Mounted search and rescue

[pennbo@verizon.net]

I would have concerns about the balance of the rider in a side-saddle. Like Una my team rides some pretty rough country often on ledge trails. If a ledge trail suddenly begins to give way (it happens regularly here) the rider may need to suddenly and quickly shift a significant amount of their weight to help their mount maintain balance on the trail. While I believe every person with disabilities deserves a chance to prove their capabilities under extreme conditions- just like every other potential member- I believe it's in everyone's best interest to make sure that the standards under which EACH PERSON is judged is the same for every member.

I have ridden in a side saddle. Has anyone else? They are an interesting ride for sure. :-)
Chris

 

 

On 05/23/13, T'mi Finkle<tfinkle@erols.com> wrote:

 

Thanks Una

-----Original Message-----
From: msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Una Smith
Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2013 9:11 PM
To: Mounted search and rescue
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Side Saddle Questions

T'mi, interesting questions!

I don't know of any MSAR team that disapproves the use of specific types of saddle. The only minor exception being those posse
groups that specify a "Western" saddle but this has more to do with rodeo ceremony and parade riding than SAR.

I would have no safety concerns about a rider using a side-saddle, provided the rider is secure in it. And given the design of
these saddles I would expect a skilled rider to be very secure.

Someone with significant neuropathy involving a lower limb, or even a prosthetic foot, could well be better off in a side-saddle
than riding astride. Here in New Mexico the SAR community includes a number of amputees. They are remarkably able, resourceful
persons.

Best wishes,

Una Smith
New Mexico

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