I agree with an arena-field merge for a basic horse and rider
evaluation. When our Team conducts evaluations for prospective trainees,
we try to always start out in a ring (or at least set up an arena
setting) for our first series of testing, then field work followed by a
couple of miles on the trail. During our last H&R evaluation, two
riders were told to dismount and "walk" their horses to their trailer, because
they were too much of safety risk for others. I can not believe
some teams still invite newbies on a training session without conducting a
primary H&R skills assessment.
However, once a member reaches
trainee status, we prefer to use real world training environments (rather then
in an arena or ring). Except for academic classes, written tests or
quiz's, we prefer to train in areas and situations similar as what we would
find during a real world search. One on One time with your mount in a
confined setting is important, but it is a task better left done as an
independent activity, away from the team. If we did for parades and
such, then arena work would be very beneficial.
I
also agree with with the getting off the horse part. That is why I had
talked about having those victim stations for my dream MSAR Judged Course.
We just had a fun little exercise for our new trainees. We
tested both their mounted pacing skills and ground search skills. Each
team rode a given distance anywhere from 200 to 400 meters to an assigned
(unmarked) 15 meter area. Once in their assigned area, they dismount and
search for a quarter that is placed somewhere within 8 feet from the center of
the trail. Finding money motivates people (grin)
I really like what I'm seeing suggested here
from Tomi and Terry. Tomi wrote "Confidence, experience and exposure are the
key elements." Terry wrote "... most riders over estimated their own
and their horses skills ..." I agree!
Trying to come up with viable methods to solve
rider/mount issues isn't easy. One solution is MSAR teams taking on
new/different riding challenges with every training ... and having regular
riding-related training in addition to ground/classroom training. (I'm
remembering Chris' report of the rider at SAR City who said she hadn't
ridden her horse in several months. Big Ooops!)
We've discussed the idea of having some kind of
designed course options for national standards - not remotely ready to
go there yet on details, but I like the concept! An arena-field merge
that also takes the MSAR rider out into the field and through a scored
course is one I particularly like.
Something else I've noticed is many MSAR teams
focus more on the Search training and far less on the Rescue. For this MSAR
Team Competition-to-be <g> with obstacles, orienteering,
tracking, etc. ... don't forget to include at least one "more
complicated" rescue as part of a dismounted test! ;)
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