Mounted search and rescue

["Chuck Daniel" <iwhound@voyager.net>]

I hear what your saying, however for the most part we are usually at a walk. 
We do use horn bags and some equipment on our person, I just still find it 
difficult to believe that saddle bags cause problem with the horses.  My 
bags are more on the hip or just slightly forward.  The tail end of my 
Aussie saddle is closer to the kidneys.  I really haven't done any research 
on this topic yet. Yes we do distribute equipment between members., however 
to be in the field for up to 72 hours does require a lot of equipment and 
food, both human and horse.  For those that can do it on 30 pounds must mean 
there are true Spartans.  Just the human water for three days adds a lot a 
weight.  MRE for three days would come in at over ten pounds.  The suggested 
list that MSAR teams should carry must beyond 30 pounds.  Irv's list was 
remarkable and most was need materials.  Irv, do you have a weight on your 
fully load pack?  I guess, since I brought this up, was to get feed back on 
whether our pack cause injury or is this a myth.

I like the idea of checking with ground pounders for there suggestions on 
light weight back packs.  This offers an other advantage in that there are 
time one must dimount and become a ground pounder.

Chuck



> "Packing Light" on the horse can make a big difference in endurance,
> particularly in more challenging terrain where the horse is working 
> harder.
> Professional packers and experienced backcountry riders tend to agree ...
> the key reason why they pack the extra weight on pack animals, and limit 
> the
> personal gear weight per person.
>
> Weight over the horse's kidneys isn't recommended for any length of time,
> which is also why riding double isn't advisable. Distributed weight is
> easier for the horse to carry, and long term healthier for the horse ...
> which is why saddles are designed to distribute weight. Contemporary
> backcountry rider's gear commonly offers matching horn bags ... to
> distribute the weight.
>
> Groundpounders in SAR commonly pack about 30-35 pounds even in a 72 hour
> pack, with any extra specialized gear distributed between team members.  I
> know folks who head into the backcountry for 3 days with 30 pounds of 
> gear.
> In MSAR many wear vests with multiple pockets for critical gear, and
> distribute the rest between saddlebags and horn bags.
>
> A lot of very lightweight gear is now available for backpackers, providing
> good alternatives to the traditional gear piled high behind the saddle.
> Experienced backpackers also seek good quality packs that distribute 
> weight
> and reduce back pain.
>
> Check what the SAR folks with the lightweight packs are carrying, and
> consider how that can be applied to MSAR. Also select lightweight items 
> that
> will have multiple use so you can leave other items at home. Your horse 
> will
> thank you. ;)
>
> ~ ~ ~ ~
> Jorene Downs
> SAR & CERT
> Mounted SAR
> www.ceoates.com/msar
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Chuck Daniel" <iwhound@voyager.net>
> [...]
> > handed me the most recent Trail Rider Magazine and showed me a short
> > article
> > about less is the best policy.  The short paragraph states:
> >
> > "Go Light
> > The worst possible location to carry weight is behind the saddle, over
> > your
> > horse's kidneys.  Large saddlebags and saddle packs designed to carry
> > overnight camping gear tempt you to fill them with unneeded items, to the
> > possible detriment of your horse.  Keep your saddlebags small and light.
> > If
> > you must carry heavier items, such as water bottles, etc. select pommel 
> > or
> > horn packs that fit on the front of the saddle. "
> >    Montana Outfitter Dan Aadland
> >    adapted from 101 Trail Riding Tips
>
>
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