Horse (and Mule) Power for Honduras

Robby

By Robby Brumberg

Honduras is a mountainous country with harsh terrain and extremely limited infrastructure. The country has about 15,000 miles of roadways, less than 2,100 of which are paved. This leaves huge numbers of rural residents at the mercy of perilous, constantly shifting dirt roads, which may or may not be passable depending on the time of year. In isolated, poverty-stricken communities, mules and horses can be as valuable as Range Rovers (not to mention infinitely cuter and more eco-friendly).

In Honduras, where 65% of the population is estimated to live in poverty (and 40% of whom work in agriculture), animals like horses and mules play a critical role in day-to-day life by providing a reliable means of transportation. They often offer the best way of safely navigating harsh terrain, and can help carry a farmer’s load to a market where he can sell his wares. That’s why Food For The Poor started its ‘Mules For Life’ program in Honduras, which provides hardworking animals for poor families in need of transportation. Beneficiaries receive the animals, along with vitamins, feed and training to ensure the animals are kept healthy and cared for properly.

Our excellent partners in Honduras, CEPUDO, recently sent us photos of some of the newest, delightfully fluffy additions to the program!

 

Here's a female "Mammoth Jennet." Males are called "Mammoth Jacks."
Here’s a female “Mammoth Jennet.” Males are called “Mammoth Jacks.”

This is "Matilde," who might be the cutest mammoth mule in all of Honduras!
This is the very adorable “Matilde,” who was born not too long ago.

Here's another newborn female.
Here’s another newborn female. ¡Tan preciosa! ¡Qué bonita!

This is "Rayo," a quarter horse foal.
This is “Rayo,” a very handsome quarter horse foal.

Another beautiful newborn mule!
Another lovely newborn mule.

This Mammoth Jennet is pregnant.
This Mammoth Jennet is pregnant! As animals in the ‘Mules For Life’ program breed and multiply, the more Honduran families in need can benefit.

 

If you’d like to help the poor of Honduras, you can do so here. You can also purchase a donkey for a family in need for just $150 through our Gift Catalog.

Thanks for making great projects like this possible!