Mounted search and rescue

["Jorene Downs" <Jorene@CEOates.com>]

From: "Kevin L. Riehle  KYCwby29@aol.com:
> >[...] The question we are
> >trying to work out is whether or not to require all horses to have shoes.
> >Several teams I have spoken with and a horse trainer all said that it
should
> >be left up to the rider do to the fact that some horses can't wear shoes
and
> >some owners do not want them to.

You're correct that the needs of the individual horse should be met
regarding going shod or barefoot. Either way, you'll want good care and
maintenance of that horse's feet. No feet, no horse! And you sure don't want
a gimpy horse to deal with on a SAR, taking resources away from the incident
focus.

> > However it was suggested, and something I
> >do agree with, that each rider be made to carry an E-Z Boot and to be
trained
> >in Equine Emergency First Aid. [...]

Yes on the Equine Emergency First Aid. This is something every horse owner
should know. But it is particularly important for Wilderness SAR where your
distance to the vet - and even the ability to communicate with a vet - may
pose a big problem.

However, I would NOT insist on something like an EZ boot, particularly for
Wilderness SAR. On uneven terrain an EZ boot can tear up a horse's foot due
to the different angles of motion causing rubbing. You won't find
experienced backcountry riders packing an EZ boot in the mountains. It isn't
designed for that purpose. I suppose you could get away with it in fairly
level terrain, but the longer the ride with the EZ boot, the more likely it
will cause rubbing. (We cover an area about the size of Connecticut, and
half is in steep mountains in national parks and forests, so this is an
issue for us.)

Instead I recommend creative use of tire inner tube that can be used to
cover the sole of the hoof to offer some cushion and protection, yet still
allow safe freedom of movement.  (For more detail, see
http://www.bchc-sequoia.org/tips.html ) You can travel further in any
terrain with less potential for rubbing problems. This also is less weight
and space than an EZ boot for packing along on a SAR, which is another
advantage.  (I learned this one from a lady who has been doing Mounted for
the Park Service in Yosemite for many years, and she learned it from a
farrier who is into backcountry riding.)

Since you're new to this group, so you have an idea of my background, I've
extended my sig ...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Jorene Downs
Tulare Co, CA
SAR, MSAR, Swiftwater Rescue, US&R.
SARTECH II equivalent,
additional training emphasis on incident management.
Backcountry Horsemen of California,
    Sequoia Unit (also webmaster)
    www.bchc-sequoia.org
Red Cross Tulare-Kings Chapter
    Disaster Response Team
    and Community Disaster Education
Paint horse breeder
    www.CEOates.com
Semi-retired management consultant - communications industry
Ex-cop (8 years)