Mounted search and rescue

[Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>]

Irv knows what he is talking about.  Re the rider's footwear, here in
New Mexico it has been necessary for our state training manual to say
SAR resources (all types) should wear or pack footwear suitable for
walking out of the wilderness.  That applies not only to MSAR resources
but also to all mechanized resources (aircraft, 4x4, ATV, snowmobile,
motorcycle, mountain bike).  Here in NM many horsemen ride in "slicks",
western style slip-on boots with smooth soles.  Although they may be
safer while riding, in some terrain these boots interfere with walking.

In contrast, in farming areas where the terrain is pretty uniform and
you are never more than half a mile from a good road, footwear is not
important.

Here in New Mexico most teams (all resource types) also require each
volunteer to have a 24 hour pack.  So either the rider wears the pack,
or ties stuff on the saddle.  That requires a saddle with adequate
tie points and skirting.  Any D rings used should not be merely sewn
into seams (for show), but attached by rivets, saddle staples, screws,
or Chicago screw, to the tree or at least to a full grain saddle
skirt.  Saddlebag systems that involve a harness over the saddle work
too.  It is enough to simply require a 24hr pack in some form.  Again,
in some areas a 24hr pack may be unnecessary for most missions.

In my experience the most important test is the willingness of the
applicant to learn about SAR.  New Mexico has a field certification
test, which is a written test of knowledge about ICS and SAR at the
level of a field team member, demonstration of ability to take a
bearing with a compass, and inspection of the 24hr pack.  MSAR teams
are attractive to riders looking to go on rides, but who are not
sufficiently motivated to study and learn enough to pass the field
certification test.  It is for each team to decide if such riders 
are welcome or not.  The study materials are online;  anyone may
download them and use them, making their own test.  NASAR training
materials and tests can be used in the same way, although NASAR is
not free.  See http://www.nmesc.org/certification.htm

        Una Smith
        New Mexico