Mounted search and rescue

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

From: "LAURI STRUVE" <lstruve@msn.com>
> I think successfully passing through a gate is important for training, so 
> we may never have a gate that can be navigated from the saddle on a search, 
> the ability to do so demonstrates some key skills: a good WHOA, sidepassing 
> both directions (that lateral movement) and backing, as well as being 
> pushed or followed by the gate, which can be quite upsetting for some 
> horses. <

Yep. Demonstrating the ability to open, pass through and close a gate is 
simply demonstrating rider control for movement in a limited area that 
includes whoa, stand quietly, moving sideways and at an angle, basic pivots, 
etc. It doesn't matter if you expect / don't expect to open gates in the 
field. The rider control of the mount to navigate slowly through an 
obstacle - perhaps one step at a time, in any direction - can be useful in 
any environment.

If someone hasn't trained for this kind of basic control, attempting it for 
the first time in the field during a SAR isn't appropriate because the lack 
of that control may not be safe in that environment. The basics of lateral 
control also help the rider retain / regain control of a mount suddenly 
shying sideways.

Lateral control also means the mounted searcher has the ability to leg the 
horse over a bit to keep the horse's feet off the possible shoe prints or 
other potential clues. Being able to reverse in a tighter space is 
advantageous because you can't guarantee that every single mission - 
including mutual aid - will put you conveniently on a wide trail where there 
is plenty of room to turn around if needed.

This is all part of being a Mounted SAR professional instead of a generic 
rider out looking around for a missing person. Rider control is a key safety 
issue since MSAR is expected to perform safely in more challenging 
environments. These are not difficult skills - if they were, all those 4-H 
kids wouldn't be able to accomplish them. These are part of the basic 
horsemanship skills for trail to increase control, maneuverability and 
safety. I'd hope anyone in MSAR would be a least as competent as a 4-H 
rider.

The "button" doesn't need to be show arena precise, but the rider does need 
to know how to ask for X with at least basic competence, and the horse needs 
to understand the request and respond. ;)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Jorene Downs
www.ceoates.com/msar