Retired U.S. Border Patrol Horse With the Longest Record of Active Service Has Retired at the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch
Bob, the Mustang who served the U.S. Border Patrol for nearly seven years, gets to enjoy retirement at the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch.
Photo courtesy of the Humane Society of the United States.
MURCHISON, Texas (Jan. 15, 2020) – After nearly seven years of U.S. government service, former wild mustang Bob, age 10, is settling into a well-deserved retirement at the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch.
In 2011, Bob was adopted by the U.S. Border Patrol to work as part of the mounted patrol. Prior, he had been gathered from a herd management area by the Bureau of Land Management and entered a program with the Kansas Department of Corrections that helps train and adopt mustangs. He was placed at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility in Kansas where inmates trained him prior to his adoption by the government.
Bob is led by his handler, Kayla Parente. Photo courtesy of the Humane Society of the United States.
According to U.S. officials, Bob holds the record for the longest active service for a U.S. Border Patrol horse. His records note that he was known as “dependable and safe,” often paired with the newest agents because he was so easy to work with. This exceptional horse never needed a medical or behavioral break. He routinely served at busy border crossings amongst crowds and cars and he made several public appearances with agents.
Bob and Annie. Photo courtesy of the Humane Society of the United States.
Noelle Almrud, director of the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch, said, “We are honored to provide a home where Bob can live out his retirement grazing on hundreds of acres, enjoying sunshine on his back, roaming with a herd, running and kicking up his heels. Since he was accustomed to humans in his work, our devoted caregivers are more than happy to give him all of the attention – and treats – that he desires and deserves.”
Photo courtesy of the Humane Society of the United States.
Almrud believes that Bob is the first retired government horse resident in the 40-year history of the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch, operated by the Fund For Animals, an affiliate of the Humane Society of the United States.
To support the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch, go here.
Bob, when we first brought him out of quarantine at Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch where he enjoyed his room with a view, keeping an eye on his caregivers all day (and of course conning us into giving him more treats). Photo by Angie Dierkes/ the Humane Society of the United States.
About the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch:
Founded in 1979, the 1,400-acre Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch, operated by the Fund for Animals in partnership with the Humane Society of the United States, is one of America’s largest and most diverse animal sanctuaries. Located in Murchison, Texas, Black Beauty is a permanent haven to more than 800 domestic and exotic animals rescued from research laboratories, circuses, zoos, captive hunting operations, factory farming, and government roundups. Residents include tigers, bears, primates, bison, tortoises, horses, burros and more. To respect the peace and privacy of the animals, the sanctuary is open to the public only twice a month for intimate prescheduled Ranch of Dreams Tours. Visit https://www.facebook.com/BlackBeautyRanch for regular updates on our work and tours.
About the Humane Society of the United States:
Founded in 1954, the Humane Society of the United States and its affiliates around the globe fight the big fights to end suffering for all animals. Together with millions of supporters, the HSUS takes on puppy mills, factory farms, trophy hunts, animal testing and other cruel industries, and together with its affiliates, rescues and provides direct care for over 100,000 animals every year. The HSUS works on reforming corporate policy, improving and enforcing laws and elevating public awareness on animal issues. More at humanesociety.org.
