Mounted search and rescue

[ALLEN SNYDER <allendana1@sbcglobal.net>]

I just wanted to let Chuck know that his reaction to the roadside buggy 
accident is perfectly understandable given what he saw and assisted with 
during the incident.  Your MSAR group should also support you here.  I agree 
that many drivers are thoughtless around horses and riders.  It makes me wish 
for some kind of public education program or traffic tickets for what should 
be common sense and courtesy.
   
  It is reassuring to read about what some of the other teams do for safety 
such as Irv's group utilizing fire police and such to close off an area when 
MSAR is working.  It may take awhile to regain or bolster your confidence 
around roads and vehicles.  You could set small goals to allow you and your 
mount to regain confidence because they have ESP!  I have read that courage 
is not the absence of fear, but mastery of it.
   
  You may also ask emergency workers or family if it is OK to call them and 
ask them how injured persons are doing for closure or talk to a friend.  
Hospital ERs are not supposed to disclose anything except to family.  Even 
ER, fire, rescue and police staff talk with each other or debrief after 
traumatic situations when needed. 
   
  I wish there were more thoughtful people like yourself, willing to stop and 
help.  Dana RN