Mounted search and rescue

[Helen Cunningham <stormyandme@gmail.com>]

Hi Derek,

I am working on the equine certification requirements for a mounted unit for a search and rescue team that I am on because our team consists primarily of K-9 handlers. The main requirement we have agreed on thus far is that all mounted personnel must be SARTECH II certifed (through NASAR, the National Association of Search and Rescue) before they can be mounted searchers. All searchers as well as K-9s that are operational must be certified before they can participate in a any real search. Since there are already K-9 standards, I am going to model our certifications to parallel that format, though they obviously will have different requirements. I will be glad to share what I have when I finish it which will be soon. I will also have a bibliography with it.

There are some excellent web sites that I have found useful and also I highly recommend a book by Kathy Roberts called Mounted Training: a manual for mounted search and resuce and mounted law enforcement. You can order it through NASAR's website.

I agree with Barbara's suggestions and that is the reason our team requires that all operational personnel be certifed at least to the SARTECH II level. By insisting on some level of training completion, you will eliminate those that just want to have fun or just ride.

Best of luck,
Helen Cunningham

2009/3/25 <Slybarbara@aol.com>

Derek, your plan, of building a solid base is the best way to go. 

 

My own personal experience (10 years with a mounted SAR team) is that the emphasis should be on search skills in all areas (ie: as a ground pounder, in evidence search, 4x4 and radio operations as a prerequisite to adding horses.  Otherwise, you may end up with some members who refuse to participate unless horses are involved and the organization begins to resemble a social riding club (and dissolves into political factions and disputes). 

 

Best of luck

 

Barbara Sly

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