Mounted search and rescue

[Lyne Peterson <lyne@bryngyld.com>]

This is a generic copy of our California based unit standards:

SEARCH AND RESCUE UNIT 
MOUNTED DIVISION REQUIREMENTS 

Member must be a Qualified Ground Searcher before applying for Qualified 
status in the mounted division.  (See Ground Searcher preliminary 
requirements and checklist.) 

1.  Applicants for membership shall meet specific qualifications for horse, 
rider, and 
     vehicle, as designated by the Executive Board and the Sheriff s 
Department. 
2.  Members must qualify their own mounts and maintain them in a qualified 
status. 
     (As defined in the Policies and Procedures under "mounted team 
re-qualification 
     requirements".) 
3.  A member may successfully complete the 2 ½ day training seminar when 
offered 
     by the Unit which will allow them to satisfy the majority of the Mounted 
skills 
     requirement. 
4.  A member may also successfully complete the Sacramento Sheriffs 
Department  
     Mounted Enforcement Detail's 40 hour Basic Mounted Course which will 
     allow them to satisfy the majority of the mounted skills requirement.. 
5.  A member who does either item number 3 or 4 as described above must 
     successfully complete the entire course and will then be voted upon by 
the 
     Executive Board. 
6.  A member must submit a written request to the Executive Board for 
consideration 
     for Qualified status.  The member shall document the completion of the 
     requirements and the Executive Board will determine the status by 
majority vote. 
7.  Should a member of the Executive Board or a member of his/her family 
attempt 
     to qualify a horse, that Board member shall be excused from the 
discussion and 
     vote regarding acceptance of the applicant or horse. 
8.  Horse must: 
     A.  Be an actual 4 years old or older. 
     B.  Remain shod year round or wear hoof protection (i.e. Easy Boots, Old 
         Mac Boots or similar protection) appropriate to the terrain.  Horse 
must 
         allow each of its feet to be picked up without resistance. 
     C.  Be in sound physical condition. 
     D.  Be a mare or gelding - ABSOLUTELY NO STALLIONS. 
     E.  Complete a ride designated by the Co-Captain/Training Officer which 
         shall cover various terrain, and should include; inclines, descents, 
water 
         crossings, and be a minimum of ten miles in length. 
     F.  Stand quietly while mounted/dismounted from either side. 
     G.  Stand quietly while rider puts on a slicker, opens a map, is 
approached by  
         back packer, etc. 
     H.  Stand quietly while the rider holds two other horses, either mounted 
or  
         dismounted. 
     I.  Stand quietly while tied. (Not meeting this requirement is grounds 
for    
         automatic disqualification.) 
     J.  Cross a bridge in arena as well as on the trail. 
     K.  Pony another horse and be ponied. 
     L.  Drag and pull an object using a rope. 
     M.  Back readily. 
     N.  Negotiate a small brush jump or log. 
     O.  Accept motorbikes, back packer, sudden loud noises, helicopters, 
chain 
         saws, etc. 
     P.  Load easily and willingly in both step up and ramp trailers. 
     Q.  Be under rider's control at all gaits at all times.  This includes 
on the trail, 
         in the arena, and around obstacles, people, and animals.  Horse and 
rider 
         must maintain safe spacing at all times. 
     R.  Allow rider to open and close a gate while mounted or dismounted. 
     S.  Lead well over obstacles and in difficult terrain. 
     T.  Leave a group of horses at a given gait and return at a walk. 
     U.  Allow other horse to move ahead at a more rapid rate of speed and 
remain 
         under the control of the rider. 
     V.  Climb and descend a steep grade with the rider. 
     W.  Horse must calmly accept and perform for another rider.  (Stand for  
         mount, walk, and halt without resistance). 
     X.  Pass a physical examination as deemed applicable by the Board of 
         Directors. 
     Y.  A HORSE WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY AND IMMEDIATELY        
         DISQUALIFIED IF IT REPEATEDLY:  
         FAILS TO TIE;  
         SHOWS UNSOUNDNESS;  AND/OR 
         RUNS AWAY, BUCKS, REARS, KICKS, OR BITES. 

24.  Vehicles: 

     A.  Member must furnish his/her own towing vehicle and trailer and must 
pass 
         an inspection for proper lights, brakes, registration, and safety as 
well as 
         provide proof of insurance as required by the Laws of the State of 
         California annually.