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msar-riders - Re: [MSAR] Re: mounted patrol testing question

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Subject: Mounted search and rescue

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  • From: "Jorene Downs" <Jorene@CEOates.com>
  • To: <sanielski@earthlink.net>, "Mounted search and rescue" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Cc:
  • Subject: Re: [MSAR] Re: mounted patrol testing question
  • Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 11:47:12 -0800

Unassisted does mean no other person is helping. Equipment is commonly based on a minimum requirements list, then the individual adds from there. Personal equipment has potential to include mounting aids. In some environments a mounting aid that rests on the ground might find the terrain not suitable for that aid. In another area having things hanging off the saddle creates opportunity for snagging. So that rider should be prepared to mount from the ground without assistance.

Standards usually include mention of a saddle and other tack. I've seen many Wilderness MSAR standards specifically mention a western saddle. Some include a requirement for a breast collar. Others just mention a saddle along with a requirement that the saddle used is suited to perform all the required tasks. This last seems to cover the bases better. ;)

In generic MSAR, which is often limited to day searches, any saddle in good condition will work if you're set up to pack along adequate gear. If you're expected to be able to dally off and drag,.the English-style saddle wouldn't be suitable but you can make it work with an endurance saddle. The day searcher could pack enough gear using an English saddle ... but may not be as secure in that saddle in steep terrain as other saddle types. Some like the Australian saddle for steeper terrain, but that saddle may not have a method to dally and drag. If the team performs mounted rescue / transport in the saddle a design that gives the passenger something (like a horn) to hang on to would be more desirable for the safety of that passenger. Some riders are going to the synthetic saddles to reduce weight on the horse or make tacking up easier for a bad back, and in many situations this is a good option. The team that also does parades might define tack for consistency in appearance, but that parade tack wouldn't necessarily be the individual's MSAR response tack. ;)

Local standards commonly reflect the needs driven by the local search environment and anticipation of capabilities in the field, and may / may not make specific reference to a saddle type. When the region requires some specialized response (remote areas with more gear needed, steep terrain, etc.) and additional skills, locals tend to be more specific about tack requirements. Reality is there are many saddles to choose from, and as long as you can get the job done safely the actual saddle type shouldn't matter. ;)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Jorene Downs
Tulare SAR - Hasty Team ICP Team
www.ceoates.com/sar
Tulare-Kings CERT
www.tk-cert.org

----- Original Message ----- From: "susan anielski" <sanielski@earthlink.net>
Unassisted, one would think, means without the aid or assistance of another
person being required to mount. Equipment attached to the horse such as
stirrups, type of saddle required isn't mentioned anywhere is it?

[Original Message]
From: Jorene Downs <Jorene@CEOates.com>
Common practice in MSAR standards is to be able to mount/dismount
unassisted, from the ground, from both sides. As someone with BOTH back
and
knee problems I can relate. I also have a horse short enough that I can
reach the stirrup from the ground if there isn't a convenient stump..;)

Perhaps if that person can demonstrate the ability to mount/dismount from
the ground unassisted in testing, then if they choose to carry a device
to
aid them it could be considered a personal accessory?





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