"Kala-Azar"
An Essay By
DANIELL TRAVIS

Kala-Azar  was the love of Jacqueline Becker's life; her "reason for it all."
He was a crazy horse that no one really wanted. They said he was high strung and too hot tempered to handle; they decided to put him down. 
   Living in the outback of Australia, her community was small enough that she heard they were going to put the "crazy" horse to sleep. Something told Jacquie to save this horse; she didn't know why, so she decided to rescue him out of the kindness of her heart. With her incredible talent, she tamed and trained this unruly horse to become the jumping sensation of Australia. They were a team in show jumping and went all the way to the Olympic trials.  He was a horse that enabled  Jacquie to reach  the highest levels of her ability that would define her destiny, aspirations and goals. This horse had so much heart and love for Jacquie, he would perform anything asked of him, and she acknowledged and appreciated this quality. They had a special bond and were inseparable. For many years they won show after show, dropping the jaws of spectators who watched this incredible pair. 
   It was the last jumping show of the season where the last fence was set at six foot six inches, Kala Azar's limit. He gave it his all but upon landing, Jacquie sensed something wasn't right; he started limping very badly and an hour later he collapsed to the ground and never recovered.
   This experience drastically changed and made her future mission to be an equine chiropractor and massage therapist in order to save horses from needless pain and suffering. She not only travels to heal horses on the west coast, but also educates horse owners about her therapeutic techniques. Jacquelin Becker is one of the most selfless and giving people I know. "Help me help you" a quote from the movie, "Jerry Mc Guire." This sums up what Pedro Arrupe said "to form men and women for others." In my world and in the world of my equestrian trainer, Jacqueline Becker, " the least of our neighbors" is our family of animals, and especially horses. Justice not only applies to humans but also our animal friends. The difference is that humans can represent humans, but only humans can represent animals. Animals rely on humans to get the justice they deserve. "Love thy neighbor as thyself" is what I believe Fr. Pedro Arrupe is telling us. All living things are our neighbors even the least of them, and we should love them as we would love ourselves. If we applied this philosophy, there would be more justice in the world for animals and humans.
  Jacquie's talent for healing horses turned into a business and she founded International Pony Rubs, massage and equine physical therapy for horses. She is also an active member of  H.A.P.I. (Healing Animals and People International), which "provides homes for abused and neglected animals and to create emotional well-being and stability to all animals and people of all ages currently facing difficult situations" Jacquie is about others She also helps children with mental and physical disorders by showing them  how to care for and ride a horse, which engages their minds and calms their souls.
   Above all, Jacquie exemplifies every quote from what Fr. Pedro Arrupe said, and the mission statement of LMU. "All are to expect from one another, good work, disciplined behavior, and courtesy... to learn, to teach, to minister, to labor, to participate in, and lead efforts to create a more rational, faith-filled, just society." (Loyola Marymount University Undergraduate Bulletin 2003-2004)
 Jacquie Becker is one who truly "works for justice for the least of their neighbors," and that is why she is my mentor, my role model, and my example for this essay.