Guatemala

 

Located in central America, Guatemala is primarily a mountainous country. With a population of 13.4 million people, more than half of its residents live in extreme poverty. This is particularly widespread in the rural and indigenous communities.

 

In these regions, horses are relied upon for agricultural and transport purposes. Working hard to transport crops through dense forests, these animals often have high physical demands placed upon them.

 

Training Initiative

 

In 2006, we initiated a training programme in Guatemala. To date, four courses have been successfully completed in Jalapa, training more than 40 farriers and 40 saddlers.

 

To ensure that we are reaching working horses across the breadth of the country, our training teams have recently relocated to Chimaltenango, a town located 35 miles west of Guatemala City. Currently training 20 students, the course will be completed in December 2011.

 

Our nutrition programme has become well established throughout the Jalapa region. With numerous plantations of Swazi grass, forage sorghum, morera and alfalfa, local farmers have shown considerable interest and commitment, and their working horses have directly benefited from the programme.

 

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