Mounted search and rescue

[una.smith@att.net]

Joan Pottinger wrote:
> I thought it would be a great idea to search here.

You're showing great promise, Joan.  :-)

Do you know you can search the web archive of MSAR-Riders using any web
search engine?  For Google just include in your search terms MSAR and
site:lists.ibiblio.org .


> I think some of them are under the impression search and rescue is 
> when if someone is missing, you get on your horse and start looking.

That is exactly the idea held by many new SAR volunteers.


> What type of conditions will you not ride in?

When it is dangerous.  I have put the horse back in the trailer when
faced with really bad ice balls.


> How far do you go for a rescue?

I have trailered to destinations over 200 miles away for some searches, and
farther for many trainings.  Our normal response area is 100 miles or so;
that covers enough missions to keep us busy.



> Do you search rural, urban, city?

Wilderness and rural.


> If a person is lost in the city would you join in the search?

Yes.  However it is unlikely that we would be called.  Cities have municipal
police and most of them seem to think New Mexico state SAR resources are for
use only in wilderness.  Also, searches in populated places more often than
not involve crimes, and police are better prepared than most SAR volunteers
for those missions.  Etc.  SAR gets called more often for suburban and urban
searches when the subject is a small child.

   Una Smith
   New Mexico