The U.S. Border Patrol announced on Mar. 27 that it has received 15 horses from the U.S. Army, a transfer expected to save the agency about $105,000.
The initiative involves horse patrol units across the Southwest border and highlights cooperation between federal agencies in supporting border security efforts. Mounted patrols are important for accessing areas that vehicles cannot reach and help agents maintain visibility along challenging terrain.
According to the announcement, instructors from the Border Patrol traveled to Fort Irwin in California and Fort Huachuca in Arizona to assess each horse’s suitability for patrol work through inspections of conformation, groundwork, riding ability, and health checks by veterinarians. The first group of ten horses was transported to Santa Teresa Station in New Mexico for three weeks of intensive training with master instructors before being assigned to sectors including El Centro, San Diego, Tucson, El Paso, and Rio Grande Valley. The remaining five horses are undergoing evaluation and training in Tucson for future deployment.
“The transfer of these 15 horses from the U.S. Army further demonstrates the partnership between the U.S. Border Patrol and the Department of War,” said U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks. “This cooperation saves taxpayer dollars and strengthens the U.S. Border Patrol’s Horse Patrol, a unit that has been critical in securing our nation’s borders since our agency’s inception.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection describes itself as America’s frontline law enforcement organization with more than 67,000 personnel responsible for protecting land borders as well as enforcing safe travel and trade.
Mounted units will continue their role supporting border security operations while newly trained horses are integrated into service.
