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msar-riders - [MSAR] Working a dog from the saddle / Tracking from the saddle, etc

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Subject: Mounted search and rescue

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  • From: "Jorene Downs" <Jorene@CEOates.com>
  • To: "'Mounted search and rescue'" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [MSAR] Working a dog from the saddle / Tracking from the saddle, etc
  • Date: Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:20:54 -0700

Title: Re: [MSAR] Tracking from the saddle, etc

From: sleininger@myfrontiermail.com
I have been asked to track with my dog from horseback.  Does anyone have any suggestions/tips for tracking this way?  I have not tried it yet so I am wide open for any help.
Sherrel

==============

Your question makes me assume you are a handler with a tracking / trailing dog.  You have some excellent opportunity, Sherrel! Riders have been working dogs from the saddle for many generations for hunting, working livestock, tracking fugitives, etc. And there are plenty of backcountry riders who have a dog travel with them, staying close and remaining under control of the rider.

 

A few thoughts to consider ...

 

* I'd see this as MSAR in combination with SAR Dog, requiring being qualified in both. (Already trained as a searcher you'd need to demonstrate riding skills on that reliable horse in various challenging environments, etc. This is primarily a safety issue.)

* The involved horses, dogs and humans must all be very comfortable with each other.

* If you can successfully work your dog off leash, you won't be as concerned about avoiding terrain and environment where a long leash might get tangled.

* You can move more quickly riding than hiking. Your human search partner(s) should also be riding (MSAR-trained) since you'll be able to move faster.

* There are situations where you may need to dismount, leave the horse and follow the dog. Be prepared and equipped.

* There may be times when it would be very advantageous to give your dog a ride on the horse. (Returning with tired / injured dog, some water crossings, etc.) Plan ahead with training.

* Consider the basics of air scent theory, with scent rising with heat and lowering when cooler, then consider the height of the dog's nose and the horse's nose and how that can change your effectiveness at different times of the day, or in different terrain, etc. The same height differences are true of the other senses the animals use, such as sight and hearing. What one animal might not be aware of, the other might ... and as rider you're even higher to see, hear, etc.  

                * Remember that your horse is also a viable search partner even if only providing natural alerts.

                * Look where the horse looks, not just where the dog leads you.

                * Sharpen your own skills as a searcher from the perspective of a rider.

* You have the option of training the horse for air scenting, etc., (  see www.airscentinghorse.com ) which would give you two scent-trained animal partners plus your own searcher knowledge, skills and abilities.

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jorene Downs

SAR, CERT, Emergency Communications

Mounted SAR

http://www.ceoates.com/msar

KJ6JCD

 

 

 

 

 

 




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