EDINBURG, Texas –The United States Border Patrol Rio Grande Valley Horse Patrol Unit is currently hosting a training course to include instructors from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Mounted Unit and instructors from the New Orleans, Louisiana Police Department (NOPD) Mounted Unit. The training will assist in identifying gaps in training and will aid in the establishment of better practices among those in attendance.
RGV Sector has nearly 40 horses that were adopted through the Noble Mustang program. The mustangs in RGV have undergone a basic training at the Kansas City Correctional Facility by trustee inmates, followed by training with agents for field deployment. Horses have been a valuable asset in securing the border since the inception of the Border Patrol in 1924.
“We are honored to assist other agencies with the facility and personnel for this specialized training,” said Chief Patrol Agent Manuel Padilla, Jr. “Our Horse Patrol Unit is one of the hardest working and efficient units in the nation, and we are eager to share best practices with our law enforcement partners.”