Mounted search and rescue

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

I wrote:
>Get some experience running off trail, and you and your horse will be
>much safer.  And you will feel so much more confident too.

Another way is to find an opportunity to help round up cattle, if
that exists in your area.  Chasing cows out of thickets teaches a
lot about traveling cross country.  On the US east coast, ask in
team penning circles...

An involuntary dismount is something that happens to everyone now
and then.  In the field, alone, being separated is very scary for
both horse and rider.  About the best you can do to prepare for
this is expand your respective comfort zones so that the context
is less stressful.

Laurie, I bet if this ever happens again your horse won't leave
you.  She has learned how unsafe she feels out of your company.

        Una