Texas DPS Border Mounted Patrol Unit Celebrates First Anniversary with Growing Success
Saddles creaking, hooves crunching through thorny brush, and the quiet commands between rider and horse — these are the sounds of Texas’ newest border security strategy that’s proving surprisingly effective one year after its launch.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is marking the first anniversary of its Border Mounted Patrol Unit, an innovative team that pairs highly trained state troopers with equine partners to patrol challenging terrain along the Texas-Mexico border. Since its November 2024 inception, the specialized unit has steadily expanded both its presence and capabilities in the state’s ongoing border security operations.
Old-World Solution to Modern Border Challenges
“This marks a historic moment for the Texas Department of Public Safety as we continue to innovate and strengthen our efforts to protect the people of Texas,” officials stated when launching the program. “The new border unit will enhance border security efforts by supplementing ground troops and leveraging the horse’s unique capabilities in challenging terrain.”
What makes horses particularly valuable for border patrol? Their ability to navigate difficult landscapes inaccessible to vehicles gives troopers a tactical advantage in locating individuals attempting to circumvent checkpoints. The mounted units operate primarily from stations in Eagle Pass, Carrizo Springs, and Del Rio — areas known for rugged terrain that can otherwise provide cover for illicit border crossings.
Each trooper-horse team undergoes rigorous preparation through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection National Horse Patrol Program, a comprehensive curriculum that ensures “both partners are equipped to meet the challenges of the border environment.” This specialized training has quickly translated to operational success.
Recent Apprehensions Highlight Unit’s Impact
The unit’s effectiveness was recently demonstrated in Kinney County during an October 19, 2025 operation. Working alongside K-9 Arya, mounted troopers tracked and apprehended 52-year-old Adan Delgado-Ortega of Mexico, who was found hiding in dense brush. Further investigation revealed Delgado-Ortega had a lengthy criminal history including assault, weapons charges, and drug possession, along with multiple deportations dating back to 1998.
Such apprehensions aren’t isolated incidents. Even during their initial two-week on-the-job training period following graduation, the inaugural class of mounted troopers assisted in capturing 11 individuals attempting illegal entry and helped the Kinney County Sheriff’s Office track subjects from vehicle bail-outs.
Is this old-fashioned approach really making a difference? Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee believes so.
“The success of the Border Mounted Patrol Unit over the past year reflects the dedication and adaptability of our Troopers and their horses,” Rippee noted. “These teams continue to demonstrate how innovative strategies and specialized training can make a measurable difference in securing our border and keeping Texans safe.”
The mounted patrol initiative represents an interesting blend of traditional methods and modern security concerns. While drones, sensors, and other technological solutions often dominate border security discussions, Texas DPS has found that sometimes the most effective approach combines cutting-edge tactics with the centuries-old partnership between humans and horses — particularly when navigating the unforgiving landscape that defines much of the state’s 1,254-mile border with Mexico.
As the Border Mounted Patrol Unit enters its second year, officials expect the program to continue expanding its capabilities while serving as a model for adaptable, terrain-specific border security approaches that complement the state’s broader enforcement strategy.
