Mounted search and rescue

[<Jorene@CEOates.com>]

From: "L. S." <obsar1864@hotmail.com>
> 1. What do you feel are MUST HAVE items in the pack you carry?
> 2. What do you feel are MUST HAVE items in your saddle bags?
> 3. Are there seasonal differences in what you take?
>
> As a rookie, here's what I carry in my fanny pack: ziplocks, duct tape,
> knife, hoof pick, power bars, water, notebook, pencil, talk about, 1st aid
> kit, vetwrap (which doubles as flagging tape).
>
> In my saddle bag: another hoof pick,water, rope, extra tack(chin strap,
> reins, easy boot) radio book.

Looks to me like you're setting up for a day ride SAR with fairly easy
access to roads. But I'd add at least a map, compass, flashlight, multi-tool
knife, and few other items from the list below, even for an easy access day
search.

It's rare we have a call-out that close to population / civilization. So I'd
want to add map, compass, GPS, emergency shelter (or an inexpensive bivvy
sack) that can double as emergency medical. We carry vet wrap (almost as
useful as duct tape!) but use flagging tape and have a marking pen to write
info on that tape. Paper sacks for evidence. Measuring tape and tracking
stick, digital camera. Flashlight(s), whistle, signal mirror. Spare
batteries & bulbs. Multi-tool knife. Emergency overnight preparedness, plus
food.  Water filtration method. Spare halter and lead. Webbing, rescue line,
basic hardware. Clothing appropriate for the situation, including emergency
overnight and possible weather change.

I may have forgotten something. <g> But in general, we'd figure on a 24 hour
pack prepared for an emergency overnight. The list is longer for a planned
overnight or longer, and we'd add extra gear seasonally. ;)

FYI, I think every team should have minimum equipment standards, suitable
for team response region needs. A safety issue to know that all personnel
carry at least X. And if the team is prepared - or not - for overnight, the
IC should be aware of that status.

> 4. Since our SAR team has a session at our upcoming training on the Search
> Ready Horse... please define what you consider that to be.....

Sound, in appropriate physical condition. Calm disposition, desensitized to
numerous things like sirens, flares. Various obstacles dealt with quietly.
Sidepass, serpentine, pivot on fore and hind, and other demonstration of
good basic training and rider control. Walk, trot/jog, canter/lope, back.
Excellent brakes. Good ground manners. Ground tie. Not barn / herd sour.
Mount/Dismount from both sides. Ride and Pack. Pony and be ponied. Night
riding done calmly. Load/Unload from any common trailer type quietly.
(Again, I've likely forgotten something.) And rider who can do all of the
above and not look like a rookie in the process. ;)

FYI, I think every team should have minimum training and skill standards,
including for the horse, suitable for team response region needs. A safety
issue to know that all personnel - and their mount(s) - are prepared for at
least X.  Additional training and cross-training strongly recommended. ;)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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