Mounted search and rescue

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

From: "Pennbo" <pennbo@bbv.net>
> The work we
> do does have inherent risks. We do all we can to minimize those risks.
> The risks for each geographic region are different. It's best to prepare
> for the risks you can reasonably expect to face in your area. In my area
> narrow steep trails, cliffs, ledges...are all part of the expected 
> terrain.
> Chris Pennington

I agree, Chris. My operational and close mutual aid area also commonly has 
the more hazardous steep mountain trails. Risk management is an important 
factor. But if you train and increase your capabilities and confidence 
dealing with gradually more challenging situations, what once was perceived 
as "can't safely do that" might well become an acceptable risk because your 
personal comfort level has changed.

For example, the rider trying jumping the first time doesn't start with the 
6 foot fence, but starts low and moves up until horse and rider limits are 
found. One horse-rider combination might stop at 2 feet, another might go to 
4 feet. The same rider might do better on a different horse, or the horse 
might do better with a different rider. But you still work your way up when 
learning something more challenging, to build confidence and experience, 
starting with a solid foundation in training to minimize risk as you 
increase the level of challenge.

A critical factor in mount and rider being prepared to respond to more 
challenging environments is having experience and confidence riding in those 
environments. Otherwise the rider is likely focused on riding safely, not on 
the search, and may become part of the problem instead of part of the 
solution. Good MSAR units identify where they are likely to respond for 
mutual aid, and go train in any environments that aren't also common in 
their own operational area. And sometimes that team will have some folks who 
can respond to X, but not to Y, and the limitation might be due to the 
horse, the rider, or both.

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