Mounted search and rescue

["glazejk" <glazejk@netmdc.com>]

Hello,

My name is Jeff Glaze and I live in Tularosa, just north of Alamogordo. Word has probably gotten around that a small but dedicated group of individuals are in the process of starting a mounted team in Otero County. Most of us are experienced riders (five plus years in the saddle) and a few like myself have been PACE certified, but have never ridden a horse on an actual SAR mission. We can use all the help we can get. Some of the questions we have are:

 

- What extra gear do we need for MSAR?

 

- What is the best way to pack it?

 

- Any recomendations for saddlebags, saddles or bridles?

 

- Best trailer?

 

- Footware? Cowboy boots are not well suited for mountainous terrain if you have to walk.

 

- Are there any state requirements for MSAR certification?

 

- Finally, are any classes offered which cover MSAR tactics, despooking and safety? Mock searches specific to    MSAR?

 

As you can tell we are starting from scratch, and really appreciate any assistance you can provide.I would hope that the years of experience accumulated by other MSAR volunteers, such as Una Smith, would enable our fledgling team to become mission ready in the shortest amount of time. Like you I believe MSAR has been under utilized in the past, however some F.C.s have expressed an interest in developing this important resource.

 

Thank you,

Jeff Glaze

glazejk@netmdc.com

 

 At ESCAPE 2001 a class was given by Erwin Greven and Cliff Meier from the Bernalillo County SDMSAR. Does anyone know if they're still in MSAR?