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Issue:
In the vast world of border protection and customs enforcement, the partnership between humans and equines plays an indispensable role. These animals are a vital component in safeguarding our nation’s borders and ensuring the security of our communities. But like any partnership, it requires care and preparation, and this is why the need to train Customs and Border Protection (CBP) mounted patrol units in equine healthcare is paramount. This training is also intended to be used by other entities with mounted patrols.
Equine health management training equips handlers and owners with the knowledge and skills to ensure basic care is provided to the horses and respond effectively to emergencies related to the unique environment the duo works in, whether it’s from over-exertion or injuries that may occur during the course of duty.
Furthermore, equine health care training fosters a sense of preparedness and confidence among CBP riders and handlers. It empowers them to act swiftly and decisively, ultimately contributing to the overall effectiveness of CBP equine teams in safeguarding our borders.
Objective:
The purpose of this workforce development and public training project is to develop and implement a training program directed at raising the level of equine health management expertise of border patrol agents and affiliated employees and interested equine owners to a level consistent with a well-trained non-veterinary medical equine professional.
Outcome:
This project will provide blended Border Patrol Agent curriculum from a focused needs assessment that will also be relevant to other entities with mounted patrols. It will provide consistency across stations and a mechanism for measuring improvement in the technical capabilities of owners and riders from the perspective of equine health and first aid.
Value Proposition:
This project provides a sustainable and cost-effective training program that will improve equine handlers’ capacity to prevent or minimize the impacts of equine medical and trauma events. These events can result in costly medical bills and horses being unable to be utilized temporarily or permanently.
| Project Lead | Texas A&M University |
| Research Team | PI Dee Ellis, DVM, Texas A&M University, Department of Entomology Co-PI Leslie Easterwood, DVM, Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences Co-PI Glennon Mays, DVM, Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences |
| Budget | $438,770 |
| Duration | August 2024 – July 2026 |