JOIN TROTSAR

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TrotSAR conducts training exercises on a rotating basis within Northern Virginia, Central Maryland and Southern Maryland. Training is generally conducted on the second weekend of the month, alternating between Saturday and Sunday, on some occasions both days as part of an overnight exercise. We evaluate equines during our team Horse and Rider Evaluation (HRE) and only with those persons who have completed the prerequisite course work, formally applied and been accepted by the team, and have successfully become state certified as a ground searcher.  Be advised that this can be a physically demanding commitment and training and mission response may be either mounted or as ground search team members.  In addition to having the fitness to pass the state testing as a ground searcher, you must have the physical ability to work under saddle for a minimum of 6 continuous hours without assistance from another person.

In addition to SAR mission response, all team members must participate in ongoing training both on the ground and mounted in land navigation, first aid, clue awareness and detection, radio communications and other relevant topics. The team also participates in multi-jurisdictional and resource mock search exercises which simulate real life search scenarios.  Training is conducted in both the field and the classroom, and sessions are administered at no cost to members. You do not need previous search and rescue experience to join – only a willingness to participate and a desire to learn.

A mounted search and rescue equine must be sound, patient, able to work in a group, hill fit, and have significant trail experience.  It should quickly and quietly load and unload from a trailer, stand quietly while tied, and be controllable in situations involving various riding environments, including flares, crowds, noise, traffic, other horses, dogs or other domestic animals, and other distractions encountered during an assignment as a public service equine. These skills are evaluated during the HRE.   ASTM/SEI certified helmets are required for all mounted and rescue activities during training and mission response.

Membership progression is Applicant, Trainee to Operational. 

Email join@trotsar.org to learn more about becoming part of the team!