Mounted search and rescue

[pennbo@bbv.net]

Can't help with most of the forms Una, but there are a few ways we have
found to mark horses effectively for later ID. First- the ID bracelets
that hospitals use work well. They are virtually indestrucable. However-
it assumes that a frightened horse will stand still for you to pick up
their foot to ID them. They are best for later ID and return info when
things are calm. Second, and best, but requires an owners prior prep-
braid a dog tag in the horses mane with all the pertinent info. These
stay in and are easy to access (even through a trailer or over a fence).
When neither of these is available we have resorted to duct tape and
permanent markers. Works well and haven't had any come off before
needed. I was warned that if a fire got close enough the adhesives could
become a problem. Some of the local groups use paint and number the
horses for ID later. What does NOT work is ID on a halter. Halters are
expendable and transferable. In crisis they don't often get on the horse
they should nor can they be assured to remain with that horse.

As for evacuating Florida- most of the horse owners I know in that area
are large scale breeders. Those that could evac'd their livestock to
places out of the storms projected path early on. Those that couldn't
did what they could to make things safe and rode it out. However this is
not easy nor is it always the best course of action. It can be dangerous
for all involved. Barns must be built to withstand 150 mile an hour
winds and flooding. Something many of us don't have the money to do.
Pastures become airstrips for flying projectiles. Waters rise and cover
entire pastures. EARLY response and decision is the key. Waiting until
the last minute to see which way the wind blows, literally, is always a
bad plan whether we are talking hurricanes or fires.

Hope this helps some.
Chris Pennington
Big Bear Sheriff's Posse
MSAR