Thank You So Much for Your Support!

        Thank you SO MUCH for everyone who has donated to Vida y Esperanza! Take a look at all of the wonderful equipment that we collected in just four short weeks.... and this is only one suitcase worth! We should have another suitcase on the way with 3 more bridles and another halter!

        Unfortunately when the equipment arrives on May 1st I will be on my way back to the US, however our new volunteer Thacher and director of Bolivia Cultura, Lee will be here to hopefully take ample photos and report on how the new equipment is received by Jose Luis and the boys!

Now that Pitu has shoes, he is not longer lame! Now
if we could just get some weight on him...

 

       With the money that was so generously donated I was able to arrange for the farrier to come last week. All of the horses got their feet trimmed and two horses were shod... and get this, all for $35! I was also able to track down some salt blocks in the Cancha (although it was not easy!) and purchase wormer for all 11 of the horses. Upon scouring the internet, I found a super cheap website (Chick's Discount Saddlery in case your curious!) and was also able to order the following to be sent down with the group of students coming from Virginia: two pony bridles, a pair of metal jump cups, three curry comb/hard brush combination mits, and four crops. Also, last but not least, over the weekend Jose Luis took it upon himself to take the bridle project even further and made three lounge lines! 

     

Jose Luis lounging Chino on Ceniza.

        Although I am very sad to be leaving Bolivia and the project, I am eternally grateful for having gotten the chance to work here and hope to return someday in the not-to-distant future! As much as possible I also plan to continue to collect donations and raise funds for the project from the US and help Vida y Espernza in any way I can. I hope to maintain the blog in order to continue to raise awareness of this great program, and also grant access to future Vida y Esperanza volunteers so that they may do the same. Once again, thank you so much for all of the generous donations, you can rest assured that they have made a difference in a child's life!

New Projects Underway!

         So far the donation drive is going really well! My good friend in New York has informed me that already she has collected a bridle, a saddle pad, Vet Wrap, and some other basic medical supplies. In addition to horsey supplies, we have also recieved a few monetary donations as well! Thanks so much to everyone who has donated thus far, your generosity means a lot to the kids and I! 

First home-made halter!

         In other news concerning Vida y Esperanza.... unfortunately when I arrived at Blajot last Thursday I was informed that one of our *precious* bridles had been stolen. That means that now the program is down to only 5 bridles to use on the 10 horses. After sulking for an afternoon I went online and began looking for ways to fashion a bridle myself. I came across a website that suggested using old cotton belts as straps, and via their instruction my friend Lee and I made a halter using similar techniques. It came out rather nice if I do say so myself! Out of his own pocket, Jose Luis purchased some nylon webbing in order to attempt making bridles in a similar fashion, and the project commenced this afternoon! When all is said and done the bridles will end up costing the equivalent of about $8 each, the buckles and other hardware being the majority of the expense. We are able to make the "frame" of the bridle ourselves, but are unable to make or buy the most important part of the bridle in this country...... BITS!

The boys hard at work!

         This brings me to my next item... if you are considering donating something to the project, here is a list of items that are the most crucial:

In order for Black Beauty´s girth to fit,
three folded saddle pads need to be
 placed under the saddle! 

BITS - small, pony-sized

Bridles/Bridle pieces
Hardware - 1.5 in. metal rings, double/single-ended snaps
Girths - pony-sized
Stirrups

Pitu is lame due to this defect in his
right front hoof.

        In reality, behind bits monetary donations may actually be the most useful to the project. There are a number of things that are cheaper to buy here than to have shipped from the US, such as brushes and buckets. Money can also be put towards corrective shoeing, grain, and rental fees for Blajot.

Ceniza is currently nursing her 4-month-old colt
and expecting another... and as you can see she could
desperately use some nourishment!