PLEASE NOTE: The information below was accurate for Gulf Wars XIX (2010) and is listed here for your reference only with the understanding it may change at any time.  This will be updated for Gulf Wars XX (2011) as soon as the information is available.

 

MOUNTED SECURITY

We will be conducting Mounted Security for Gulf Wars XIX and most of the primary roads on site are part of the new routes. We will discuss the detailed routes at the mounted security authorizations.

Authorizations for Mounted Security will be held early in the week. Please see the Equestrian Schedule for times.

Rules and Requirements:

NO HORSE DIAPERS REQUIRED

• Volunteers for mounted security must be authorized riders at the Intermediate or Advanced level.
• Volunteers must either own their mount or have the permission of a horse owner to use theirs on patrol. No rental horses are to be used.
• Volunteers must attend a mounted security orientation class before being allowed to make patrols.
• Volunteers must pass a horse/rider combined authorization before being allowed to make patrols.
• Volunteers must sign up for a shift at Security Point.
• Volunteers must pick up a radio at Security Point BEFORE starting on patrol.
• Volunteers may patrol singly or in pairs. If a pair, only one rider needs to carry a radio. There will be no bunching up of patrols.
• Patrols may meet to exchange information but must not obstruct foot or vehicular traffic when doing so and must separate as soon as possible.
• Riders may not enter camps or merchant rows even if requested to do so by persons in those areas. Get on the radio and call for a security golf cart patrol.
• Volunteers riding night patrols, must have bells attached to their horses harness and must carry a flashlight. These items are to be provided by the rider. Small strobes or light sticks are also a good idea to put on harness.
• Some areas of the site open for mounted patrols and some are not. The Mounted Security Coordinator will advise all volunteers at the orientation class of permissible areas after consultation with the event Autocrat.

The above rules apply to those equestrians assisting in the parking areas also.

HORSE/RIDER AUTHORIZATION EXERCISES

The exercises to include but are not limited to:

• Noise 1 – The mounted horse will stand while a bag of cans is shaken all around the horse. The rider must maintain firm control. The horse may not shy violently or spin around. Small movements of the horse are acceptable under the inspecting marshal’s discretion.
• Noise 2 – A sudden, loud noise will be made at the mounted horse from any direction. (You or the inspecting marshal can decide on what the noisemaker will be) The rider must maintain firm control. The horse may not shy violently or spin around. Small movements of the horse are acceptable under the inspecting marshal’s discretion.
• Noisy Walk – the mounted horse must be walked back and forth across a plastic tarp laid on the ground. The rider must maintain firm control. The horse may not jump over or otherwise avoid going across the tarp.
• Standing Flap – The mounted horse will stand while a cloth is flapped at it all around. This will include touching the horse lightly with the flapping cloth. The rider must maintain firm control. The horse may not shy violently or spin around. Small movements of the horse are acceptable under the marshal’s discretion.

Riders with an uncooperative mount can try again with another if they wish.

A horse that failed any of the exercises twice or a rider that still demonstrated a lack of control after trying with two horses will not be allowed to participate in mounted security.