Monterey County Sheriff's Mounted Search Unit Horse Qualifications

OBJECTIVE: To provide a safe and reliable resource to the Sheriff's office for use in Search and Rescue Operations.

Safety: Any horse that kicks, bites, rears, or bucks is not suitable for SAR work of any kind. Riders must demonstrate control of the horse at all times. The horse must be sound and in good health. Horses must be deemed calm and steady. No stallions shall be used for SAR work.

TRAILERS (these items will be tested in the trailer area)

* Ties and does not pull back

* Leads

* Leads and can be led by another horse and rider

* Loads and unloads from ramp and step-up style trailers

* Allows all feet to be picked up without resistance

* Can be mounted/dismounted from both sides

ARENA

* Neck or direct reins without resistance

* Stands calmly

* Walks, jogs, lopes, and stops under control

* Side passes to left and right

* Backs without resistance

* Compatible with others

TRAIL

* Crosses over and thru water calmly

* Crosses bridges

* Safely negotiates trail obstacles

* Leave and return to a group alone

* Can calmly negotiate varied terrain

Open and closes gates

Can be ridden double for short distances

SENSORY

* Accepts miscellaneous obstacles: boxes, paper, plastic, flags, etc.

* Accepts items being handed to rider from ground person

* Accepts flares, markers and ribbons

* Accepts bicycles, motorbikes, emergency vehicles, various noises

Accepts gun fire

Allows rider to put on or remove clothing while mounted

Each horse must score 20 points for qualification. Pass each skill for one point.

*MANDATORY REQUIREMENT - must pass to qualify