Mounted search and rescue

["L. S." <obsar1864@hotmail.com>]

Jorene, something in your post reminded me, we had a compass training 
session last summer, and learned that our horse's stride, was much better to 
follow than our stride on the ground for counting off distance... they most 
always step the same even on rough terrain, unlike us on our two feet.
Lauri
Osage Beach Fire Protection District SAR team


> From: "Jorene Downs" <Jorene@CEOates.com>
> Reply-To: Mounted search and rescue <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
> To: "Mounted search and rescue" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
> Subject: Re: [MSAR] Re: tracking
> Date: Mon, 9 Feb 2004 08:05:05 -0800
>
> Welcome to MSAR, Lois! And good for you for pursuing various skill sets. 
> All fundamental ground SAR skills should be a part of MSAR training, and 
> most transfer to the saddle nicely.
>
> Man tracking includes searching for clues, so those skills should be 
> applied every time you're on a call-out. Every SAR / MSAR should have at 
> least Track Aware training. Teach your eyes to be looking, regardless if 
> dismounted or in the saddle. Jack Kearney's book is recommended reading.  
> In some conditions, it is easier to track from the saddle than on the 
> ground. Your elevated position gives you a different angle of view and you 
> can see further out, or over the top of obstacles where the person on foot 
> can't see. When necessary, dismount.
>
> Don't let anyone tell you that you can't track from the saddle - cowboys 
> have been tracking cattle for many generations! Learn the skill on the 
> ground, then transfer it to the saddle. If your MSAR unit is interested, 
> there is a ManTracking instructor in NV who also offers tracking training 
> for Mounted. Fernando's web site is http://www.nevadatrackers.com/  There 
> may be others qualified in tracking who also offer training to MSAR.
>
> Learn to pay close attention to your horse. Even with no Air Scenting 
> training, with the flick of an ear, tilt of the head, etc., that mount will 
> tell the rider when there is someone nearby. Very useful on a SAR.
>
> ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
> 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
>
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: Lois Guyon
>   As a new member of the newly forming LaSalle County, Illinois, Sheriff's 
> Posse, I have been working on my own training as well as that of my horse.  
> This winter's reading has been on tracking.  While sub-zero temperatures 
> have kept me from going out and trying what I have read, I am eager to try 
> tracking in the field. It seems to me that MSAR people can use tracking 
> skills, and I wonder how may of you are trained in tracking and under what 
> conditions you find this training helpful.  I would like to hear about your 
> tracking training, and times when you have used this skill.
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