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msar-riders - Re: [MSAR] :* HYPOTHETICALLY SPEAKING - What would you do if you

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Subject: Mounted search and rescue

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  • From: "IRVIN LICHTENSTEIN" <ilichten1@verizon.net>
  • To: "'Mounted search and rescue'" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [MSAR] :* HYPOTHETICALLY SPEAKING - What would you do if you
  • Date: Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:50:43 -0500

There were two scenarios—pleasure and work.  In pleasure you may be alone, or with others who went after the horse, or didn’t see you go down.

If you are working there should have been two others with you, one to stay and one to go. Our practice is to issue two radios to each task team with spare

batteries.  If there is cell service you leave your number on the sign in form and take it with you.  And always a magnetic compass, a whistle, and adequate clothes.

 

Yes, I do carry most of my stuff in my saddle bags but the park radio and the county 800 MHz radio are on me, in the winter when I have pockets the cell phone also.

I wear a whistle and a compass on a neck lanyard.  And somebody always knows when I will be coming back to the barn or base as the case may be.

I have been separated from Black on occasion, but he generally doesn’t go far, unless he can see the barn.  In any event I probably wouldn’t walk out farther than the nearest bike path in the park and flag a ranger or a farm tractor going by.  If I was incapable of self extrication I would have to sit and wait, like any other search subject.

Personally I do not carry a GPS because the darn things are either broken or out of battery when you need them most.  

 

You should always know the way home, whether back tracking while working, or the rest of the loop when at leisure.  There is also the direct or cross country approach, usually used by loose horses.  Some searchers (particularly trackers) get tunnel vision when working and that is why you send out teams of 3, with two flanking the lead and doing the radio and navigation stuff.  While check ins are nice, in many areas the radio coverage may be lacking or the traffic level too high or point blank somebody checks off the wrong person.  And radios do break so people usually wait for the next missed check in or a definite report of trouble.

 

Irv   

 


From: msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Jorene Downs
Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2008 3:11 PM
To: Mounted search and rescue
Subject: Re: [MSAR] :* HYPOTHETICALLY SPEAKING - What would you do if you

 

I have some problems with the scenario. On a mission that mounted searcher shouldn't be out alone. Also, as MSAR or trail riding the basic survival gear should be worn on the rider (pockets, fanny pack, vest, etc.), not be departing on the horse.

 

Assuming multiple errors were made and your scenario stands ...

* Commonly the loose horse would return to the trailer.

* Do you have alternate communications? (Cell phone with service, FRS / GMRS radio, PLB, etc.)

* Do you carry a GPS or did it leave with the horse?

* Being aware of your general location in relation to the surrounding terrain is a basic safety / survival issue. At minimum have a basic map in your head. Are you 1 mile from a road, or 20 miles deep in the backcountry?

* Every MSAR should be not only be searching, but also be paying attention to the back trail and landmarks so the return route is also a familiar view.

* If for some reason you aren't aware of your best route to return, you have the option to apply tracking skills and follow the hoof prints.

* However, you should have been checking in with the CP on a scheduled basis during your mission. When you miss the next report time / your horse shows up riderless,  the CP should be sending search personnel to your last known location and direction of travel.

* Assess your situation. Determine if your distance to travel, health issues, weather, etc., mean you can / should self rescue, or if makes more sense to park yourself where the hasty search team can easily locate you.

* If you choose self-rescue, be sure to leave obvious signs for the search team to follow.

* After rescue, perform an after action review. Fix what needs fixing. 

 

~ ~ ~ ~
Jorene Downs
SAR & CERT
Mounted SAR
www.ceoates.com/msar

 

----- Original Message -----

 

Ok, Irv,  Mission scenario:  You are out on a mission, you have become dislodged from the Black (your horse), he goes home and you are left on foot with a mild back shoulder injury....weather, chilly, might rain, might nsnow, time of day late noon. You are somewhat dressed for the weather, but your rain gear left and all of your other provisions left with your horse.  You are somewhat ambulatory yet, but need to fnd your barings, what do you do?  Oh and your radio was smashed in the fall. 

 

Question, does the Black know how to get home if you have trailered out to a mission?

Karen

 




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