Until he extends the circle of compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace.

—Albert Schweitzer

Chancho's Anniversary Party

This article was first printed in E-Quest News, August 2003. Written by Mary Carbone, a Yorba Linda equestrian.

A garden angel and guardian of abandoned and lost pets, Jamie Trujillo recently called and extended an invitation to a milestone event.

Chancho, her rescued horse was celebrating life with Jamie for two years, and she was throwing a party in honor of her contented noble equine. Chancho, originally named General, had been retired from police duty as an officer. When he was taken off duty he was purchased and ended up in a very undesirable situation.

During a routine follow-up of retired horses, the police officers removed General and sent him to a salvage facility. Jamie appeared and once again, General was rescued.

But Jamie believes she was the one that was set free. Her health had begun to decline, including a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

At that time, her heart was crushed because owning a horse seemed to be an unattainable goal, but she never gave up. And Jamie now has a reason to welcome the morning; Chancho greets the beginning of every day with her.

Chancho proves that tender loving care produces a happy, healthy, contented senior citizen horse with his own rescue mission. He has also had an incredible effect on Jamie's health and her family.

She believes Chancho understands her MS. Sometimes she is clumsy and unable to ride, and Chancho himself requires attention due to his age and weakness. Together they support each other.

When Jamie feels like giving in to her own illness, she only needs to see Chancho's doe eyes, and her strength is gathered.

The invitations of celebration went to Tom and Judy Johns, Jamie's parents; neighbors in the historic Park Place neighborhood; Jamie's friends; and those who have made a contribution to Chancho's well-being.

The festive decorations spotlighted the adopted birthday horse, as well as the equine himself. Bright and colorful ribbons to tie in Chancho's mane and tail were found had for a donation to the True Innocents Equine Rescue, or TIER, in Riverside.

To date, the group has placed more than 200 rescued horses since its inception in 1998. Jame just recently adopted a second horse from TIER, named Topper, once a top contender in the Arabian show arena.

Jamie supplied water-based, bright colored paints for creative artists who wished to decorate the celebrated equine and, when completed, Chancho looked as though he ran through a wet rainbow. The sidewalk was also festooned in pastel chalk artwork by guests.

Special guests included Rhiannon Fenton, the trainer from La Canada; and Patti Jarson, certified equine massage therapist, who gave free massages to the honored equine and guests. She has been Chancho's personal masseuse for two years, and her soothing touch was more than welcome.

Jamie prepared a special cake just for the honored equine, and it weighed in at 5 pounds - full of oats, molasses, honey, carrots and apples. And topped with a pair of carrot 'candles'.

His gifts of carrots, apples and other horse treats were deemed delicious by some of the guests who just could not resist the taste test.

Horses change lives. They give self-esteem and confidence, peace and tranquility and hope.

Best of friends for life, Jamie and Chancho can be seen meandering the El Cajon trail through Yorba Linda like a breath of heaven, a cause for celebration of the Trujillo family.

Mary Carbone can be reached at 714.524.7986 or by email.