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Horses cool their hooves before the sixth annual Dita Holifield’s All-American Rodeo — Hawaii’s largest such event — held recently at the New Town & Country Stables in Waimanalo.

Spectators watch the opening ceremony of the June 22 rodeo, which draws thousands of people each year.

Hawaii pa’u riders grace the arena during the opening ceremony. The pa’u riding tradition began in the early 19th century when horses were introduced to the islands.

“Lil Guy” the rodeo clown flashes a shaka as he rides his bike through the crowd to provide a little comic relief.

A competitor struggles to take down a cow in the double mugging event, in which one rider ropes an animal and a partner moves in for a wrestling match.

A future cowboy clings to a sheep in the mutton busting event where keiki compete to see who can stay on board the longest.

A competitor in the wahine break-away roping event prepares to lasso a calf. A small string attached to the rope breaks once a calf is caught and releases a white flag signaling the end of the run.

Two women compete during the barrel racing event.

A rider and a bull enter the arena. To receive a score, riders must stay atop the bulls for eight full seconds while holding on with only one hand and without touching the bull or themselves with their free hand.

Alana Miller, 6, and her sister Briella, 3, of Aiea, enjoy the petting zoo, which  featured sheep, goats, turtles and pony rides.

Heather Gibson showers her horse to cool him down after a competitive run.