The goal of every search effort should be to use every tool
available that can save time and manpower in order to bring the search to a
successful end. With that goal in mind, I would like to inform you of many
advantages the equine can offer over the K9 as an air scenting detection tool.
Now before the K9 folks get defensive, I would like to state for the record that
I have the most respect for detection K9s and their handlers. I have publicly
stated several times that they are the most prepared and hardest working folks
in SAR. Since I have a lot of admiration for both detection dogs and horses, I
am not biased to either animal. Over the years, I have trained two scent
detection K9s for SAR plus worked closely on searches with others. Using both
K9s and equines, I have participated in SAR missions and ran field trial tests
comparing both animals. From using scientific study and actual field experience,
I have learned the strong and weak points of each animal. Under most conditions,
on many types of searches, the equine can offer unique abilities that could
clearly benefit scent detection.
After witnessing one of my
demonstrations, a nationally known SAR expert described my detection horses as
follows: “It’s like searching with a dog that you can ride.” That very
vivid description says volumes about the advantages the scent
detection horse can offer. But besides the obvious advantage of putting the
handler right on top of the search, the detection horse offers many more
advantages just by the way nature developed these versatile creatures.
Remembering the scientific rule "Form to Function." Picture
if you will, in your mind, a dog and a horse. When nature developed these
animals, each received their own unique specialty talents. The dog was designed
as a natural tracker, they are ground scenters, using air scenting as a
secondary mode of scent detection. The equine, on the other hand is naturally
designed as a air scenter; it uses ground scenting as its secondary mode of
scent detection. The equine is not just a animal that can air scent, it is
designed as the ultimate air scenting animal. With its large nostrils and long
neck, it can scent right on the ground like a dog or it can scent detect six
feet up in the air. This natural gift allows it to pick up on scent that would
many times go right over the heads of K9s. This unique equine ability becomes
extremely important when changes in environmental conditions cause scent to
gather or travel at higher levels. Another benefit the equine offers is the way
it scents when tired. The equine actually increases its olfactory acuity when
tired or hot because it takes in more air through its nostrils. The K9, on
the other hand, are just the opposite; when tired or hot, it loses olfactory
acuity because it will start to pant. When it pants, it take in less air
flow through it's nose, less air through the nose means less scent detection
ability. (For scientific advantage see Proofing page)
Comparison of Mounted Equine Systematic Precision Search Versus A K9 Meander Type Search
Other Advantages That Equine Detection Offers
· With the scent detection handler being mounted, they are in the perfect position to take a more active role by being able to use human reasoning during key phases of the search. The mounted detection team is a excellent choice for doing a systematic search versus a random type search that K9s do while working off leash. While mounted, equines are more apt to do a natural focused, slow controlled search. Plus the mounted handler has a birds-eye view of the search area. It is a proven fact that a strategically precise search with evenly spaced search patterns (Like a mounted search is capable of) will give you a higher POD than a random search.
· My comparison test between equine and K9 has proven that the equine is better at long distance scent detection. This is mostly due to the fact that scent normally rises and the horse is in a better position to pick up high drifting scent.
· In a comparison test of endurance and total area that can be covered, the equine wins, without a doubt. Once again, this is due to the way it is naturally designed. On a real SAR mission, my detection horse searched for over three hours straight, plowing through mud, water and snow and then proved he had continuously kept his mind on his work by locating the scent source.
· The equine has a useful lifespan of over twice that of a K9. This means you will get more value and use from your training time.
· SAR Hasty team search - The detection equine is ideal for a search like this because it can cover a lot of ground quickly and enter a area without leaving any human footprints that could possibly cause confusion for the search at a later time.
"Criticism is necessary
and useful; it is often
indispensable, but it can never take the place of
action, or be even a poor substitute for it. The
function of the mere critic is of very
subordinate usefulness. It is the doer of deeds
who actually counts in the battle for life, and
not the man who looks on and says how the fight
ought to be fought, without himself sharing the
stress and the danger." - Theodore Roosevelt
