Lu Faborito, 42, of Wai'anae has found a new bounce to her step as the newly elected president of the Hawaii Women's Rodeo Association.

"This is my fourth time as the president, and it's important to me because rodeo is a male-dominated sport," she said. "We want to continue providing a venue for (young women) to express and showcase their skills with their horses, and learn from the examples of the older women — providing them with a sense of competition, winning gracefully and losing with dignity."

Faborito's love of rodeo was brought on 14 years ago through her family's involvement in the sport.

"Supporting my husband and four sons in their rodeo competitions eventually (led) me to enjoy and love the sport — I wanted to be involved," she said, adding that she has also studied the cultural history of rodeo, particularly in the Islands.

Faborito's favorite event is team cattle sorting.

"It's more my speed, rather than the fast, timed events such as barrel racing, pole bending, and steer undercoating. Team sorting and penning is like real life sorting of cattle, (like) rounding up," she said.

Although Faborito has never won an event championship, she was awarded the "All Girls Rodeo — Hard Luck Cowgirl Award" in 1996 and in 2003. The distinction is given to the female rider who has gone through a series of spills or miscues during rodeo events.

"It's not something I'm necessarily proud of," Faborito joked.

Faborito has a special bond with her horses, a feeling she says is universal among equestrians of all types.

"Fellow equestrians love their animals," she said. "The competition for most is a duo of the two hearts working together, rider and horse."

In light of the recent death of Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, Faborito feels a sense of camaraderie with fellow horse owners. She said the financial upkeep and veterinarian costs are elements that come along with the unconditional love horse owners feel for their equine 'ohana.

"The type of care and medication available for (horses) today is very (advanced) and expensive," she said. "Owners (undertake significant expenses) to keep their animals sound and in great shape for competition and the pure love of the animal."