This guide establishes minimum standards criteria for MSAR personnel. Users of this guide shall have the ability to be a self-supporting deployable resource (for self and equine) and should be self-supporting while at base camp for a minimum duration of 24 h.

At no time will this standard supersede any established protocol of international, national, federal, state, tribal, local, or regional governments.

MSAR responders work with a variety of individuals and organizations, including law enforcement, fire and rescue, casual volunteers and family members of the missing subject(s).

This standard does not address the wearing of a riding helmet while deployed on an MSAR mission. However, users of this standard shall be aware that many AHJ’s require the wearing of riding helmets while deployed on an MSAR mission and out of area response may require wearing a riding helmet.

1.1 This guide establishes the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) required for an MSAR responder and their equine during the deployment involving lost or missing persons and related non-technical rescue skills used to stabilize or minimize a missing person (subject) from remaining in peril.

1.2 MSAR users of the guide shall meet or hold the certified equivalent KSA defined in Guide F2209.

1.3 Users of this standard should, at minimum, have pre-existing basic horsemanship skills that are equivalent to what is published within: The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship: Basics for Beginners/D Level (1).

1.4 Users of this standard should be aware of other MSAR standards, requirements, guidelines, policies, procedures, or protocols, or combinations thereof that have been established and which may be under the jurisdiction of federal, state, tribal, local, or other regional authorities (for examples of two (USA) state level MSAR standards, see Refs 2 and 3).

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety issues (or safety plans) if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use or as defined within a (regional or geographical) response region.

1.6 This standard is created without bias to the type of tack, gear, packs, first aid supplies, personal protective equipment (for self or equine), or riding discipline that is practiced by the MSAR responder.

1.7 This standard does not address the mounted evacuation of a subject, although an AHJ may determine when and if a mounted evacuation would be appropriate and what local protocols will be implemented.