I Spy Horses: Kaua’i, Hawai’i

During my adventures and travels I always take photos of the horse-related items I see along the way. Enjoy these photos of horse-related pieces spotted while traveling around Kaua’i, Hawai’i.

On Kaua‘i, horses hold a special place in both the island’s history and its culture. Brought over during the plantation era, paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) relied on them to work cattle across the rugged landscapes, and today their legacy is still felt. Riding through Kaua‘i’s lush valleys and along its beaches connects visitors to that heritage, while horse-related décor and art — like carved wooden saddles, lasso accents, and rustic ranch-style touches — often are found in local shops and homes. These details celebrate the spirit of the horse as more than just an animal, but as a symbol of the island’s paniolo traditions that continue to thrive. Here are some of the horse-related items I came across while visiting Kaua’i.

All photos by Marcella Gruchalak

Kaua‘i may have had some of the neatest horse-related items I’ve come across — maybe because it was so unexpected (for me).

Of course, I had to start off by sharing a picture from the trail ride. The views were surreal.

Some of the horses did, in fact, bite.

I think this one depends on the horse… and the rider.

Who chooses the facial expressions for the horses and people on some of these statues?

This horse is definitely biting at a fly, and that foot placement in the stirrups is no bueno.

This may have been my favorite find. We drove past it, thought we saw what we thought we did, and backed up to see it again.

Really neat wood-burning art, especially the one on the brush.

Find the horses around you and go riding, Horse Nation!

Have you spied horses in your adventures and travels (specifically horses that aren’t, you know, in a barn or pasture)? If so, send your photo/s with a brief explanation to [email protected] with the subject line “I Spy Horses.” You might see your photo featured in a future edition of I Spy. Remember, you need to own the rights to all photos you send, otherwise we can’t share them.