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.