Mounted search and rescue

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

Sherry,

I have been using an Abetta (synthetic) Southwest Western Saddle for 
MSAR use over the past several years.  I suggest that you replace the 
stirrups and add extra D-rings.  The saddle work great on wet trails or 
when it's raining and is very easy to keep clean.  The down side of the 
Abetta is that it does get a bit hard after 5 or 6 hours of riding.  
<http://www.russostackshack.com/abetta_saddles/id61.htm>

I recently replaced my leather saddle with a new Big Horn flexible 
saddle.  I prefer the the leather saddle over the synthetic, but I only 
use the leather one on nice days and during the dry season.  The new 
padded seat that Big Horn uses provides excellent all day comfort. 
<http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/flexible-tree.html>

I suggest that everyone who performs MSAR duties to have an extra 
saddle.  I have the D-rings in the same places on both saddle so I can 
change my SAR saddle packs from one to another and still know where all 
my gear is located.  Our MSAR team requires that operational members 
carry at minimum all items listed on the NASAR SAR Tech-II equipment 
list plus lead line. 

Tomi`

Commander
TROT-SAR Mounted Team
State of Maryland
<http://trot-md.org/sar.htm>



Sherry C. Hicks wrote:

> Which brings me to my next question...Has anyone tried one of those
> synthetic saddles? They are so light and, shall we say, cost effective. I
> have some other things made out of cordura and it is extremely durable. I
> mostly trail ride and am not out to impress anyone. I use an aussie now, no
> horn to get stuck in the gut with, and like it a lot. I know horns come in
> handy, but I haven't needed to tie off a calf in the 13 years I've been
> riding. I have been thinking of a synthetic as a second saddle.
>
> Sherry
> Tennessee - START