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msar-riders - Re: [MSAR] training

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Subject: Mounted search and rescue

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  • From: "Jorene Downs" <Jorene@CEOates.com>
  • To: <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [MSAR] training
  • Date: Wed Dec 11 19:36:00 2002

From: SARCRNA@aol.com
>Sorry if this is a repeat, however I would like to form a list of behaviors
to train in preparation for future sar work--ie agility training, exposure
to things/objects that will be encountered. I'm still in ground work phase
of a new horse so would like to build his confidence on the ground prior to
going into saddle. I would also like suggestions for quick down and dirty
agility equipment (without depleting my pocketbook). <

Hi, Susan -
You might find some useful thoughts in an old post of mine made to
rec.equestrian on Sacking Out A Horse. You can find that in the Articles
section on http://www.ceoates.com/info/

Obstacles for home training might include varied lumber laid out to step
over / between. Anything from 2x4 to railroad ties - start simple and
increase the complexity. Items can also be laid out on the ground to walk
over - like tarp or plywood. Also desensitize to items overhead - flapping
like a flag or something. Baby strollers, balloons. Loud noises could be as
simple as metal trash can lids, and don't forget to desensitize to a
whistle. Other desensitization (don't forget to work both sides of the
horse!) might include rope training - rope tossed all over the horse,
including "trapping" a hoof. Toss a slicker around and over the horse.
Introduce to a pack saddle and panniers. Later from the saddle toss a rope
and flap a slicker around - be sure to have people hand you some "scary"
stuff. Don't forget to dally and drag - tie off to a spare tire or something
when you graduate to putting some weight at the end of the rope. Get
creative! ;)

> Also are there any suggestions for first aid kits for on the trail and
first aid books to carry. <

I find that an "assemble your own" First Aid kit is useful because there are
items that can do human and horse double duty. You might acquire a basic kit
and supplement according to your knowledge level. Remember that you'll want
to carry some basics on your person, and the rest might go in saddlebags.
For a reference book to carry, you might try "Outdoor First-Aid" edited /
published by Robert Koester of dbS Productions. (Bob is the guy behind
SARnews.com) Spiral bound, about 4x7 inches. IIRC the pages are also
waterproofed. Available on www.nasar.org bookstore and I think also through
www.sarnews.com ... which is on the dbS Productions web site.

BTW - anyone not already signed up to recieve the NASAR electronic
newsletter - SARnews - you can sign up on www.sarnews.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Jorene Downs
Tulare County, CA
SAR, MSAR, Swiftwater Rescue, US&R







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