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msar-riders - [MSAR] LIGHT MSAR gear / Easy Boot option

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Subject: Mounted search and rescue

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  • From: <Jorene@CEOates.com>
  • To: "Mounted search and rescue" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [MSAR] LIGHT MSAR gear / Easy Boot option
  • Date: Sat, 17 Jan 2004 15:33:16 -0800

Something for riders to consider is that a lot of commonly used trail or
backcountry packing gear has the potential to be replaced with smaller,
lighter options. Riding Search often covers more territory than someone
would normally ask of their horse in a day on the trail. Carrying less
weight on a SAR will put less physical stress on the horse.

Take a look at your tack, attire, gear, and see what can be replaced ... and
what can do double duty. For example, the 40 # Western saddle might be
replaced with a synthetic that weighs less than half ... assuming the ride
is comfortable and the saddle fits the horse. (But if you are prepared to do
weight drag in the field, would that synthetic saddle work?) Cordura
saddlebags are lighter than leather, as well as potentially being more
waterproof. A common heavy oilskin slicker might be replaced with
lightweight waterproof outerwear that is also more suitable for working on
the ground. Leather riding boots can be replaced with a lighter "riding
tennis shoe" type that doubles as a better hiking boot. Rescue webbing can
double as replacement reins. A piece of rawhide string (even a long leather
bootlace) can tie things together or be a back-up chin strap. (If necessary,
vet wrap can create a new chin strap, or even create an emergency bridle.) A
rescue rope could double as a back-up halter and lead if you know how to rig
an emergency halter out of rope. For a smaller, lighter, more portable
option to the easy boot, try tire inner tube on
http://www.bchc-sequoia.org/tips.html I'm sure this is enough to get people
thinking, but people are welcome to add more ideas. ;)

A lot of optional gear is available in the "pack light" backpacker market
that isn't commonly used for trail or backcountry riding. MSAR rigged for an
emergency overnight can likely reduce the weight that horse is carrying by
MANY pounds, and distribute it better. Over the course of a long SAR, that
horse will thank you and provide better performance in the field with
reduced risk to his health. ;)

A related issue is weight carried by / on the rider being better for the
horse long term than piling high behind the saddle, which is why some MSAR
teams are using / considering wearing team vests with lots of pockets.
(Surveyor vests tend to have many pockets, and there are Forestry vests that
include a backpack-type storage area. The trick is finding them in high
visibility colors.) Others are wearing small backpacks or perhaps lumbar /
fanny packs if they don't interfere with the saddle or anything behind the
saddle. The rider carrying specific gear also addressed the dismounted rider
always having critical SAR gear and basic survival gear available. Doing
this with LIGHT gear is also easier on the rider wearing it. ;)

Anyone who has favorite online sources for LIGHT gear suitable for MSAR
might want to contribute the link. I'll get it started with:
http://www.backpacking.net/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Jorene Downs
Tulare Co, CA
SAR, MSAR, Swiftwater Rescue, US&R,
Technical Rescue, Cave Rescue,
Hasty Team, ICP
www.CEOates.com/sar
Tulare-Kings CERT Program Coordinator
www.tk-cert.org





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