Skip to Content.
Sympa Menu

msar-riders - Re: [MSAR] Subject: What you really do

msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org

Subject: Mounted search and rescue

List archive

Chronological Thread  
  • From: "IRVIN LICHTENSTEIN" <ilichten1@verizon.net>
  • To: "'Mounted search and rescue'" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [MSAR] Subject: What you really do
  • Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:06:04 -0500

Stay away from sources that claim to MSAR specialists or search specialists.  What you wear as a Non-Government Organization Team is up to you.  Our rule is that if you are not comfortable in the saddle or walking on the ground you are not properly dressed.  Check local laws.  In Pennsylvania the Game Commission insists on hunter orange in the woods, even the woods they don’t own.  If you are working on a federally funded highway the outer layer must be a break a way vest that contrasts with the background (slime green in an orange and white barrier area, orange against green trees, etc).  However, these vests are not fire resistive so if there is fire present you don’t wear them.  

 

You will find that anything that is marked for rescue use costs twice as much as the same item marketed to construction trades or regular non-riders.  You can get trailer decals (reflective HORSES signs for instance) at a sign shop or even a police supply catalog like Galls for a better price than through special sites.  Same for rolls of reflective tape to add to helmets, saddle bags, etc., cheaper at a truck trailer shop.  

 

Each rider should have a helmet, ASTM or British compliant, gloves, safety glasses or eye protection, proper footwear, chaps, a compass, whistle, and their clothes should be adequate for the weather.  This is often rough riding around here (SE PA): trees and brush, rocks, creeks, poison ivy, poison oak, and in some areas a little further north or east, rattlesnakes (even in housing developments).  The same applies to tack. Saddles must be well fitted to the horse, use an effective bit and bridle, and this means bitless is fine if control can be maintained.  Saddle fit is crucial for the effectiveness of the horse.  If the saddle does not fit the horse hurts and will not work at peak efficiency.  Stirrups should be comfortable as well. If there is a lot of heavy brush you may want traps (leather shields).  My saddle also has extended fenders and skirts so equipment rests on leather, not the horse’s skin. Saddlebags are useful, canvas or Cordura with zippered closings work well. I also carry water bottle pockets on the pommel.  Dependent on terrain a chest plate and a flank strap may be needed, or even a crupper.  Avoid tie downs of any kind.

 

The team needs some infrastructure to be functional.  You need liability and workman’s comp insurance at least, see a good agent for a fire company or ambulance company insurer like VFIS.  Most club insurance doesn’t cover search and rescue.  You need dispatch services that are emergency service grade.  If you can get the local 9-1-1 center to do it they are probably the best (and they are usually free).  You will need communications within the tactical operation and depending on terrain and what other responders will be using try to match their radio equipment.  Right now, used 150 MHz band analog radios are flooding the market as many public safety users switch to 500, 700, or 800 MHz systems.  Also, all radios will have to be digital (P25) by 2010 or a little later unless there are no other users in interference range on your channels. You need a license for the radios unless the current licensee gives you permission to use the channel under their license.  SE PA SAR operates on channels licensed by the county radio system, and PA DCNR, and is equipped to interface with the state SAR council channels although we are not a member. Radios and spare batteries, chargers, should be team owned and insured.  

 

As to what else you carry, that is adaptable to the mission, terrain, and task.  But be sure to get the brain engaged before leading out.

 

Irv Lichtenstein

 


From: msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Lila Corey
Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 2:39 PM
To: Mounted search and rescue
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Subject: What you really do

 

I am just trying to get a team started.  Our name will be TESAR for Triangle Equine SAR.  I have set up a non-profit status, etc.  Now what I need to know is a good source for vests, and clothing - that would be ground appropriate as well as horse appropriate?? Any web site out there that specialize in this? 

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

Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 6:23 AM

Subject: Re: [MSAR] Subject: What you really do




Archive powered by MHonArc 2.6.24.

Top of Page