Mounted search and rescue

[Kevin Stokes <klstokes@qwest.net>]

 We've had troubles (more in the past) determining who may be suitable 
members when interviewing applicants.  "I think it would be fun..." is a 
phrase that sets a red flag in my mind.  Sure, I enjoy doing this, but 
fun isn't the first reason in my mind. 
We make it clear to all applicants that we train as an emergency 
response team.  Yes, we do parades, patrol the county fair, do National 
Night Out and safety fairs, but we only train for SAR.
We have a minimum attendance requirement, and an annual qualification 
test that all members must take.  Our qualification test is sort of a 
obstacle test for horse and rider.
 All new members must attend our mounted patrol academy.  This consists 
of three classes.  First is a classroom, three hour class covering who 
we are and what we do, policies, requirements, along with segments on  
radio use, map reading, and basic search and rescue.  (Please note that 
Minnesota is one of many states with no SAR standards.  We have to make 
our own.)
 Our other two classes are field classes.  The first of these is 
Equitation and formation riding.  I'm not fond of formation riding, but 
every search we ride in some type of formation and it is better to work 
out the bugs in training rather than on a mission.
 Our last class has a radio/compass combined training and a search 
senario. 
 Some of our veteran members attend the academy as a refresher and to 
help our new members. 
 This all gives applicants a better idea of what we do and what is 
required.  We still have some turnover, but it is much less that before 
we started the academy.
 I agree with Irv that 15 is too few members.  our optimum  number is 
25.  We can be confident of good coverage.  Too many more than that 
seems hard to manage.
 Hopefully, this gives some good ideas.
Kevin Stokes
Washington County Sheriff's Mounted Patrol