Mounted search and rescue

[Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>]

This is a general "soapbox" speech, not directed at anyone...

Presentations that market MSAR resources to SAR managers can be a great
idea, or a huge mistake.  It all depends on whether the presentation is
grounded in what local MSAR resources are qualified to do by virtue of
their prior SAR experience or training.

Yes, MSAR teams can respond at night.  But does yours?  How many night
training events has your training officer put on?  How many of your MSAR
responders participated, with their horses?  What task assignments did 
they do?  How well did they do their assigned tasks?  Beware talking up
what you don't do.

I think it is highly appropriate to give a "this is what is possible"
presentation to MSAR responders, but it may be inappropriate to give
that same presentation to SAR managers.  Such a presentation can only
give SAR managers either (1) unrealistic expectations of local MSAR
resources or (2) a low opinion of local MSAR resources for being "not
up to standard".  Either way, the message is poison.

Target the presentation to MSAR resources!  Give it to MSAR resources,
not to SAR management.  Include in the presentation some form of skill
development, so you not only inspire MSAR folks to lofty goals but also
help them take a step toward those goals.

Hope this helps,

        Una Smith
        New Mexico