Mounted search and rescue

["Jorene Downs" <Jorene@CEOates.com>]

Hi, Derek -
I think you'd find that the contemporary expectation for MSAR is to train
the riders as ground searchers, and add knowledge, skills and abilities
regarding searching from the saddle. This includes demonstrating the mount
is reliable, etc., and the rider needs appropriate riding skills. National /
International standards do not yet exist for MSAR, but you can get started
with some good ideas online from
http://emainehosting.com/masar/standards.htm 

Part of adding a resource is knowing how to use that resource effectively.
You're welcome to visit my web site and read some of my published articles
that are mostly directed toward educating management but also good for MSAR
riders to know. www.ceoates.com/msar 

One of the most important mind sets for the mounted searcher is to remember
they are on a search, not a trail ride with social chatter. (Similar in
concept to hiking instead of being focused on searching.) Also, the mounted
searcher trained to "look where the horse (or mule) looks" takes advantage
of the equine search partner's natural awareness, and increases the search
capabilities of each horse and rider partnering.

After the riders have "basic training" as searchers, consider getting
training for your riders in evacuating someone in the saddle - a valuable
option when the situation is appropriate. Another good training option is
riders learning to track from the saddle, or at least being Mounted Tracking
Aware. Your riders may also be interested in training the mount to follow
the scent and Alert, much like a search dog, instead of relying only on the
natural equine behavior. 

- - - - - -
Jorene Downs
SAR & CERT
Mounted SAR
www.ceoates.com/msar

-----Original Message-----
From: Derek (alternate)
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 1:20 PM
To: msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: [MSAR] Starting a MSAR team

Hello fellow SAR searchers!

I am currently the Director of Training for a GSAR team here in
Saskatchewan, Canada, and have been tasked with trying to expand our
services to include an Equine component.  Currently we have several people
interested in joining our team, and are interested in bringing their horses
too.  As such, I have been trying to find some information on basic
standards, training levels/idea/plans and otherwise trying to get as much
prepared for them as possible.

Our 'plan' so far is to try to get the people trained first as GSAR members,
and then work some up to Team Leaders before integrating the horses into it.
The idea behind this is to try to give the members a solid base and build
the relationships with our Srch Mgr's before we bring in the new tool.

I am wondering if anyone in this group has had a similar development, and if
there are any suggestions.  MSAR is a relatively unused thing here in
Saskatchewan, so what ever I come up with is already being eyed as a way for
our neighbouring chapters to model after.


Derek Schmidt
Director of Training
Search and Rescue Regina
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

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