Valley Mounted
Volunteers
POLICIES AND GUIDELINES
January 2008
A
PURPOSE: the objectives of the proficiency
certification are to:
1.
Evaluate equestrian skills and horsemanship required for the safe
conduct of SAR and public relations operations.
2.
Evaluate suitability and training level of the mount to support the
SAR mission and related activities without jeopardizing the member
or unit or public safety.
B
DISQUALIFICATION: The horse and rider will immediately
be disqualified if at any time:
1.
The horse is lame, seriously ill, disabled, or seriously injured.
2.
The rider loses control of the horse.
3.
The horse starts bucking or kicking.
4.
The rider shows a lack of adequate balance and control while riding
or handling the horse.
5.
The rider refuses or is unable to follow the certification
instructions.
C
CERTIFICATION GUIDELINES
1.
Each prospective member must certify their mount prior to riding
with the SAR group.
2.
Three judges will be designated and will evaluate each horse/rider
team.. Certification will be based on a 2/3 majority decision.
3.
Each horse will wear a halter and 10 foot lead rope under their
bridle.
D
LIST OF EXERCISES:
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THE HORSE MUST BE: |
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1.
At least 4 years old, no stallions and no colts. |
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4.
Able to stand quietly as rider puts on slicker, reads a
map, or passes something. |
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5.
Able to stand quietly while rider holds another horse. |
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6.
Able to stand quietly while tied. |
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7.
Willing to readily accept carrying a survival pack. |
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8.
Willing to cross a bridge and RR tracks. |
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9.
Willing to cross water readily. |
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10.
Able to pony another horse and be ponied. |
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11.
Willing to accept motorbikes, 4 wheelers, backpackers, llamas,
tents, bicycles, and loud noises such as police sirens &
helicopters. |
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12.
Able to load & unload in trailer easily |
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13.
Under riders control while riding with a group of horses at all
gaits. |
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14.
Able to lead well over difficult terrain and obstacles. |
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15.
Willing to leave a group of horses and return while remaining
under control. |
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16.
Able to allow other horses to move ahead at a more rapid rate
while remaining under control of the rider. |
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17.
Willing to be under control while other horses leave. |
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18.
Able to climb and descend a steep grade with the rider. |
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19.
Able to side pass in both directions |
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20.
Able to drag a weighted object such as a tree branch or a tire,
across the arena and back, with a rope.. |
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21.
Able to back readily. |
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22.
Able to negotiate a small brush jump or log between 12” to 18”
high. |
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23.
Able to remain under control and tolerate obstacles such as balls,
balloons, flags, and streamers and flares. |
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24.
Able to remain under control around gunshots and firecrackers. |
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25.
Willing to be led by the reins. |
