Ranch Dressing

I was concerned when I called Cook's Ranch in Waimanalo to find out about volunteering for their riding program for kids with disabilities. A gruff man answered the phone asked me if I was available the next day because they needed me and then rattled off some directions.

A program for kids with no background checks? No waivers or forms to fill out? Hmm, but I reminded myself that this is Hawaii where everything is not always as professionalized as one would expect.

I showed up the next morning after a stunning drive on the Pali Highway twining a cliff that overlooked a pristine eden. I pulled into the ranch, which along with being dusty seemed to be aging and in somewhat ill repair. A woman, who I would later learn was named "Auntie Pudgy" pulled in ahead of me. Rusty trailers littered the property and the stables seemed to do the trick, but were rickety. The horses were an interesting mix. A red faced man, the one from the phone enlisted me in helping take out the helmets. I did as I was told.

As I brought them to the table and helped line up the plastic barrel an out going red head, (the man was her husband) Patti greeted me with a hug. "We give hugs here! You are a godsend! We had a second group of kids from the local school ask if they could come!" She then gave me waivers to fill out and a name tag. She introduced me to Ben, the owner of the ranch, a striking middle aged Hawaiian man. Ben sized me up, "You a horse person?"

I hemmed and hawed. "If you mean and I am a horse expert, no. Have I ridden them and do I like them, yes." No response from Ben. He just looked at me and went back to grooming the horse. After meeting a handful of the volunteers, I had a few moments to take it the exquisite beauty of the valley and the surrounding accordian fold mountains that encirecled us.

A bus arrived and off came about 15 kids mostly around the ages of 6-9. I was very impressed with the series of exercises that Patti led the kids in before getting on the horses. For the kids who had more physical challenges, the exercises helped with motor control, balance and stretching parts of their body that get little attention. The kids who had more cognitive issues were guided in focusing and being present.

The range of needs and challenges was vast. There were kids with mild and severe autism, downs syndrome, muscular distrophy, developmental delays, including one enthusiastic child who had a stoke when he was an infant. Though mobility of one side was limited, he was giving it all he had and with an infectious grin the entire time.

Patti had them mount the barrels like they were horses, teaching them good technique and led them through balancing exercises on the barrel and then on a low to the ground balance beam where they did stretches. Then we had a series of exercies on a log higher up on the stable. There was "Woody" and "Ms. Woodette" which they practiced getting on the horse again and led through a series of stretches and comfort level sitting in a saddle. We also taught them the right words to get the horses started and to slow down.

The horses were older slower horses, but beautiful nonetheless. They were great with the kids and we walked them around the ring often sidewalking with the kids to ensure no one fell. Games were played with balls, rings, colors. Hanging things on posts, exchanging objects--even riding backwards, which Pattie explained helps the kids with all their hip muscles.

The kids were so happy as well. Omne of the higher energy kids, as they were leaving ran up to me full force and hugged me as he slammed himself against me almost knocking me off my feet. "Thanks!"he yelled. The teachers were all nice and one younger teacher suggested some places to go hear live music.

One volunteer and I struck up a conversation. Rosemarie, a dog lover, began telling me more about the island. She invited me to her church, which I may take her up on just to see. She, pudgy and a few others were very welcoming and the kids were having such a good time that the atmosphere was full of goodwill. Afterwards, people all had lunch together. I appreciated the offer of deviled roastbeef spread and macaroni salad, but I passed.

It was a good day and I enjoyed myself tremendously. It was a peaceful drive back to Waikiki.