To: "'Mounted search and rescue'" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Side Saddle Questions
Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 22:43:34 -0400
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.