The task force was slated to deliver the tack earlier this year but that delivery was postponed because the equipment was held up by Honduran customs agents, said Cave Creek resident Dave Marshall, who organized the drive. Marshall has twice gone on missions there, the first time in 2003 and earlier this year when the delivery was postponed.

“The Miskitos are real cowboys,” Marshall said. “They use their horses to carve out a livelihood.”

Marshall, a retired stock broker turned real estate agent, called his visit to Honduras one of the most moving experiences of his life.

“When I saw what the Miskito men were using as tack it amazed me,” he said. “I was thinking to myself that we throw out equipment they would treasure.”

Returning from his trip, Marshall put together an action plan. He recruited the help of his good friend, veterinarian Bill Tryon, a Desert Hills resident who agreed to hold a tack drive at his home. With the help of publicity in The Desert Advocate, about 40 residents donated 11 saddles and about 30 boxes of used tack.

“Although the equipment was used, it was good quality stuff,” Tryon said.

After seeing photographs of Marshall’s initial visit to the Miskitos’ village, Tryon decided that he and his son, Rustin, a recent high school graduate, would go on the next mission.

“I wanted Rustin to see that he had it pretty good,” Tryon said. “The other reason for going is that my family has been blessed, and I felt like giving something back.”

The task force mission consisted of 12 people, including volunteers from the U.S. and Honduras, 26 pieces of luggage and three boats. Meeting in the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa, they flew north by bush plane to the town of La Ceiba, then west on another small plane to the coast town of Puerto Lempira. From there, they traveled by boat, then canoe and finally, on foot, trudging through mud clay up to their knees to reach their destination.

Tryon brought along tools and medicine necessary to do dental work on the Miskitos’ horses. However, after examining the animals he realized most don’t live long enough to develop problems with their teeth.

“Tics and parasites are by far the biggest problem,” Tryon said. “They’re the main reason for the horses’ stunted growth, and for the fact they only live to be six or seven years old.”

Although he’ll continue to support the Miskitos, 64‑year‑old Marshall said he doesn’t think he’ll make the trip again. He sees his role as helping convince others about the personal satisfaction they’ll derive from making the journey, as he did with Tryon.

“Sometimes I think we take for granted our magnificent homes, health care services, plentiful food, and all the modern conveniences,” said Marshall. “Nobody goes to the part of the world where the Miskitos live–it’s just a different planet. Yet, for all they don’t have, the Miskitos are gracious, friendly and humble people.

“They don’t ask for anything and don’t expect anything, but they truly appreciate everything we’ve been able to provide,” he said.

Reach the reporter at barry@thedesertadvocate.com.