2026 Giving Trip Day 6: Under the Watching Volcano

Field Report from the 2026 Texas Equitarian Project ~ Sponsored by FullBucket

Acatenango sits high in Guatemala’s volcanic highlands, where daily life unfolds beneath the constant presence of an active volcano. The climb into town is long and winding, the air cooler and thinner with every turn. When we arrived, the clinic site was already taking shape on the municipal soccer field, with horses lined quietly along the fence and owners waiting patiently.

In the distance, the volcano released small plumes of smoke, a steady reminder of both beauty and unpredictability. Nearby, a new school was under construction. Women washed clothes at the local laundry station. Children arrived alongside the horses, initially reserved, then increasingly curious as the clinic came to life.

The Clinic Takes Shape

Our team arrived with a small group of veterinarians, farriers, volunteers, and equine professionals, supported by eleven veterinary students from a private school in Guatemala. For many of the students, this was their first opportunity to work hands-on with horses.

The clinic was built using what the field offered. Soccer goalposts became anchors for dentistry stations. Tents were secured against the wind using burlap sacks filled with FullBucket nutritional supplements. Volcanic ash coated boots and equipment, and gusts of wind kept everyone alert.

Temperatures hovered in the fifties, cold by local standards. Jackets stayed zipped. Hats stayed on. The conditions demanded patience and flexibility, the same qualities required for meaningful teaching.

Ego, Humility, and Purpose

The day began with a FullBucket Forum, an intentional pause before work begins. The focus returned to humility, teamwork, and slowing down. Education was prioritized over efficiency. Teaching takes time, and time is something we choose to give freely on these trips. 

Gratitude was treated as an action, not a sentiment. Each interaction, whether with a student, an owner, or a horse, was approached with care and respect.

The Work

Fifty-eight horses were examined throughout the day. No donkeys were presented, and one animal left the team debating whether it was a mule or simply had an especially expressive head.

What stood out most was the overall improvement in body condition compared to earlier years. Acatenango has historically been a community where thin horses were common. This year, many animals appeared stronger, heavier, and healthier.

Local representatives described the improvement as cyclical, tied to pride in care, education, and connection to the land. Stronger horses reflected stronger communities.

Education in the Field

Teaching happened continuously, woven into every station.

Students learned to listen to heartbeats, palpate faces for dental abnormalities, and approach horses in ways that allowed the animal to respond first. They practiced picking up feet safely and discussed how hoof balance affects longevity, especially for animals carrying heavy loads on steep terrain.

Near the end of the day, Dr. Ciera Guardia asked students to share something they had learned. Several admitted they had arrived focused solely on small animal practice and were leaving with a new curiosity about equine medicine. Others spoke about hoof balance, dentistry, and disease recognition.

One student reflected on how welcomed she felt. She had expected visiting veterinarians to be distant. Instead, she found patience, mentorship, and encouragement. That mattered.

Cases That Stay With You

One case involved a small bay paint mare named Fanny, owned by an older gentleman who waited quietly nearby. Dr. Guardia approached simply, asking permission to greet the mare and learning her name. When the owner said “Fanny,” his face softened with pride.

Fanny leaned into the attention. During dentistry, the owner recognized Dr. Guardia immediately and proudly assisted while she was sedated. Fanny, estimated to be in her late teens, had a significant wave mouth. Floating her teeth improved her ability to chew and make use of the nutrition she depends on daily.

The owner watched closely, asked questions, and examined her mouth himself. By the end, he shook hands with each team member, grateful not only for the care but for the understanding.

Another case involved a very small horse sold as a yearling. Dental evaluation suggested an age closer to five or six years, with stained teeth and conformation consistent with a dwarf-type condition. The discussion centered on education, setting realistic expectations, and supporting an animal with unique needs.

Closing the Day

Lunch brought warm papillón and hot hibiscus tea, welcome comfort in the wind. Shared meals did what they always do, turning individuals into a team.

Even after lunch, more horses arrived. The work continued.

Before packing up, the mayor of Acatenango offered words of thanks, acknowledging the FullBucket team, Dr. Jacquelyn Garabito’s year-round coordination, and the visiting veterinarians who volunteer their time. Each team member received a certificate of appreciation and a gift of local coffee beans.

As equipment was loaded and goodbyes exchanged, the sense of connection was tangible. On the drive back to Antigua, laughter filled the van despite the rough road.

Some on this trip have been part of this mission for more than a decade. Others joined this week. Shared purpose has a way of closing that distance quickly.

Tomorrow, the work continues.

The Texas Equitarian Project is collectively sponsored by FullBucket, the Texas Equine Foundation, and the Foundation for the Horse, with additional support from Boehringer Ingelheim, Zoetis, MWI, Precision and Wickliffe compounding pharmacies, and HDE and Yeti equipment suppliers.

If this work inspires you, please consider supporting equine health initiatives through the Texas Equine Veterinary Foundation or the Foundation for the Horse. Your donations help fund vital programs including student scholarships and volunteer initiatives focused on working horses in developing countries.