IDAHO MOUNTED

ORIENTEERING

Internationally, orienteering is a foot race, much like a car rally. It was originated in Sweden in 1918 by a Youth and Scout Leader, Ernst Killander, to make running projects more appealing; from this foot sport springs mounted orienteering, though with some important rule variations. In 1988 a group of people in Idaho, who had been participating in the National Association of Competitive Mounted Orienteering(NACMO), got together and formed Idaho Mounted Orienteering (IMO). Rides are open to members and non-members. IMO members earn points at the rides towards year-end awards. Membership dues are good from January 1 through December 31, yearly, and cost $20 for individuals or $30 for a family (includes children under 21, living at home). The ride entry fee is $15 (members get a discount); all riders under 16 years of age pay only $5. IMO is a competitive, timed sport. The object of the sport is to use a map, compass and clues to find five markers while riding a trusty steed. Competitors may ride individually or as a team of two or more. The person or team who finds all five markers in the least amount of time places first. Extra points are given to the first six competitors or teams finding all five markers in the least amount of time. At most rides there is a non-competitive Short Course. The short course covers less distance than the regular course and landmarks and markers are easier to identify and locate than those on the competitive route. Everyone gets two points for each marker they find. Participation in IMO is fun and easy. After arriving at the ride site and registering, riders are given the landmarks and clues to find marker number 1. Every registered rider finds this marker, even if they have to be shown exactly where it is. It is not a timed station, but is awarded two points. At registration, competitors are given or choose a start time. Riders are timed out at staggered intervals, usually 10 to 15 minutes apart. The time starts when a competitor or first member of a team gets his or her map. Time stops when the competitor or last member of a team completing the ride turns in the map. The map used in IMO events is, usually, a topographical map. There are five stations, or markers. marked on the map. These can be found in any order. Using the map, the competitors locate the area of the marker. On the back of the map compass degree bearings from two recognizable landmarks are given. The "X" made where the two bearing lines cross is where the marker can be found. After finding the marker, competitors write the letters on the marker under the corresponding number on the back of the map. This is how the ride manager knows competitors have found the stations. IMO events are held in varied beautiful and interesting areas. It can be fun for the strong competitor, and for the person wanting a leisurely pleasure ride. A pot-luck lunch follows the ride and many families come early to camp for the weekend. We welcome anyone to join us in all the fun. Our Mission The purpose of IMO is to promote family fun and good sportsmanship; to heighten self-confidence and independence by developing the skills of orienteering; to enhance mental and physical health through good outdoor exercise, and to enjoy and have purpose for a rather expensive hay burner. The Association promotes the sport of mounted orienteering, encourages all phases of horsemanship, and, by sponsoring orienteering rides, provides a way to have fun in the great outdoors with horses, mules, and ponies.