Back in 1999, eleven Kauai cowgirls had a vision of providing an opportunity for women to compete in the sport of rodeo. Not just a one event barrel race during a men’s rodeo, but a full day of competition just for the cowgirls. That group of original members met at the Waipa arena on the beautiful Northshore of Kauai. Legend has it that they competed mostly for fun with candy bags for prizes. By the second year, they had quickly grown and strengthened their organization, moving the majority of the rodeos to the CJM Country Stables arena in sunny Poipu. The Association then become sponsored as a non-profit women’s sporting organization under Kauai’s YMCA.

Now the competition has become “for real”, but still friendly and in Hawaii’s traditional Spirit of Aloha. The top cowgirls go for trophy buckles and All-Around Award Saddles.

2009 marked KAGRA’s TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF SUCCESS. Now the 2010 Series is underway and sure to be more exciting than ever.   Generations of Kauai ranch families are represented, with mother/daughter teams competing against each other in the rodeo arena. Family and friends turn out in great number to enjoy the warm open air atmosphere at the oceanside arenas. They are joined by many island visitors to cheer together for their favorite cowgirls.  The mission and goals of the Kauai All-Girls Rodeo are nicely stated in the Association’s original charter:

1. To promote the sport of rodeo on the island of Kaua’i for the female athlete.

2. To organize the female rodeo contestants for their mutual protection and benefit.

3. To promote humane treatment to animals.

4. To keep the Ranching and Western Heritage alive.

5. To promote closer relationship among the people interested in this activity and the organizations they represent.

6. To raise the standards of cowgirl contest so they shall rank among the foremost American sports.

7. To work for the betterment of conditions and of rules governing rodeo events in which members of the KAGRA participate.