Mounted search and rescue

["Ian Vowles" <Ian@modric.net>]

Advance notice of event:

MSARCO 2004 - Pagosa Springs area of Colorado. ( South West Colorado )

There will be a restricted number of places for participants in this
open training event , it is open to all and there are vacancies for
helpers  as part of the overhead team .  Registration will open in early
2004 and we will advise the web address later.  The format will follow
ICS protocols where possible , the missions will be similar to
orienteering challenges . There will be awards and prizes for each
"mission" group.

Costs are estimated at $25 per team , and registration is encouraged by
teams ( team = usually 3 people - Leader , Radio , Navigation ) min team
size is 2 . We will work to accommodate requests on team sizes.

Restrictions:  For the "Experienced" track only pre-qualified teams will
be allowed to compete - we will require participants to be qualified and
provide authenticated experience history. Altitudes of up to 10,500 feet
are possible on this track, making ability important ( health and
fitness of rider and horse ! )  There will be a Vet check for all
equines and the organizers decisions will be final. 

Standard requirements for equines will be : Health Cert , Coggins ,
Absolute min age of 4 years, must be well behaved and in health to
participate at appropriate level. Regret no stallions allowed !!

Details:

June 11/12/13 2004 - Base camp opens June 10th at noon.

Provisional outline provides for :

Missions daily (Fri/Sat/Sun) there will be 3 tracks offered :

Experienced:

This group will be offered 2 or 3 day mission which will require good
navigational skills - each team will be given a set start point to
travel to , from there each correctly found "clue" will direct them to
the next and so on. 

Mounted Teams - whole weekend including overnight bivouac in the
wilderness. 

Foot Teams - whole weekend including overnight bivouac in the
wilderness.

Intermediate :

Daily missions starting from base camp and returning at night - similar
missions to experienced but in a more restricted area and easier terrain
and clues.

Mounted and foot teams .

Training group :

Short missions from base camp approx 4 hours accompanied by an
experienced leader - skills demonstrated / taught will include ; Map
reading and usage in the field , compass use , GPS use as a "check tool"
NOT as a crutch ! Field craft - traveling over terrain , safety ,
equipment and usage , introduction to communications.

The training group will ONLY be on foot / vehicle .

More details will be published in January 2004.

Unit A - Mounted Rescue
400 Ranch Place
Pagosa Springs
Colorado 81147

Tel : 970-731-4062

http://www.mountedrescue.com