Our ORGANIZATION

 In New Mexico, a mounted searcher may be asked to ride many miles on a search lasting one operational period (up to 12 hours) in an unfamiliar area on flat, or mountainous terrain, at temperatures between 10 - 110 °F, at an altitude between 3,000 and 10,000 feet. This means that a searcher must be prepared for anything!  Mounted searchers must also be prepared to hike for several miles in the event of an injured animal, or to stay overnight in the backcountry if necessary.

Horse and mules of all sizes, shapes, and colors are eligible to participate in NM Mounted SAR.  Owners are responsible for ensuring that their animals are healthy and fit for strenuous Search and Rescue missions.  Additionally, each animal must pass an annual evaluation of its ability to be safe and obedient under stressful situations.  An animal that cannot pass the evaluation may not be cleared to participate in some SAR missions.