Mounted search and rescue

[Una Smith <una@lanl.gov>]

Julie Hensley wrote:
>Is there a website anywhere that has a sort of well break down of:

Yes.  See below for starters.

>1) the abilities the horse must have
>2) the abilities the rider must have (although reading the last
>   few posts I am beginning to think this may vary a bit)

It varies a lot!  Most of our searches are in backcountry and
many are off trail (ie, rough open range riding or bushwhacking,
depending on the local vegetation).  Incident base tends to be
many miles up dirt roads, usually off very remote paved roads.


>3) the abilities the team must have (if there are any above and
    beyond 1 and 2)

New Mexico has a team rating system, which is based on how
many team members have certain skills, mostly medical training
and the ability to stay out in the field 24 hours or more.  
Our unit now can field a single Type II team, and several Type
III teams.  III is the lowest rating.  In the backcountry,
navigational skills, self-sufficiency, and the abilty to stay
out of trouble are all very important.


>4) the equipment (obviously it is being discussed here.. now)
>5) various scenarios where MSAR is able to best contribute

Re 5), TROTSAR has a really good summary;  you'll find a copy
on http://www.ibiblio.org/msar/ .  Re 1) through 4), many MSAR
units have horse and rider training standards on their web
sites.  Ours are on http://www.ibiblio.org/msar/units/santafe/ .


>I can't help but wonder at the feasibility of having a mounted
>rider working a SAR dog?

I think it is entirely feasible, except in terrain where the 
dog climbs almost sheer rockfaces;  a horse may be unable to
follow.  As I see it, the main reason horse and dog teams are
separate is that both horses and dogs need enormous amounts
of training and attention;  few SAR volunteers can manage to
do both adequately, and to handle a SAR dog I think you would
need to ride so well and on such a good horse that you can
even bushwhack on auto-pilot.  Many MSAR volunteers find it
a big challenge just to ride and read a map at the same time.

Which reminds me to put in a plug for a type of cross-training
you probably have never thought of:  equestrian sports such as
polo, polocrosse, or roping!  These are sports that teach you
(1) a truly independent seat and great balance and (2) to ride 
automatically while devoting your attention to another complex
task.  And they are fun.  Also, if you take lessons on a school
horse you will learn about many useful skills you could teach
your horse.

        Una Smith
        Santa Fe County Sheriff's Posse, in New Mexico