lol... That's not a whip. Its the left rein.

But you're right, to 99% of the folks that see that picture.... yep, the man is using a whip.
What's that agent gonna do anyway btw? Why is he grabbing the guy? I wonder what his protocol is in that situation.
That company that makes those Bola-Wraps... $WRAP.... they should contact CPB. Seems like that would be an ideal application of their product. Its non-lethal and basically harmless. The stock needs some fresh press anyway, bring it back from the dead.
https://wrap.com/bolawrap/
Its a story stock, cool product but limited usability for cops on the street. It does seem like the ideal product for these agents on horseback out in the open. Depending on what they're trying to accomplish.
Anybody besides me notice this little gem in that photograph? Nice balancing act. I'd have spilled those damn things in the river for sure. That must be a highly experienced soccer-mom, she arranged the picnic on the other side of the river.... after they did the photo-op.
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