The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s (Penn Vet) New Bolton Center has acquired a new equine ambulance for use at local events. It replaces the center’s previous 20-plus-year-old equine ambulance that was retired at the end of the 2015 eventing season, according to Penn Vet. The ambulance purchase was made possible by Applestone Farm, EBY Horse Trailers and Willowdale Steeplechase. “The new ambulance is a much-needed upgrade,” said Barbara Dallap Schaer, VMD, New Bolton Center Medical Director. “We are grateful to our generous donors who make it possible for New Bolton Center to support our local equine community with a state-of-the-art trailer.” Penn Vet provides the trailer and driver free of charge to several local equine events throughout the year, including Willowdale Steeplechase, Radnor Hunt, Plantation Field Horse Trials and Winterthur Point-to-Point. Penn Vet’s ambulance transports horses from the events only to New Bolton Center, and is not offered as a general service, the university noted. Penn Vet highlights some of the ambulance’s features: A height of 8 feet with a custom back door to minimize the incline, and a side walk-off door for easier exit; A center partition on a roller so the stall can be a full width of 7 feet, 6 inches, or smaller, using the partition to support the horse; A remote-controlled winch, which can handle up to 8,000 kilos, located on the front wall for easier load-in; Two standalone batteries for use with the winch and the water pump; A 30-gallon water tank to hose down overheated horses; Temperature-controlled ceiling fans, and a privacy screen; Ability to pass through rocky terrain.
