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Subject: Mounted search and rescue

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  • From: "Joan Pottinger" <j.pottinger@insightbb.com>
  • To: "Mounted search and rescue" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [MSAR] Training
  • Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2007 07:53:46 -0400

Thanks. This is really good information. The part about the safety officer is very helpful.
----- Original Message ----- From: "Pennbo's" <pennbo@verizon.net>
To: "Mounted search and rescue" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2007 12:16 AM
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Training


>

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
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