, Jr. Maryland Hunt Cup, The MCTA Combined Training Event, Howard Co./Iron Bridge, and The Legacy Chase.

Prior to 2002, ERA were offered on an extremely limited basis to a few Maryland horse owners and event organizers by The New Bolton Center of Pennsylvania and The Nevins Equine Center of Massachusetts. It was Dr. Westerlund’s belief that our community should have its own professional emergency program and not have to depend on out-of-state support.

In 2003, Dr. Westerlund and Renee Greene joined forces to enlist a volunteer core of fifteen who were committed to the cause and agreed to undergo extensive equine rescue training. While working in the field, volunteers take direction from the on-site veterinarian, while a captain or most senior member of the team ensures that the veterinarian’s directions are carried out professionally.

In 2005, ERA held its first fundraiser at The Manor Tavern in Monkton which netted close to $22,000. This enabled ERA to provide continued educational training and pay yearly operational expenses for maintenance, insurance, and marketing for the next three years.

By 2007, the volunteer core had grown to forty-three and ERA had been on-site at all local steeplechase races since 2003. The Land Preservation Trust had graciously served as fiscal agent. For administrative reasons, the founders decided in 2006 to create a stand-alone Public Charity exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501 © 3. The Internal Revenue Service granted exempt status to Equine Rescue Ambulance, Inc. in early 2007.

Today, ERA continues to provide services to Green Spring, Elkridge Harford, and Howard County Point to Points, My Lady’s Manor and Grand National Races, The Maryland Hunt Cup, and The MCTA Combined Training event and Legacy Chase.