EDINBURG, Texas – The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Sector Horse Patrol has been selected to participate in the 58th presidential inauguration parade in Washington, D.C.
parade near McAllen, Texas
Eight members of the RGV Sector Horse Patrol unit will be representing the United States Border Patrol at the inauguration festivities on January 20, 2017. Border Patrol has participated in the traditional inaugural parade in the past but this is the first time RGV Sector Horse Patrol has been selected for this honor.
In recent years, the Horse Patrol has garnered national attention for their training and field safety expertise. The unit has consistently been called upon for standardizing training throughout the Border Patrol. “The inauguration in Washington, D.C. is a hallmark event and we are proud to represent the US Border Patrol in this fashion with distinguished agents whose presence will surely enhance the festivities,” said RGV Sector Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Manuel Padilla, Jr. who is slated to attend as well.
participate in opening ceremonies
RGV Sector has almost 40 horses that it adopted from 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 by agents for field deployment. Horses have been a valuable asset in securing the border since the inception of the Border Patrol in 1924.
"It is an honor for our horse patrol to be invited to participate in the ceremonial aspects of the inauguration," says Chief Padilla, “and to be able to stand alongside other federal and state agencies with pride."
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.