A horse is a horse of course, of course, but who actually makes the horse what it is? Well, at least in Hawai’i, it’s none other than Harry Nakoa of the Dahana Ranch in the Waimea area of the Big
A horse is a horse of course, of course, but who actually makes the horse what it is?
Well, at least in Hawai’i, it’s none other than Harry Nakoa of the Dahana Ranch in the Waimea area of the Big Island.
He’s coming to Kaua’i for a horse training clinic Nov. 25-26 at the CJM Country Stables in Po’ipu.
Riders of all levels and disciplines are encouraged to reserve their spaces early.
Clinic organizer Moana Kinimaka Palama said Nakoa will tailor the clinic to individual participants.
“There are those who declare Nakoa as one of the most naturally talented horsemen around,” Kinimaka Palama said.
Born into a Big Island ranching family, Nakoa moved to California in the ’70s to work for the Peachtree outfit, where he started 75-100 head of horse a year on the 40,000-acre ranch. He also spent some years horse training in Colorado and Texas before moving back to Hawai’i to run the family ranch. During the late ’80s, Harry had a chance to compete twice in the NCHA Cutting Futurity in Forth Worth, Texas.
He now conducts horse training seminars in California, Louisiana and Texas.
He and his daughter Kau’wela went to Germany in 1994 and won the title of International World Cup Cutting Champions. Nakoa’s philosophy of “training” rather than “breaking” horses make him in demand by horse owners throughout the country.
Those interested can read more about Nakoa and the Dahana Ranch by visiting www.dahanaranch.com.
The upcoming Kaua’i clinics will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 25 and 26. Topics covered will include problem solving/habits of horse and rider, relationships/results, and the disciplined riding horse. Cost for riders is $250. Auditors are welcomed to attend for a $25 fee per day. Call Palama at 645-0844 or 742-9784 for more information and clinic reservations.
