MOUNTED TRAINING

All MSAR riders must first complete their training as ground searchers to the OSARVA/CSA standard and be declared Operationally Ready before beginning to train with the Mounted Unit. MSAR horse and rider teams are trained to ASTM F2794-09, which is the formal training standard for mounted searchers and horses in the United States where MSAR is much more common than in Canada. MSAR-specific training focuses on a number of horse and rider teams working together, and in conjunction with ground searchers.

MSAR horses are not breed-specific. Rather, personality and tractability are more important considerations in the selection of MSAR mounts. All horses in the mounted unit are owned and trained by their riders. The ideal SAR horse is a rock steady trail horse. It must be capable of being ridden in thick bush, rough terrain, through water and mud, in traffic, and in busy, loud environments. It must load and unload from a trailer willingly and be capable of standing tied for long periods. In addition, it must be safe and trustworthy in crowds.