*Photo Based On Michael Pintar Photography
Day 10: Ancient Traditions & Ageless Companions - Our Final Day in Santiago Sacatepequez
Our final day brought us to Santiago Sacatepequez, where we worked in tight quarters adjacent to a cemetery and amid ongoing construction. Despite the space constraints, safety remained our priority as we provided care to over 90 horses – a fitting conclusion to our two-week mission.
The day presented its share of medical challenges: a case of fistulous withers, the familiar saddle and pack sores, and several chronic hoof conditions exacerbated by lack of care. Our farrier team worked wonders with these longstanding problems, bringing significant relief to horses that had suffered for too long.
What made this location special was its cultural significance. Working on a concrete pad next to the cemetery, we learned this was the site of the annual kite festival held every November 1st as part of Day of the Dead celebrations. These magnificent kites serve as symbolic connections between the living and their ancestors – a beautiful reminder of how deeply tradition runs in these communities.
Among the day's most memorable patients was a 35-year-old donkey named Jackie, who had been with her family for three decades, spanning generations of human companions. Despite her advanced age, Jackie maintained her quintessential donkey attitude, pulling her handlers where she pleased and responding to her name with characteristic stubbornness. The deep bond between this elderly donkey and her family epitomized the lasting partnerships we've witnessed throughout our journey.
As we prepared to leave, a funeral procession passed by – a community walking together toward the church bordering the cemetery, carrying their deceased loved one while playing music. The mood wasn't somber but joyful, a celebration of life rather than a mourning of death. This unexpected glimpse into local customs reminded us that our perspectives on both life and death are shaped by culture, just as approaches to animal care vary across communities.
With our mission complete, we reflect on the numbers that only partly tell our story: over 90 veterinary students trained, more than 600 horses, donkeys, and mules treated by 25 veterinarians, farriers, and equine enthusiasts. Yet these figures don't capture the true measure of success – the transformation that occurs in both givers and receivers through these acts of service.
Our work continues beyond our departure. Dr. Jackie will revisit these communities quarterly, providing health check-ups and delivering essential minerals to the animals we've treated. This sustained care represents the evolution of our program from periodic intervention to ongoing support – a change that promises more lasting impact for these working equids and the families who depend on them.
As we pack our equipment and prepare for the journey home, we already look ahead to next winter, when we'll return to continue this vital work. The cycle of service continues, shaped by what we've learned, strengthened by the relationships we've built, and guided by our shared commitment to improving the lives of working equids throughout Guatemala.
