The Makawao Stampede is taking place once again this year, with three days of rodeo and live music events at the Oskie Rice Event Center from July 4-6. With its history dating back to the 1950’s, the small-town rodeo has preserved the cultural significance of horsemanship and the paniolo (cowboy) lifestyle in Hawaiʻi.  

A main rodeo attraction, barrel racing is a competition that shows true teamwork between rider and horse. The rider must be able to guide the horse effectively, while the horse must be responsive, athletic, and mentally prepared to navigate the cloverleaf pattern at speed. 

Rachel Cockett, the 2024 Makawao Stampede Women’s Barrel Racing Champion, said, “Women often gravitate towards barrel racing due to the sport’s unique blend of speed, precision, and the strong partnership between horse and rider. Barrel racing is a fast-paced, high-intensity sport that demands quick thinking and precise execution, providing a thrilling, challenging, rewarding, and competitive outlet for riders.”  

Cockett grew up on Maui and started riding horses when she was three years old. In 2021, she opened Barra Ranch in Kula, where she trains horses and riders in the skills she has learned. Cockett noted, “My vision is to create a place that I wish I had in my childhood, to give every ounce of knowledge to the kids to help them succeed, and also to become a better athlete myself.”  

Moorea Feliciano, the 2024 Makawao Stampede Rodeo Junior Barrel Racing Champion, added, “The Stampede offers a chance to see the skills of the local paniolo. I also love that we get a chance to show people how amazing and fun rodeo can be!” 

Feliciano, now 13 years old, started riding at the age of seven and began barrel racing at the age of nine. She says her greatest rodeo memory is winning the 2024 Junior Barrel Racing Championship and doing the victory lap on her horse, Buddy. “Every barrel racer dreams of that experience. My motto is to always have fun and keep my horses’ safety first.”  

For more information about the event and to buy tickets online, visit https://oskiericeeventcenter.com/events/.