Colt Starting Camp

Dear Kiyo, Nakoa, Ku'uipo, Pa'akaula, Ikena, Dustin, B.J., Tyler, Kai, Christy, Hoku and all,
Although I write fiction, I never dreamed of riding out into green hills which seem to roll right up to Mauna Kea. I never imagined strangers treating me as a friend who was welcome to ride their prized Quarter Horses, and I only hoped that I'd put jitters from a riding accident behind me and ride freely in open country, but all of those things happened during my visit to Dahana Ranch and I thank you for it. 
Your family business is clearly not run by shareholders and corporate spreadsheets. The Ranch has a beating Hawaiian heart.
I'll miss the mist, rain and dazzling sun, the adventure of spotting foals and calves, wild turkeys and black feral pigs, the excitement of watching young horses learn and the deep neigh of the majestic stallion, Beduino's Farewell.
Given a time machine, I'd relive my days at Dahana Ranch over and over again -- or maybe I'll just come back soon. 
Thanks so much, Terri Farley

From the birthplace of King Kamehameha I to the awesome roar of lava flowing from two of the earth’s most active volcanoes, enjoy living on the emerald green slopes of Mauna Kea, in the heart of Hawaii’s cowboy country, Waimea. Experience the working lifestyle of the Paniolo, riding, driving cattle, roping, and visiting the diverse nature of the Big Island.

Dahana Ranch on the Big Island of Hawaii, owned and operated by third generation Hawaiian cowboy Harry Nakoa, is offering a tutorial school for people interested in learning more about starting colts, the first 30-90 days of riding and refining the finished horse.

The program is available at 14, 30, 60 and 90 day terms, and includes the following :

1. Airport transfer
2. Room
3. Utilities/laundry
4. Rodeo and competition attendance
5. Cattle work
6. Meeting tourists from around the world
7. One day of sightseeing per week

Skills to include: Feeding, grooming, general horse care. Basic training of ranch horses and developing the working cowhorse including: Ground work, longeing, backing, suppling, loping, turning, stopping. Team penning and roping, general ranch maintenance. Interaction with tourists, greeting, giving instruction, accompanying on horseback excursions, western BBQ’s.

Harry Nakoa assures all of his students who have accomplished 30-60 days that his methods will forever change your life, your attitude and approach to working horses.