Guatemala – A Very Successful First Year!

We are now on our fourth module of course one in Jalapa, which is being run approximately two and a half hours drive from Guatemala City. It is very encouraging for the instructors teaching these students a new trade to see them so willing to expand their knowledge. Having had a 100% attendance from them on all four modules gives them a great deal of job satisfaction.

The in-country coordinator who supported our project from day one must take the credit for this; as a working vet and a much respected member of his community who recognised the importance of the ILPH work to benefit horse welfare and the people of his district.

The course is being run from a military base close to the centre of Jalapa, these barracks are used to train soldiers and prepare them to return to civilian life when they have completed their national service; much like the British Army sends soldiers on resettlement courses. After the minimal cost of minor refurbishment this has turned out to be an excellent venue.

One of the areas that are being strongly developed is the use of the pack saddle. We have been able to draw on our experience from El Salvador and the development of the metal front and rear arch being incorporated in the making of the saddle, which will reduce a great number of back injuries to the pack horses of Guatemala.

The nutrition problem is also being addressed and a great deal of interest is being shown in the hand made bailer, which enables the farmers to store forage during the plentiful season and produce a supply of fodder during the dry season for their horses.

The farriers are being trained in a multiple of shoeing techniques, the harsh countryside and rocky terrain has produced many foot problems. These are being coped with very well by the farrier instructors we have trained previously in El Salvador and Mexico.