Mounted Search and Rescue Criteria

RIDER REQUIREMENTS

1. The search rider must be an Experienced Trail Rider, physically fit to ride for long periods of time and have the confidence to ride alone and on unfamiliar trails.
2. The rider must be experienced in safe trail riding over any sort of terrain and should be able to safely navigate hills, fields, streams, rocky trails, mud, sand beaches, brush and woods.
3. The rider must be experienced in riding alone at all times of day and night in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, heavy rain, snow, fog, etc.
4. With reguard to both terrain and weather, rider must be able to evaluate safe conditions for self and horse.
5. The search rider should be able to set up camp for himself, horse and other team members.
6. The search rider must be able to demonstrate how to tack his/her mount with all equipement required, such as saddles, bridles, etc., and how to pack saddlebags for a mounted search operation.
7. The search rider should have training and experience to plan, organize, lead and supervise a mounted team for land search operations.
8. The search rider must have completed the Basic MASAR training and must pass the Horse and Rider Standards put out by PTESAR.
9. The search rider must comply with clothing and equipment requirements put out by MASAR and PTESAR. Failure to comply with these standards can cause termination of membership in PTESAR.
10. The search rider must take his/her responsibilities seriously. Each member is expected to be on time, tacked up and ready to go at the time designated by the Call Out Officer. Cowboying, clowning and unsafe practices will not be allowed or tolerated. Deliberate action such as this can mean immediate termination.
11. PTESAR is responsible for members of its unit to show up prepared and with correct equipment. Anyone who neglects this is harming the Unit, leaving no option for the Maine Game Warden Service but to remove our name from their call out list. Please abide by all rules and regulations of the Maine State Game Warden Service, MASAR and PTESAR.

    In addition:

    • The search rider must be physically capable of searching for extended periods of time, and in all weather conditions. Must be able to utilize a topographical map and compass, and search techniques, be certified in Basic First Aid and CPR or First Responder.
    • The search rider must demonstrate the ability to survive an unexpected emergency, posess the appropriate gear to maintain self and horse for the duration of their intended stay, know basic radio protocol and be knowledgeable in dealing with any emergency involving any horse in his/her charge.

12. Equipment:
    All team members will be required to wear an approved helmet while mounted and a blaze orange vest.
13. The search rider must be 18 years of age or older.
14. The search rider must take classes in, and show completion of Search & Rescue techniques, map reading, etc., as designated by the Board of Directors (or SAR Coordinator).
15. The search rider must carry specified equipment and supplies as deemed by the Board of Directors.
16. The search riders must maintain themselves, mounts and equipment at a qualified status. Regulatory periods of "qualified status" to be determined annually.

QUALIFYING STANDARDS FOR THE HORSE

1. The horse must be sound.
2. The horse must be an actual four year old or older.
3. The horse should be quiet and well mannered.
   • possesses no dangerous vices like kicking or biting.
4. The horse should show no aggression toward people or domestic animals.
5. The horse should demonstrate the ability to transport between search sites easily.
6. The horse must demonstrate the ability to stand tethered quietly.
7. The horse must demonstrate the ability to work independently from the herd.
8. The horse must be willing to be held be a lead rope by others other then the handler, be willing to pony or be ponied, stand quietly while handler also holds another horse.
9. The horse should be able to pass physical criteria as deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors.
10. NO STALLIONS PLEASE.

    Agility

    1. Using multiple gaits, the horse must demonstrate the ability to move forward.
    2. The horse must demonstrate the ability to move backward.
    3. The horse must demonstrate the ability to ford creeks and streams.
    4. The horse must demonstrate the ability to cross bridges.
    5. The horse must demonstrate the ability to negotiate obstacles normally found in the field, wooded area, and public roads.
    6. The horse must demonstrate physical and mental capability for safe trail riding, including negotiations of any sort of terrain.
    7. The horse must willingly participate in a single file line or a line with more than two side by side.
    8. The horse must stand quietly while rider reads map, puts on raincoat, talks on radio, breaks branches or ties survey tape in tree or brush, writes down search data or takes pictures.
    9. The horse must be physically fit to travel 10 miles or more over various terrains.
    10. The horse must be comfortable around all kinds of people: adults, young children with piercing voices, individuals who may be hurt or upset, shouting people.
    11. The horse must remain calm with other horses or alone while at command post or in the field.
    12. The horse must be capable of carrying all the equipment required for a search rider.
    13. The horse must be able to remain in control in a search environment which may include chaotic levels or activity, flashlights, portable radios, beepers, flying paper, plastic trashbags, blowing rain gear, umbrellas, bright orange and yellow clothing, surveyor's tape, motorcycles, ATVs, bycicles, backpackers, gunfire, helipcopters, chainsaws, flashing lights and sirens, crowds of people, media equipment, generators, flares and the handling of paper or equipment by the mounted rider.
    14. The horse must be able to accept the presence of other search resources, including: ground searchers or medical personnel, alone or in groups carrying various equipment, airplanes and helicopters (landing and taking off, working overhead, day or night), search dogs which may bark or exhibit other excited behavior if unaccustomed to horses.

QUALIFYING STANDARDS FOR THE HORSE TRAILER

1. Trailer must be currently registered.
2. Trailer must have specified equipment and supplies at all times.
3. Trailer must pass an inspection for proper lights, brakes and safety.
4. Towing vehicle must have adequate insurance and current registration.