US border patrol agents are using horses to track down drug and people smugglers. The United States has invested millions in attempting to secure its border with Mexico. But in an age of advanced surveillance technology, one of the most effective policing methods is as old as the border itself.
When Congress first established the US Border Patrol in 1924, it was strictly an equine affair. Applicants for early patrol jobs were asked to provide their own horse and tack, but the government would provide horse feed. The jobs paid comparatively well and, by 1934, the Border Police Chief demanded that aspiring agents fulfil a range of criteria that wouldn't pass muster with today's anti-discrimination policies. He decreed that agents be "not less than 23 nor more than 30 years of age; not less than 5'8" in height, nor less than 147 pounds, with good visual acuity without glasses and normal visual fields and colour vision".
By 1954, agents were required to have at least 14 natural teeth and replace any missing ones with "suitable prosthetics." Of course these days such requirements seem archaic. But while the notion of horse patrols might seem similarly antiquated - especially in an era of heat sensors and unmanned aerial vehicles - they are still an invaluable part of the border security effort. Click here to read more.
Beginning this Monday, July 26th,Pennfield Equine Feed Technologies will launch a weekly contest to give away pairs of tickets to the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky. Entrants will need to correctly answer seven questions to be entered to win the weekly drawing. Answers are found on the newly launched PennfieldEquine.com.
"We are so proud and excited to launch the new PennfieldEquine.com," said Jeff Katelan, national sales and marketing manager, "it offers a great wealth of nutrition information for horse owners. From manufacturing processes, to the importance of fixed formulas and ingredients, to the difference natural Vitamin E makes, we believe horse people will find it an invaluable resource. To celebrate the website's launch, we decided to make a game of it: explore the site to answer some easy questions, and be entered to win two tickets to WEG."
59-days to go—Musicians from the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center will assemble at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games to showcase the distinctive music of New Orleans and America’s Southern roots during the Opening Ceremonies on September 25.
“It is an honor to participate in this event, especially an event that is going to be broadcast around the world,” said Victor Goines, clarinet player and music director for the Games. “It gives us an opportunity to showcase our talents and to demonstrate how we feel about the music of New Orleans.”
