EQUESTRIAN RESOURCE

Our mission is to provide trained Equestrian Riders that meet or exceed the requirements of the CALEMA Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Guidelines for Mounted Search & Rescue.  The Equestrian Resource serves to assist the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team with locating lost, abducted, and missing persons, as well as help with evidence searches and public relations events.

Mounted searchers have an advantage over ground searchers.  Horses can travel at four to ten miles per hour for extended periods.  A mounted rider has a higher sight advantage.  Horses are not affected by muddy conditions that may hinder wheeled vehicles.  Horses do not make noise like motor vehicles that may interfere with a searchers’ hearing.  The rider can look for clues and evidence while the horse watches the trail.  Horses may also be used to carry equipment for other Resources and, in certain cases, transport subjects when no other method is available.

Equestrian Resource Requirements:

We would like to increase the number of Equestrian Team members.  All SAR Team members eighteen years of age and older may apply for consideration in the Equestrian Resource.  General Team members that are Type 3 may participate in our training, but you must be a SAR Type 2 member to participate on searches.

Equipment that must be provided:

You must own or have available for searches a qualified horse, trailer and tow vehicle and required tack and equipment.  If you do not have a horse, we will assist in your locating a horse that meets your needs and qualifies for the Resource.  We prefer Members that ride at an intermediate level but will consider team members that can train to meet these standards.  We train once a month usually the third Saturday of the month.

Most Search and Rescue mounts are horses but mules and ponies make excellent search animals.  Any breed may make a good search horse.  The main requirement for the horse is a good temperament with no inappropriate behaviors.  Each rider and horse must pass an evaluation of general rider skills and a sensory test.

Members of the Equestrian Resource are expected to meet the ongoing resource training and continuing education requirements.  In addition, members must regularly participate in SAR team functions outside of the Equestrian Resource to remain in good standing.

For more information, email info@contracostasar.org or call the Volunteer Services Coordinator at (925) 646-4461