Polo, sometimes referred to as “the sport of kings,” is the oldest of equestrian competitions. It caught on in Hawaii in the late 19th century, thanks to the islands’ paniolo culture, and is now helping a small group of troubled students to gain confidence and self-esteem while learning about teamwork and responsibility.

The nonprofit Therapeutic Horsemanship of Hawaii and polo instructor Khai Agon partnered with Olomana School to run a pilot program this spring that teaches horsemanship, animal care and behavior, and how to play polo.

Olomana eighth-grader Micaiah Lyman said she finds a sense of peace whenever she spends time with the horses at the organization’s Waimanalo stables.

“Being on the horse helps me when I’m stressed,” she said. “It helps me be calm and forget my troubles.”

Lyman said she also enjoys grooming and caring for the horses.

Olomana School is part of the state Department of Education. Students are referred to the Kailua campus by secondary schools because of discipline, attendance or academic problems. For most, enrollment is voluntary; a small number are sent to the alternative school as a disciplinary referral or are transitioning out of the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility.

Four Olomana students have been participating in the elective polo class since March, getting both classroom and hands-on instruction.

“These kids get to act like normal kids out here. They’re just having fun,” said Agon, a U.S. Polo Association-certified instructor.

The polo novices will have their first match Saturday during Therapeutic Horsemanship of Hawaii’s Horse Show & Country Fair, in a three-on-three intrasquad scrimmage featuring professional players.

Funding for the program was provided via a grant from the Honolulu Country Club. Dana Vennen, executive director of Therapeutic Horsemanship of Hawaii, hopes to expand the program to two sessions each academic year.

“(The students) volunteered for the program. It’s amazing to see them improve each time,” she said.

Three days a week the participants are at the stables working with the horses as a part of their school day. On the alternate days, they study math and animal science with Olomana teacher Beth Sullivan, earning credit in those subjects.

“A lot of these students come from challenging situations,” Sullivan said. “Some experience drug abuse or abuse in general and have socioeconomic challenges. They don’t have support networks and tend to have lots of insecurities. They definitely have trust issues.”

Working with the powerful animals gives them an opportunity to “have faith and trust in something bigger than themselves.”

Vennen said, “The kids have been great since Day One. We have a contract that they are not allowed to disrespect any human or animal while they are here. It’s dangerous if horses aren’t treated with respect. We are dealing with 1,000-pound animals, and these horses could kill you.”

The students were understandably cautious at first, and it took some time to build their trust and confidence in being around the horses.

Olomana freshman Woodland Naihe recalled his introduction to his assigned horse, Bookie.

“The horse stepped on my foot, and he wouldn’t move. He just stopped and ate grass,” Naihe said. “He was pretty difficult to control, but I’m getting the hang of it.”

Agon said he can relate to Naihe’s experience. “I was kicked in the head during my first experience with a horse,” he said.

Agon started playing polo when he was 16 years old. He ventured to the mainland to pursue a polo career, returning to Hawaii in 2011. Last year he started a polo school here.

“I trudged through tough times, and lots of people helped me along the way,” he said. “It’s a good feeling to give back.”