Mounted search and rescue

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

Shameless PR plug below!  I didn't even know this search was going on until I
saw this.  It was being circulated with a header indicating the location is in
New Mexico but actually the Chiricahua National Monument is in Arizona near
the New Mexico (and Mexico) border.  Horses are very frequently used for SAR
in Arizona and New Mexico. 

        Una Smith
        New Mexico

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[From today's National Park Service Morning Report]

Chiricahua National Monument (AZ)
Ailing Hiker Rescued With SAR Horse Assistance

On November 2nd, the park received a report that a 33-year-old woman with a 
previous health history had become fatigued and was unable to continue hiking 
the Echo Canyon trail. 

Rangers responded with their professional search and rescue horse, Boomer. 
The woman was evaluated and then evacuated on Boomer.

Chiricahua has 17 miles of day use hiking trails and 86% of the park is 
designated wilderness.  Because many of the park's trails are too narrow for 
the use of UTV's or helicopters for rescues and because of limited staffing, 
carry outs by horse have proven to be the safest and quickest method for 
extricating people. The unique geologic features of Chiricahua National 
Monument make it one of the few national parks that require an active horse 
rescue program.

Boomer is a 21-year-old Tennessee 
walker<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennessee_Walking_Horse> who is currently 
celebrating his 20th year as a Park Service employee. Boomer started his NPS 
career at Big South Fork National Recreation Area; he has worked at Saguaro 
National Park as well, and has been with the Southeast Arizona Group for the 
past nine years. Boomer is used not only for rescue, but for boundary and 
routine patrols as well. He is a highly specialized, internationally 
recognized lifesaving horse. 

Most horses have a life expectancy of 25 to 30 years, and many horses at 
Boomer's age have been removed from service to enjoy well-earned retirement. 
But Boomer's gentle nature, large size and keen intelligence contribute to 
the ongoing and excellent performance of his duties. 

[Matt Stoffolano, Chief Ranger, Southeast Arizona Group]