Mounted search and rescue

["Jorene Downs" <Jorene@CEOates.com>]

From: "Lauri Struve" <lauris10@earthlink.net>
> [...] I'm
> wondering if anyone else is hearing that someone is basically badmouthing
> MSAR and telling the agencies not to use horses.
> Lauri

I haven't heard anything broad scope as a source. This kind of comment / 
rumor can come from a variety of sources within the SAR community, but I 
suspect it is a local source wherever this occurs. It may be individuals who 
somehow feel threatened and want to "protect" their position in SAR, it may 
somehow be personal, it may simply be based on ignorance, or - in the 
instance of a poorly trained local MSAR unit - may have some foundation as a 
legitimate complaint.

The best way I know to counter this kind of accusation is to ensure the 
local MSAR has quality recognized training in both SAR and MSAR, good 
standards and documentation, and make an ongoing effort to train jointly 
with others.  Building strong working relationships with others in SAR - 
including management - will clearly demonstrate capabilities and 
professionalism and give local "Don't use MSAR" no valid ammunition.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Jorene Downs
Tulare Co SAR - Hasty Team ICP Team
www.ceoates.com/sar
Tulare-Kings CERT
www.tk-cert.org