Posted on 12/08/2008 3:13:51 PM PST by AuntB
Mustangs that were running wild less than two years ago will be part of next months inaugural parade for Barack Obama.
The formerly wild horses are part of the U.S. Border Patrols mounted unit, which operates out of Colville, Metaline Falls and other Inland Northwest locations. The unit received an invitation to bring eight of its mustangs to Washington, D.C., next month to march in the parade with the agencys honor guard and bagpipe and drum team.
For the unit, the invitation represents a chance to show off a successful program that blends environmentally friendly practices and criminal rehabilitation. For the horses, it represents a long journey from running wild on federal land to marching down the broad avenues of the nations capital.
We think its a great success story, said Danielle Suarez, the agencys spokeswoman for the Spokane District.
The agency adopts horses captured and auctioned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for $125, then has them trained by inmates in a rehabilitation program with the Colorado state prison system at a cost of about $900 each.
We think that not only did they tame the horses, the horses tame them, Suarez said.
The horses are then sent to Border Patrol stations in the Spokane Sector, which covers Eastern Washington, North Idaho and Western Montana.
Its some of the most rugged and remote areas of all of North America, Suarez said.
The horses can get into some back-country areas more quickly and economically than motorized vehicles. In areas such as Glacier National Park, which restricts motor vehicles, horse patrols are used to minimize environmental damage.
The agency currently has 17 horses that are stationed across the northern tier. Other towns include Curlew and Oroville, Wash., and Eureka and White Fish, Mont.
Horses from the sector have marched in Chicagos St. Patricks Day and Spokanes Lilac Parade. The agency hasnt picked which eight horses it will send to Washington, D.C., yet, but staff is expected to do that in the next few days and begin training them.
For horses that spend most of their time in the back country, they need to get accustomed to walking on paved streets, with potholes, Suarez said. They also will get acclimated to crowds.
Preliminary plans call for them to train in Colville, and be shipped in trailers to Washington, D.C., in mid-January.
The biggest logistical challenge will probably not involve the horses, but their riders and handlers, Suarez said.
Parade organizers have made arrangements for all equestrian units to be boarded in Maryland, Suarez said. Their riders are on their own, and lodging is getting scarce for whats expected to be a heavily attended inaugural celebration.
Were just happy to be in the parade, she said. Well stay anywhere.
I had a government mustang a few years back from a round-up. He was a beautiful creature, but I had to sell him after I got married - no land for him where I am now.
Anybody have pictures of the mustangs? Would love to see as I’m not going anywhere DC in January!!!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.