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Subject: Mounted search and rescue
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- From: <Jorene@CEOates.com>
- To: "Mounted search and rescue" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
- Subject: Re: [MSAR] 75 lb load - packing light
- Date: Tue, 9 Dec 2003 23:43:54 -0800
Good info, Christy. A clarification for those not
into packing ... generally the pack animal can carry more than 75 pounds.
But since the distance likely to be traveled for MSAR has potential to be
farther and possibly not on the easier trails, the weight of the packed
load should be reduced to put less stress on the animal. Also, if you end up packing someone out, if the load is limited going in
there is flexibility to distribute gear among various livestock to make room for
the passenger coming out. (There are also advantages to having one of the pack
animals set up with a saddle and saddle panniers with limited gear - distribute
the gear and you have a saddled mount ready for a
passenger.)
A related issue - the heavier "traditional" gear
many people consider normal for trail riding or backcountry may not be suitable
for MSAR / Wilderness MSAR. There are advantages to "packing light" in
anticipation of longer distances and potentially more difficult terrain. In
particular, beware excess weight behind the saddle for long distances -
particularly in steeper terrain where that load may shift around.
Thinking more along the lines of "minimalist"
packing helps, as long as nothing important is left behind. But switching to
contemporary alternatives that weigh less can make a difference in what can be
accomplished as a mission assignment ... and also considers the health and
welfare of the mount. Then if you find the subject and try packing out both
subject and gear, the extra weight distributed between team members and various
mounts would only be on the return trip ... and the livestock is in better shape
for that effort due to carrying a lighter load going in.
If additional gear is deemed necessary, consider
using a pack animal / more pack animals. Obviously it is a huge advantage to
have all equine trained to pack and ride so you can switch between mounts / pack
animals from one day to the next.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Jorene Downs Tulare Co, CA SAR, MSAR, Swiftwater Rescue, US&R, Technical Rescue, Cave Rescue, Hasty Team, ICP www.CEOates.com/sar Tulare-Kings CERT Program Coordinator www.tk-cert.org |
-
[MSAR] Fw: 75 lb load was dogs ride,
Thomas and Christy Matthews, 12/09/2003
- Re: [MSAR] 75 lb load - packing light, Jorene, 12/10/2003
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