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msar-riders - [MSAR] Silent alert signals

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  • From: Una Smith <una@lanl.gov>
  • To: Mounted search and rescue <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [MSAR] Silent alert signals
  • Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2003 08:29:34 -0600

As a trained observer of animals, I have observed that on
the trail my own horse rarely scents. That is, she does
not actively explore air scents. But she does pick up on
many animals before I do. Whether by sight, sound, or
scent, I do not know. Her alerts generally consist of a
cocked ear or ears...and a slight change in how she holds
herself. It isn't that she moves at all, but rather she
becomes slightly more ready for movement. It is a change
of attitude, from parade rest to attention.

I do know I can frighten her by encouraging her alerts in
an inappropriate manner. She alerted vaguely on something
in the woods on a search a few weeks ago, and I praised
her then tried to encourage her further by acting excited
and staring intently into the woods. My behavior spooked
her, I think because she was not aware of anything very
scary or exciting herself. She started *looking* for a
threat, and fear-blowing. "Is it that rock? Is that rock
actually a bear? No. How about that log? What!? Where
is it? I can't find it!" While thinking to myself "oh
shit", I deliberately relaxed my body and began behaving
calmly and petting her in the way I do that means "relax,
it's over".

Una Smith
Santa Fe County Sheriff's Posse, in New Mexico




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