For over 50 years, the sound of hooves in La Floresta and near the Posada Ajijic has been part of our town’s soul. This legacy, started by his father, was carried on by Pancho, a man who has spent 40 years sharing the history of Lake Chapala with people from around the world.

Today, Pancho is facing criminal accusations of animal cruelty—a charge that threatens to destroy his life and ignores decades of hard work and dedication.

The Reality of the Situation:

• A Humble Livelihood: Pancho has never lived a life of privilege. This business was never about profit; it was about maintaining a tradition. Every cent earned went back into the care of the horses.

• Health, Not Neglect: The loss of two horses occurred under the care of a veterinarian due to infections, which are a tragic but natural risk for horses. They did not die of starvation. Because they were fed a traditional diet of hay and are of a specific local breed, they do not appear "fat," leading to unfair assumptions by those unfamiliar with local livestock.

• A Generational Gap: Pancho is a man of the "old school." While he struggled with the modern hygiene standards expected in the heart of Ajijic, his intent was never to mistreat his animals. He is an aging man who is being targeted by a cultural misunderstanding.

We call on the Fiscalía del Estado de Jalisco and Ecología de Chapala to drop these criminal charges. Poverty, aging, and traditional methods are not crimes. Pancho deserves dignity and a fair chance to defend his name.