Mounted search and rescue

[ALLEN SNYDER <allendana1@sbcglobal.net>]

The input is excellent and opinions form from experiences good and bad.  
Ideally, a green rider and horse combination has no place in an actual MSAR 
call, but they could tentatively train when appropriate with the group to 
help them acquire the skills?  I think I recall a reference in the developing 
MSAR standards for rider competency, which would help address this and 
inexperienced persons would not feel the requirements were arbitrary.  They 
would understand in advance what skills would be expected and everyone would 
be more safe.
   
  What seemed to work in the past riding with a large group that could easily 
turn into a near-stampede is we had a senior member who was not only a 
seasoned hunt person, but excellent riding instructor as the designated 
Safety Officer.  She gave lessons to new members and made sure they 
understood safety rules and stayed to the rear until she felt they could 
advance.  If either the rider or mount were not fit to be in the field, they 
were told about it, but could continue to improve towards their goal.  A 
board decided on membership which was a privilege, not a right.  We paid dues 
to hunt as well. 
   
   As one of you wrote, ALL riders make mistakes, but we hope none that harm 
others.  A sense of humor as well as teaching others about the mishap and how 
it possibly could be avoided would build camaraderie.

Una Smith <una.smith@att.net> wrote:
  Paul Fleming wrote:
>the senior members of the unit provide the support and guidance 
>needed.

What about a new unit, without those all important experienced
senior members? 

Una
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