Mounted search and rescue

[Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>]

Terrence J McCormick wrote:
>In reading about the standards to be developed for MSAR I keep hearing 
>about  " turning a horse within a confined space".  Does anyone have a
>definition of, or dimensions of, such a confined space?

Note that defined standards may be as abstract as "turn around
within a prescribed space", without prescribing the dimensions
of the space.  Leaving that to the user, who may choose a more
or less difficult specific test that meets the standard.

That said, I think the most common test involves a box painted
or dragged on the ground, or bounded by 2x4s or ground poles.
Typical dimensions are a square or rectangle, approximately 6x6
feet or larger.  This is not a 3-dimensional space test, but
an easier 2-dimensional area test:  the horse's head, neck,
and limbs can extend outside the boundary, provided the horse
does not put a foot down outside.  I have also seen an obstacle
course using large (100 pound) straw bales tiled to form a box
with high walls and a narrow entrance.  *That* was a confined
space test!

I have on occasion turned my horse 180 degrees on a trail no
wider than 3 feet.  I know it can be done in an even narrower
area, but that is hard on the horse and may be dangerous too.

The AQHA handbook, chapter on show rules (*) page 191 (in 
section 454 on Trail classes) states:

        An obstacle consisting of four logs or rails, each
        5' to 7' (1.5 to 2.1 meters) long, laid in a square.
        Each contestant will enter the square by riding over
        log or rail as designated.  When all four feet are
        inside the square, rider should execute a turn, as
        indicated, and depart.

* http://www.aqha.com/association/registration/pdf/06completeshowrules.pdf


Other organizations probably have similar written guidelines
for this type of obstacle.  If you know of any others, please
mention them!

        Una Smith
        New Mexico