To: "Jorene Downs" <Jorene@CEOates.com>, "SAR-L" <SAR-L@ml.islandnet.com>, "MSAR-L" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Tracking from the saddle, etc
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2011 20:06:06 -0400
You can also watch rangers track from cars.
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----- Reply message ----- From: "Jorene Downs" <Jorene@CEOates.com> Date: Tue, Apr 19, 2011 4:32 pm Subject: [MSAR] Tracking from the saddle, etc To: "SAR-L" <SAR-L@ml.islandnet.com>, "MSAR-L" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
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.
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