Mounted search and rescue

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

I've recently had some SAR trackers scoff [again] about the ability of a
rider to track from the saddle. Yes, you first need to learn tracking from
the ground. Yes, there are times you must dismount for a closer look, but
often you can simply continue to ride for quite a distance when not doing
step-by-step tracking. I've done it, and seen others track successfully from
the saddle. But apparently that information isn't enough to convince the
scoffers. It doesn't seem to matter to some that generations of riders have
successfully tracked cattle, hunted game, pursued fugitives, etc. So I
recommend turning on the TV and watching a few episodes of Mantracker on the
Science channel to see for yourself.

 

http://science.discovery.com/tv/mantracker/ 

 

This reality TV series is based on a mounted tracker  (Canadian cowboy and
active MSAR, Terry Grant) in varied challenging terrain in primarily North
America who has a limited time frame to "capture" two volunteer "fugitives"
who need to elude their pursuer and reach a designated point (location
unknown to the tracker) before a certain time the next day. The volunteer
"fugitives" have a map and compass. The Mantracker has a local rider who
knows the territory assisting him and sharing local terrain knowledge.
Sometimes 1 or both of the "fugitives" make it to their target destination,
but often the Mantracker captures them.

 

While the Mantracker TV show certainly isn't a SAR incident, there are many
similarities to MSAR in the knowledge and skills applied. For example:  

*         Terry Grant will dismount and show the camera what he spotted from
the saddle, and explain what it is ... such as toe digs and longer strides
indicating the volunteers are hustling. 

*         The vast majority of episodes there is reference to the horse
(ears alert and looking) indicating the possible presence of the fleeing or
hiding volunteers ... reinforcing "Look where the horse looks" as a huge
tool for MSAR. 

*         Commonly the volunteers mention a strategy that includes "a horse
can't go here"  to determine where they will go to remain un-captured ...
which sometimes is correct, and often - much to their dismay - is incorrect.
Some of the terrain on horseback in the various Mantracker episodes will
likely surprise most incident management and even some MSAR riders. 

*         Mounted trackers (and "fugitives") are out overnight.

*         Some of the strategies discussed by the Mantracker can be useful
in SAR, particularly if the missing subject appears to be intentionally
eluding the riders/searchers.

 

Tracking training often includes a recommendation to stand on a stump or
boulder to gain a different angle. The saddled horse becomes a mobile stump
for the rider, and often the best angle is to look further ahead than you
would if standing on the ground. For non-riders to try to get a feel for the
height and angle of view to track from the saddle, try standing on a chair
or sitting on the wall  of a pickup truck bed. Look down, then let the eyes
gradually scan out 20 feet or even notably further, depending on the
terrain, light, etc. But dismount - as needed - for a closer look. 

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jorene Downs

SAR, CERT, Emergency Communications

Mounted SAR

http://www.ceoates.com/msar

KJ6JCD

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