Mounted search and rescue

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

From: Una Smith
[...] 
Having searched on foot and on horseback, I can say that when on horseback I
am able to devote far more attention to searching because generally I do not
need to look where I am going.  That was not always true.  As a beginning
rider I, like many beginners, had to learn not to micromanage my horse. 

=============
I agree being a good mounted searcher requires the rider not "micromanage"
the horse. I'd add that trusting the horse to carry the rider safely also
requires horse and rider experience in that type of environment. For
example, horse and rider confident in fairly level terrain may not be
experienced in far more challenging terrain (or crowds, traffic, etc.) and
the rider is more likely to return to micromanaging - instead of actually
searching - until the confidence level is higher in that type of
environment. 

Training rides provide the time and experience to build that confidence.
There are some MSAR organizations with a variety of challenging environments
who develop a rating system for severity, and members must pass evaluation
in each type of rated environment prior to being activated to perform
mounted search in that type. When a search area covers substantial territory
with a variety of challenges, the rating system also allows management to
select and assign mounted teams based on tested abilities.

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