Mounted search and rescue

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

Since what Chris describes  is a weekend conference with multiple MSAR units participating, I’d focus about half the weekend on “classroom” knowledge … making the assumption that the MSAR riders already have a handle on how to ride and already have appropriately desensitized mounts. Focus on more to learn about how to be better searchers while riding, how to be more versatile during a SAR, or other knowledge advantageous to the searcher who is usually in the saddle. (Remember a good rider isn’t thinking about the actual riding, and the good searcher has potential to become a better searcher through better understanding and applying new knowledge.)

 

“Expand knowledge” classes might include: more effective use of MSAR, including exploring some options on how MSAR can partner with other resource types effectively;  mounted rescue/evacuation (passenger in the saddle) training; teach methods to improve clue detection / tracking from the saddle; provide a class on why the horse should be considered a search partner, and how to better use those natural equine instincts and capabilities on a search. Perhaps invite a vet, farrier, professional / experienced packer, etc., to share some advantageous knowledge.  Consider some defensive rider Aware classroom training, with potential to invite an experienced instructor to provide a full course another time with mounted riders.

 

Design some afternoon field exercises to complement and utilize what was taught in the morning classroom.  Or, spend the long weekend getting trained and NV POST certified as a Mounted SAR Tracker. Even if the riders don’t maintain their tracker certification going forward, the experience can greatly improve clue detection capabilities.

 

If regional MSAR units who are likely to attend the conference do a hot wash review after trainings and missions, you should also have a list of “issues” that could be addressed at the conference … perhaps with a managed group discussion one evening after dinner.

 

Depending on the training offered at the conference, consider also inviting SAR management in the region to better understand MSAR capabilities. Or, certain key training and field exercises can be scheduled in a window of time to accommodate for a more focused management visit.

 

Depending on anticipated attendance, you can also schedule 2 morning class series and split half the riders to attend one series (with related afternoon exercise) on one day, then switch to the other series for the next.  Depending on what is planned, this can make the conference easier or more difficult, particularly related to setting up and running any afternoon field exercises. But keep in mind any exercise requiring 1 rider starting every X minutes takes more time for 100 riders than it does for 20 and can impact conference scheduling.

 

Remember there doesn’t need to be a “facility” used for the MSAR conference  - participants are supposed to be wilderness searchers and prepared for overnight horse camping out of their trucks and trailers. Attendees can practice their base camp skills with high lines, portable corrals, bringing your own water and feed for horses, area mucking, etc.  Portable shelters wrapped with tarp or dark plastic can create a classroom instruction area with adequate shade to run a PowerPoint presentation if aimed to compensate for the sun during the classroom hours  – tell folks to bring their own chair. Other logistics issues are the portable generators (with fuel and extension cords), a few area lights for evenings, have portable toilets available, equipment and supplies for cooking and cleaning, tables, appropriate food and trash storage, etc. A portable PA is handy to announce meals and such.

 

- - - - - -

Jorene Downs

SAR & CERT

Mounted SAR

www.ceoates.com/msar

 

 

From: pennbo@verizon.net

Out of curiousity- if you were provided with the opportunity to haul your horses and gear to a weekend conference/seminar/training on MSAR what would you want to learn/practice/ study while there? What would be most beneficial to YOU as an individual searcher? What would be most beneficial to your TEAM? We just finished our 4th annual CountyWide MSAR training and I am trying to solidify some ideas for next year and looking for input in general.

Thanks,
Chris