San Mateo County Sheriff MSAR
Search and Rescue Training and Sensory Clinic For Horse and Rider
This clinic is designed to teach equestrians some basic mounted search and rescue techniques as well as build horse and rider confidence by learning safe desensitizing and horsemanship skills. The clinic offers different classes in equitation, formation riding, basic search procedures, trail sensory obstacles and sensory work (including cattle and helicopters) and an equine first aid lecture during lunch – all with the goal of working towards building a better partnership between you and your horse.
The clinic is open to intermediate and advanced riders 18 years of age and older. No stallions allowed and horses should be at least 5 years old. Riding helmets required.
Instructors: Taught by Don Criswell, a Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified instructor and co-founder and former head trainer of the San Jose Mounted Enforcement Unit along with Casey Terribilini, POST certified instructor and unit leader of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Mounted Search and Rescue Unit.
Location: Driscoll Ranch – 5460 La Honda Rd. (Hwy 84), La Honda, California
Date: May 15 - May 16, 2010 (Ranch opens Friday May 14th at 3:00 PM for overnight campers)
Time: 08:00 – 17:00
Cost:
$225 – General Public if paid before May 7th ($240 after May 7th)
$210 – Out of County MSAR or Law Enforcement if paid before May 7th ($225 after May 7th)
$50 – Auditor (includes meals only)
Fee for participants includes on-site dry camping, all of Saturday’s meals (including a wild game bar-b-que Saturday night), Sunday’s breakfast and lunch, t-shirt, and certificate of completion.
Refund policy:
Full refund if canceled prior to May 7th; 50% refund if canceled up to 72 hours prior; No refund if canceled within 72 hours of clinic.
Camping details:
Ranch opens at 15:00 on Friday May 14, 2010 for unreserved dry camping spots (no power or water hook ups). Water is available for horses at various spigots located on the property. Although there may be a limited number of stock corrals available for use (please call for more information), we encourage the use of portable corrals or tying horses to trailers. There are no trees suitable for high tying.
What to bring:
Appropriate riding boots
Riding helmet
Clothing appropriate to the weather (usually warm during the day, cool at night)
Horse (no stallions)
Horse feed and necessary buckets or bags
Saddle and all necessary tack (bridle, saddle pad, breast collars, girth, etc.)
Water bucket
Halter and lead
Portable corral or appropriate and safe method to tie to trailer
Camper or camping stuff for overnight stay
A willing attitude and a sense of humor
Directions:
- From the Bay Area – Take Hwy 280 to Woodside Road Exit (Hwy 84). Travel southwest on Hwy 84 for approximately 10 miles and through La Honda. From La Honda, continue approximately another 5 miles to the Driscoll Ranch entrance on left (look for the rearing black horse).
- From the Coast – Take Hwy 1 to La Honda Road (Hwy 84). Left on La Honda Road (Hwy 84) and continue approximately 5 miles to the Driscoll Ranch entrance on right (look for the rearing black horse).
How to register:
Download, fill out and sign the application and waivers. Mail all paperwork and your check made out to SMC MSAR to:
Kelley Hix
PO Box 370427
Montara, CA 94037
A paid reservation will hold your spot in the clinic so mail your application and check in early. No applications will be accepted without payment.
