National Border Patrol Council, Local 2455 President Hector Garza and US Border Patrol Laredo Sector Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Greg Burwell had the opportunity to ride with Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Horse Patrol Unit (HPU).

The Laredo Sector Horse Patrol Unit is comprised of adopted Mustang horses acquired through the Bureau of Land Management’s Wild Horse Program, as well as through the purchase of Horses within the border community.

In order to be part of the HPU, agents must pass a rigorous 4-week training program that includes; learning first-aid, feeding, housing, trailering, and how to properly care for the horses. As agents advanced to on-the-job training, they receive instructions regarding field/river patrol, sign-cutting, riot/crowd control, and various job-related duties.

The time spent with the horses allows the agents to build a solid foundation and to better understand the horse’s capabilities and limitations.

Thank you for your work LRT HPU!