Mounted search and rescue

[Tm' Fi <tfinkle@erols.com>]

One thing that our MSAR team did to foster a better working 
relationships with AHJ's and search managers was to increase our type 
and focus of training programs and then open those programs to other 
search teams and agencies. We conduct MSAR 101 courses and have students 
walk down a trail looking for clues (general this produces a 20 to 30% 
POD find).  Then we place the non-MSAR search personnel on horseback and 
using a lead line we walk the horse and rider down that same trail, 
which results in a 70 to 90% POD find).  The key to this course is clue 
placement and the degree vision of angle.  The course also takes away 
many of the fears that folks have of horses. We show folks what kind of 
SAR gear we carry and how we are prepared for a 72 hour self contained 
MSAR camp deployment (SAR folks love seeing our toys).  Having proper 
search gear and electronic equipment is a big part of any team's image. 
We also have a complete set of Incident/Search paperwork so Search 
Managers know where to come for extra supplies.

We also have a introduction to equines for K-9 class, where within 30 to 
45 minutes we have the dogs working off lead and on task without being 
concerned about the MSAR horses being present.  In addition to MSAR 
classes we host communications classes ( thankfully we have a top notch 
communications officer).  We have also conduct preservation of evidence 
classes and always have teams present at local tri-State SAREX events. 
We found that education was the best tool for increased call outs.

Best of luck with your team.

Tomi`    
TROT-SAR Mounted Team
State of Maryland

LAURI STRUVE wrote:

> How do you educate the agencies that utilize your team that the horses are a 
> valuable tool? when we are called out it is always for ground and k9.
> Lauri
> _______________________________________________