Day 5: The Grand Finale With Group One
Our final day with Group One brought us to Soledad, a small village perched at 8,000 feet on the slopes of Acatenango, the region's highest volcano. Here, where the air thins and the earth tilts dramatically toward the sky, we found ourselves among farmers who daily navigate these steep inclines with their equine partners, cultivating the beans and corn that sustain their families.
The soccer field that served as our clinic offered a rare flat expanse in this vertical landscape. Against this backdrop, our team of veterinarians and farriers worked alongside thirty eager students from Guatemala City, their professors watching proudly as theory transformed into practice beneath the volcano's watchful gaze.
One case particularly illuminated the spectrum of care we provide – and the transformative power of gentle understanding. A young stallion, just two and a half years old, arrived for castration, but his body told a more complex story. Severe sarcoid, a non-lethal form of skin cancer, marked his groin area, complicating what should have been a routine procedure. Yet it wasn't the medical challenge that first caught our attention – it was the palpable tension between horse and owner.
The owner's frustration was clear: the horse had become dangerous to his family, yet cultural machismo made it difficult to admit defeat. Instead of rushing into surgery, we suggested a different first step. Enter Concho, our natural horsemanship expert, whose quiet wisdom has transformed countless human-equine relationships over our years in Guatemala.
What unfolded over the next hour was nothing short of magical. From across the football field, we watched as Concho orchestrated a delicate dance of trust-building, involving both the veterinary students and the owner in the process. The transformation was remarkable – where there had been fear and aggression, now stood a calm, attentive horse and a beaming owner. The fight had dissolved into understanding, proof that what's often labeled as "difficult" is simply misunderstood.This newly established trust allowed us to address the horse's medical needs. We treated the sarcoids as best we could, and Dr. Fleming was able to trim all four hooves without incident – a task that had seemed impossible when the horse first arrived, unapproachable and defensive.
Another stallion was also castrated that day, part of our ongoing efforts to manage the population of intact males that can create challenges in these close-knit communities.
As we worked with the day's 55 horses, conversations with the veterinary students flowed naturally from practical techniques to future possibilities. We discussed the current shortage of veterinarians in the United States and the valuable opportunities for international internships – chances to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Their excitement was palpable as they envisioned expanding their horizons beyond Guatemala's borders.
In a touching gesture of gratitude, the local women prepared lunch for our team – a reminder that our service touches not just animals but entire communities. These moments of connection over shared meals often reveal the true heart of our mission: building relationships that sustain long-term change.
Each morning of this trip has begun with devotionals, which we call FullBucket Forums – moments of centering, sharing, and vulnerability that remind us why we're here. It's in these quiet moments that we sharpen each other, like iron against iron, supporting one another through life's challenges both big and small. This spirit of fellowship and collegiality has infused every aspect of our work.
As we descended the mountain back to Antigua for our final night, our hearts were full with more than just the satisfaction of animals treated and students taught. Dr. Jackie's efforts to transform our program from periodic visits into a year-round project are bearing fruit. What began as episodic "hero missions" has evolved into something more sustainable – a continuous effort to improve equine welfare while nurturing Guatemala's next generation of veterinarians.
Tonight, as Group One signs off and prepares to pass the baton to Group Two, we carry with us the images of transformed horses and humans, the warmth of community meals, and the knowledge that our work here creates ripples that will continue long after we've gone. The future of veterinary care in Guatemala grows stronger with each student we teach, each owner we reach, and each animal we treat.
With Deep Gratitude
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Texas Equine Veterinary Association Foundation and the Foundation for the Horse for their continued support of the Equitarian Initiative and the Texas Equitarian Project. Their commitment makes our work possible, ensuring that these vital animals receive the care they deserve. This support allows us to continue building bridges between modern veterinary medicine and traditional practices, ultimately improving the lives of both working equids and the families who depend on them.
If today's story moves you, please consider supporting equine health initiatives through the Texas Equine Veterinary Foundation or the Foundation for the Horse. Your donations can help fund vital programs including student scholarships and volunteer initiatives focused on working horses in developing countries. Every gift makes a difference in advancing equine health and welfare worldwide.
*
