Mounted search and rescue

["IRVIN LICHTENSTEIN" <ilichten1@verizon.net>]

There are generally two types of scent based detection. The track or trail
is worked close to the ground, usually within 6 inches to a foot. This is
the classic bloodhound type of operation where the scent detection relies on
the material left on the trail and the vegetation nearby.  Lack of wind and
rain lets this track scent persist for days.  Most track trail dogs are
trained to discriminate and work from a sample (scent object) or an
identified track. They then follow the scent trail as it was laid down but
may get confused if the trail crosses itself.  This is similar to track by
track visual tracking. 

The other type, air scent, relies on the wind to carry the scent from higher
levels above the track, and usually directly from the person, to the scent
detector. These dogs, typically working field dog breeds, follow their nose
to the scent emitter.  The first air scent dogs in the US were German
trained German Shepards and related breeds. Today, retrievers, Akitas, and
other breeds are used.  Depending on the population density of your search
area a discriminating dog is usually required.  If a non discriminating dog
is used the area upwind may have to be cleared of search personnel. Since
drowning and buried subjects emit odor gases while decomposing dogs have
been taught to recognize this scent, thus cadaver and water dogs. 

Your horse works differently.  Besides being able to scent detect most
horses fuse their sensors. This means they use their ears and eyes as well
as their noses.  I have had my mount detect bicycles at a range of over 1/2
mile by sound (we were upwind of them), cars at about the same range when
they were doing about 15 MPH, and other horses and riders at up to a mile
downwind.  The range for scent depends on wind speed and terrain-- how long
will the particles remain airborne for the nose to detect and what other
emitters are there to confuse the issue, such as pine trees or flowering
plants.  This "range" will vary with the weather and terrain on each search.
It will also increase as your horse learns what you want him to do and tell
you.  As most visual trackers will tell you, dirt time is the best way to
train. Ride with a group of 2-3 MSAR or people who will tolerate your
frequent stops to check alerts along the trail and work an area likely to be
the site of a mission (a park, public game lands, forest, etc.). It will be
up to you to decide what you want a distinctive alert on.  For instance, you
may want to ignore deer. 

Irv Lichtenstein