April 15th thru Oct. 15th is also the time period when the criminal element of Mexico decides to pour across the U.S. border moving thousands of human slaves and tons of illegal drugs into our country. The U.S. Border Patrol only catches 3 to 5% of those that do cross. The U.S. Border Patrol is not able to effectivley patrol the almost wilderness areas along the approx 175 miles of our border. None of us are getting paid at this time...but most mounted reenactors don't get paid for the parades and other events that they do anyway. At least while patroling the border areas for a week or so each year, they would be getting to actually use their skills, not to mention helping proctect the American way of life... H. Fowler of the New Mexico Border Ranger Project.

I understand what you are saying, we need the patrols of course and it would be great if people could help out in some way. BUT to haul horses from Oregon to the border is quite an expense on the part of the individual, not to mention leaving responsibilities at home and work. Parades and events are much closer to home.

I can't see how border patrol relates to use of mounted skills either. We won't be working in formations, we won't be shooting anyone (hopefully) and we can't sabre them. Have you tried mounted horse groups such as the sheriffs posse? They usually get involved in mounted rescue and it seems this would be closer to the ideal rider you would need for this project.

Good luck with your endeavor.

Capt. Ahearn

Nope at this time you can't "stick 'em" or "shoot at 'em". Now lets see where we can start here...First most mounted Sheriffs posses are only good for parades and getting lost. As one Search and Rescue feller put it, "It takes us longer to find the sheriffs posse members after a rescue, than it does to find the victim!!" Now we understand that it would be a little costly for ya'll to come down and vacation in the land of Geronimo and Victorio for a week. To help off-set some of ya'lls expense we could help furnish horse feed, and make sure ya'll had a cook and 3 squares a day while you were on the border. Also we might be able to make sure that every one left town with a full tank of fuel for the trip home. We don't want to put it all on just your group either if you know of any other groups that might want to take a turn...have them get in touch with me. Is there a publication that Reenactors read where I could publish an article about what we are trying to do, so I can let more mounted Cavalry groups know about this project? Ya'll would be making patrols in groups of 3 to 5 men, reporting any large (or small) groups of illegals so they could be aprehended by the Border Patrol...thats it in a nut shell...Howdy Fowler The New Mexico Border Ranger Project

Been gone a few days was you able to get any of that info that I requested in my last post? It is a brisk 20 degrees here but sunny and clear...

I checked around the mounted units in the Pacific Northwest and no one is able to commit to head south to the border for any time next summer as a group. Any individuals who may be interested will be contacting you through your email to learn more about it. I really don't think you will be getting much interest from this area but I could be wrong. Did you contact groups in Arizona and California? I don't have a list of them but maybe you can find something on the internet.

Linneus Ahearn

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Replying to:

Been gone a few days was you able to get any of that info that I requested in my last post? It is a brisk 20 degrees here but sunny and clear...

Yep we are at this time contacting Mounted Cavalry groups all over the U.S. and have some interested groups...just thought ya'll might like to come have some fun too.

Hey Howdy, what you're doing sounds really great and I do wish you success. I live in Va. so it will be kinda tough to come,but I know tons of Cav all around and I'll spread the word. Have you hollered at the 8th Texas Cav. them boys is hardcore and this sounds right up their alley.


Later on.........Wardawg.