The third week of my intern, Christine was out so I had to look after the horses in the morning (7:30) by myself. Looking after nine horses by myself wasn't as hard as I originally had thought it would be. I did the usual - muck first, feed the horses, water, groom, and water the cows and deer. Since the first day I went was on Thursday, I made a supplement for the horses they get three times weekly. It consists of a special formula to prevent flies from breeding in the manure, white powdery stuff that smells sweet, and normal grass pellets to make sure they eat it.
I did this twice that week, Thursday and Saturday. I may have been able to exercise the horses Saturday afternoon, but unfortunately I had to work at the luau that evening. The first day took 4 hours and the second took 3. (I think the difference was making the supplement, but it normally wouldn't take that long.)
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Internship - Week 2
There are three different 'shifts' I work at the ranch. I usually work in the morning at 6:30 or 7:30 from 10:30 or 2:30. My mentor is Christine Rose, a wrangler. A wrangler is anyone in charge of horses or livestock at a ranch.
One day I got the privilege of riding along with Christine and a couple of the tourists as a sort of second wrangler. It helps to know the trails in case something happens and I have to bring supplies to a horse or human with an allergic reaction or other emergency. It's important to always be looking out for small warning signs that the horses may start acting up - such as pinned ears, flared nostrils, and overall body language they display to other horses. It can mean the difference between a smooth ride or a trip to the ER.
The trail is gorgeous. It is on the Ulupalakua Ranch land and goes around Ahihi Kinau and up to the last eruption that took place on Maui. Once at the top, you can overlook La Perouse Bay. It's a great place to rest a minute and learn about the history of the island. Since nobody but ranch hands and rangers are allowed on this land, you get it to yourself.
Once back, the horses get their hooves cleaned, manes brushed, and a quick bath. Their favorite part, of course, is lunch.
I learned a lot about the history of Maui on the trail ride and look forward to the next time I ride up there. Riding uses many muscles that are rarely used other times so many people are sore the next day. Thankfully for me, I'm conditioned to ride so I wasn't sore the next day.
One day I got the privilege of riding along with Christine and a couple of the tourists as a sort of second wrangler. It helps to know the trails in case something happens and I have to bring supplies to a horse or human with an allergic reaction or other emergency. It's important to always be looking out for small warning signs that the horses may start acting up - such as pinned ears, flared nostrils, and overall body language they display to other horses. It can mean the difference between a smooth ride or a trip to the ER.
The trail is gorgeous. It is on the Ulupalakua Ranch land and goes around Ahihi Kinau and up to the last eruption that took place on Maui. Once at the top, you can overlook La Perouse Bay. It's a great place to rest a minute and learn about the history of the island. Since nobody but ranch hands and rangers are allowed on this land, you get it to yourself.
Once back, the horses get their hooves cleaned, manes brushed, and a quick bath. Their favorite part, of course, is lunch.
I learned a lot about the history of Maui on the trail ride and look forward to the next time I ride up there. Riding uses many muscles that are rarely used other times so many people are sore the next day. Thankfully for me, I'm conditioned to ride so I wasn't sore the next day.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Internship - Week 1
I am interning at Makena Ranch down in Makena, right in the middle of La Perouse Bay and Ahihi Kinau. The area is surrounded by a lot of a'a. My drive to work hugs the coastline from Kihei, past Big Beach, and onto La Perouse Bay. What a drive! The waves are so gorgeous in the early morning, but it's important to keep an eye out for ignorant tourists. Makena Ranch hosts trail rides for people visiting the island.
The first week of my internship was a lot of fun, but there was a lot of new information to take in. I had to wake up at 5:30 that morning and drive a half hour to wear I was beginning work. It was a bit difficult, but after my dose of caffeine and sausage biscuits I was ready for whatever was to come my way.
There are ten horses in all. I was scared to death I would not be able to remember their names but after only a couple hours I knew who was who. I was working with a lady named Lynn that morning. She showed me the basics of what was to be done while they were out trail riding - mucking, feeding, filling up water buckets, sweeping, recycling, and whatever else needed to be done. Saddling up the horses wasn't exactly a picnic. They all have their own bridles and saddles (which I'm still remembering whose belongs to who).
After they returned we put the horses up for the day and I went home. I really enjoyed working my first week. The hardest part about working with so many is that they each have their own personalities. It's like working with 1200 pound toddlers. They are all very sweet though, and much easier to deal with than some people.
The first week of my internship was a lot of fun, but there was a lot of new information to take in. I had to wake up at 5:30 that morning and drive a half hour to wear I was beginning work. It was a bit difficult, but after my dose of caffeine and sausage biscuits I was ready for whatever was to come my way.
There are ten horses in all. I was scared to death I would not be able to remember their names but after only a couple hours I knew who was who. I was working with a lady named Lynn that morning. She showed me the basics of what was to be done while they were out trail riding - mucking, feeding, filling up water buckets, sweeping, recycling, and whatever else needed to be done. Saddling up the horses wasn't exactly a picnic. They all have their own bridles and saddles (which I'm still remembering whose belongs to who).
After they returned we put the horses up for the day and I went home. I really enjoyed working my first week. The hardest part about working with so many is that they each have their own personalities. It's like working with 1200 pound toddlers. They are all very sweet though, and much easier to deal with than some people.
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