Mounted search and rescue

[Paul Fleming <PFLEMING@NWLINK.COM>]

Jorene,

Apparently your scoffers aren't horsemen. We know what can be done and it is 
really not important they do.

Paul


On Apr 19, 2011, at 1:32 PM, Jorene Downs wrote:

> 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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