Mounted search and rescue

["IRVIN LICHTENSTEIN" <ilichten1@verizon.net>]

It is never a good idea to step down.  Once you are separated from your mount you are a person to the bear, and a horse, both of which it can take down.

Assuming the bear is defending territory, not hunting you, staying aboard and exiting the area rapidly is the best course.  Your horse may be able to outlast the running bear but speed may not be enough if he really wants you, or what he smells in your saddle bags.  Depending on your horse, getting off may be a bad signal as well, and you may have to walk back through bear country.

 

Irv Lichtenstein

 

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From: msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Laurie
Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 6:21 PM
To: spanishequines@yahoo.com; 'Mounted search and rescue'
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Coyotes, or are they really? And what stinks...

 

Karen can you please elaborate on scent training?  If you start in a familiar environment, such as home, will it cause the horse to become more spooky or jittery for a while? 

 

I have had 2 black bear encounters in the past 3 months here in Northern Virginia, obviously bear are becoming more numerous but luckily they have been very happy to run in the opposite direction from us.  The horse’s reaction was not cool the first time – she left the scene and I ended up on the ground.  So obviously I’d like to modify her reactions.  And I ride more alert nowadays!   The second time as soon as I saw the bear was leaving our area, I dismounted to avoid a repeat reaction.  But I’d like to be able to do better than that.

 

Thanks for sharing.

 

 

Laurie Hanahan

TROTSAR