Mules feeding and watering at the El Cayo savannah in the 1930's
The means of transporting cargo from the jungle or to the villages and towns and to El Peten was, by packs of mules, the feeding area for these animals was at the large El Cayo Savanah.
Each owner had their animals branded, with their Initials so that they could identify them.
These mules would be strapped with a saddle that was called APARREJO, ( apparel ).
These Packs of mules when loaded with a cargo of chicle or goods, for a journey, were led by a leading mule or horse with a RINGING BELL around its neck, to show them the way.
The men steering the pack of mules were called ARRIEROS AND THEIR BOSS "HALA YEGAS."
These mules had endurance to travel very long distances...
In those days, mules were imported from TEXAS and were called TEJANAS ( big mules ) but Bob Turton made arrangements to bring smaller ones from Spanish Honduras, for a far cheaoer price. These small mules ate less food and withstood the climate better. Yes there were horses among the mules for the Arieros. Horses were NEVER good for cargo purposes. At our farm my Dad had to buy mules, to bring fire wood, corn and coffee which he sold to the "Kattan Coffee Mill" in Belize City.
The big mules were lazy and would lie down when loaded.The small mules were great.
I remember the Savanah where the horse race was held. Also when they had the Fiesta every year. Remember Mr Dandy Lamb Ms Mama Ingram. Sabbie Wade, Etto Habet, Denton Coleman, Avington. Chamong, Mar unfortunately, Enrico Coleman, Jorge Habet. Arthur. Osman. Michael.
Photograph courtesy Hector Silva
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