Mounted search and rescue

[Pennbo's <pennbo@verizon.net>]

> What type of conditions will you not ride in?
>  
Every mission you go on your group should choose a safety officer whose 
job it is to decide if the conditions etc are too dangerous. We are 
still struggling with this. We have ridden in rain, snow, ice (with 
appropriate shoeing)- but the worst has been searing sun with no shade. 
We've also gotten stuck in some VERY dangerous terrain that we should've 
backed out of immediately. Picking a strong personality who is cognizant 
of the capabilities of everyone in your group is a great safety measure!!!

> > > How far do you go for a rescue?
> >    
We've trailed as far as 200 miles. Our county is huge and we can be 
called anywhere - we are also called for searches in neighboring 
counties. Since we live on the top of a mountain everything that is off 
the mountain is a minimum of an hour away. However some of the 
wilderness locations (dirt roads) in our area are an hour or more away - 
while closer in distance.

> > > Do you search rural, urban, city?
> >    
Yes. All of the above. Some of our group will search without mounts and 
some won't. I do it all. Add wilderness to that list as well. I want to 
be of use to the search so I will do just about anything I'm asked. The 
Sheriff's Department is usually in charge of searches in this area and 
so generally you must present authorization in order to work. I am 
learning as much as I can about command post duties so that I can help 
there when horseless.

> > > If a person is lost in the city would you join in the search?
> >    
Yes - have done so. We have also used our horses in the city- drainages, 
parks, empty fields, etc. Anywhere that a higher vantage point could 
help. I've also foot searched and vehicle searched. It's not my favorite 
because some of the areas we are called to are rather rough and we are 
unarmed. We backed out of one neighborhood quickly after hearing gun 
shots. We are not prepped for that type of incident!!

Good luck with everything!
Chris Pennington