Mounted search and rescue

["T'mi Fi" <tfinkle@erols.com>]

Una is 100% on target!

Unlike many mounted groups whose members can simply apply online or in 
person, instantly become a member without any Equestrianism skills ever 
tested, our team has a formal horse and rider evaluation (HRE) test.  We 
test the horse and rider in nearly 3 dozen different skill categories.   
A spooky horse would never make it through an HRE.  

In a competition sized riding ring we first test one horse/rider at a 
time as they go through a series obstacles and challenges, then if that 
section is successfully completed we move from of the ring to test their 
skills out on the trail.   Our HRE test is pretty much in line with 
proposed ASTM (Draft) MSAR Horsemanship requirements and also meets the 
State of Virginia MSAR Equine Standards <www.vasarco.org>.  The HRE 
testing will weed out those horse and riders who are not suited for MSAR.

T'mi
www.trotsar.org      

una.smith@att.net wrote:

> Joan Pottinger
>  
>
> > extremely spooky and that's the one she wants to use for msar.
> >    
>
> Joan, just say no.  No way.  That doesn't mean throw her off the team, and
> it doesn't necessarily mean don't let her train with you.  BUT, you can and
> I suggest you should refuse to participate in any SAR field task assignment
> with anyone riding an extremely spooky horse.
>
> Every member of every field team has an obligation to themselves foremost,
> their field team mates, other SAR responders, and the subject, to work in a
> safe manner.
>
>   Una
>