Giancarlo Rides a Horse

Here in camp we keep horses and mules. These animals haul things where cars cannot go. In the wet season, that is everywhere, but in the dry season it is to the more remote parts of the site. We try not to cut down any trees we don't have to, so if we can avoid cutting a road to somewhere we avoid it. Giancarlo loves the animals. And Eric, who takes care of them, offered to let him ride "Bartolito". Bartolito was born here several years ago. His mother died just several weeks after his birth of an infection. Those of us in camp fed him with milk made from powdered cow's milk, we also fed him oatmeal and incaparina (a nutritional drink for children). Bartolito made it through that season and was brought out to Uaxactun - the village nearest to us. He has come back almost every year since. He even has a son of his in camp with him now. Giancarlo has been able to ride him twice, but asks everyday. Most of the time Bartolito is working, but I am sure Giancarlo will ride him a lot more before we go.