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msar-riders - [MSAR] Re: Creating a new Unit

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Subject: Mounted search and rescue

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  • From: Una Smith <una@lanl.gov>
  • To: MSAR-riders@lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [MSAR] Re: Creating a new Unit
  • Date: Thu Dec 5 13:15:01 2002

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Heather Jones <heather_jones@att.net> wrote:
>Una,
>Thanks so much for establishing this list. I stumbled across MSAR a couple
>of
>weeks ago, and the information thus far has been great.

You're welcome, and thanks!

Re starting a specialized MSAR tracking unit...there are so many
ways to proceed.

Heather, for what it's worth, although my unit's name includes
the word "Sheriff" we are not police officers, nor even civilian
deputies. Training and recruiting skilled members is always a
problem, for all of us, no matter whether we are police officers
or professional SAR specialists.

My best advice for you, and any other MSAR unit in need of good
support, is to join the best SAR unit you can find and train and
search with them. Maybe even participate entirely on foot for
a year or so. Also join Backcountry Horsemen, as Jorene Downs
mentions she has done. That way, like Jorene, you get the best
of both worlds: SAR and horses. You can combine the two and go
out on your own once you have a critical mass of riders whose
level of skill (in both SAR *and* horsemanship) is high.

Sandy Miller <Artstone@aol.com> with Taos SAR is going this way,
and I think it is working extremely well for her. Maybe she can
offer you more good advice. My perspective is from a unit that
has been around since 1941, so has history. This has advantages
and disadvantages, both different from what you face.

Also, cadavers are not necessarily a problem for horses. But
I have a problem with putting a subject on a horse, especially
double with a rider or on their own. Especially on a rough
trail. The furthest I would go is to put the subject on my
ultra cool mare and lead her on foot.

I envy you, Heather, you're starting out on a real adventure,
developing a new MSAR unit.

Una Smith
Santa Fe County Sheriff's Posse





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