HOTH Ranch Volunteer Mounted Search and Rescue
HRMSAR has a small but dedicated group of Mounted Team members that are able to respond to local and mutual aid searches throughout Kershaw County and surrounding counties. These teams quickly negotiate with local law enforcement and first responders to go over technical terrain often inaccessible by motorized vehicles, both for searches and to transport equipment.
About MSaR
The horses are all athletic and capable of covering great distances in a shorter time than other search resources. In addition, the horses bring a useful set of sensory awareness to a search. They are prey animals and respond to stimulus in nature(auditory, visual, and olfactory) with "tells," read and responded to by the rider.
The Mounted Team trains extensively to master traditional and nuanced horsemanship skills that could prove important in difficult terrain and in the field with scenarios carefully structured to simulate potential searches.
Get Involved
Mounted Team members must be mission ready ground-pounders and have horses that are healthy, fit, and sound, with extensive trail experience. Members are also required to participate in the scheduled team meetings and trainings. The horse and rider teams must pass rigorous evaluation which determines suitability for SAR. Team members MUST be experienced horsemen/women and have complete confidence to navigate and safely ride technical terrain.