In 2018, your support allowed Paniolo Preservation Society to host a memorial remembrance for Paniolo Hall of Fame member, Freddy Rice, a talk-story event honoring 7 amazing cattlewomen of Hawaii, and now, PPS sets out to expand our exhibit space at the Paniolo Heritage Center to honor the horsewomen of Hawaii, the Pa’u Riders.
Paʻu riders are women horseback riders who wear long, colorful skirts (Hawaiian: pāʻū) and characteristically ride astride, rather than sidesaddle. This equestrian tradition’s roots start in the early 19th century when horses were introduced to Hawaii and aliʻi (royal) women dressed up to ride for formal occasions. The tradition declined after the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii but was revitalized in the early 20th century with the establishment of formal riding organizations called Paʻu Riders. Today, they participate in Kamehameha Day floral parades and other parades and festivals throughout the islands representing the strong and proud tradition of horsewomanship in Hawaii.
