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Trail Rides

Trail Riders

Friday, Feb 24, 2012 - Trail Riders arrive at Memorial Park

Nothing brings to mind the Old West like a modern-day trail ride. Pioneers created trails as they moved west in search of a dream and cowboys created trails to take cattle to major market centers. While these routes are no longer a necessity in daily life, more than 3,000 riders saddle up each February to relive the Old West .

In January of 1952, several men formed the very first trail ride as a way to increase awareness of the Show. Though only four men made the first journey from Brenham, Texas, the attention they raised attracted more publicity than ever expected, as more than 80 men signed up the next year. The trail rides are a signature tradition of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo today.

Today’s riders hit the trail in an attempt to recreate the Old West, and in doing so, find a common ground that links us all to the Show. A sense of history and pride resides in each rider; igniting envy and intrigue in each child as they watch the trail riders and hope to one day join them.

Trail Ride Listings

Los Vaqueros Rio Grande Trail Ride, established in 1973

Start Date: Feb. 2, 2012
386-mile ride from Hidalgo, Texas

The Mission Trail Ride, established in 1990

Start Date: Feb. 18, 2012
210-mile ride from San Antonio, Texas

Northeastern Trail Ride, established in 1982

Start Date: Feb. 18, 2012
107-mile ride from Cheekst, Texas

Old Spanish Trail Ride, established in 1956

Start Date: Feb. 18, 2012
216-mile ride from Logansport, La.

Prairie View Trail Ride, established in 1957

Start Date: Feb. 18, 2012
87-mile ride from Hempstead, Texas

Salt Grass Trail Ride, established in 1952

Start Date: Feb. 18, 2012
90-mile ride from Cat Spring, Texas

Sam Houston Trail Ride, established in 1955

Start Date: Feb. 19, 2012
70-mile ride from Montgomery, Texas

Southwest Trial Ride, established in 1993

Start Date: Feb. 18, 2012
120-mile ride from Rosenberg, Texas

Southwestern Trail Ride, established in 1973

Start Date: Feb. 18, 2012
102-mile ride from Angleton, Texas

Texas Independence Trail Ride, established in 1961

Start Date: Feb. 18, 2012
108-mile ride from Brazoria, Texas

The Spanish Trail Ride, established in 1961

Start Date: Feb. 18, 2012
109-mile ride from Shepherd, Texas

Valley Lodge Trial Ride, established in 1959

Start Date: Feb. 18, 2012
71-mile ride from Brookshire, Texas

Trail Ride Winners

2011

Spirit Award: Southwestern Trail Ride
Spirit Award: Prairie View Trail Ride
Division I: Large Trail Ride – 145+ participants - Salt Grass
Division II: Medium Trail Ride – 50 to 144 participants - Texas Independence
Division III: Small Trail Ride – 49 or fewer participants - Los Vaqueros Rio Grande

2010

Spirit Award: Wagon 4, Southwestern
Spirit Award: Wagon 5, Texas Independence
Division I: Large Trail Ride – 145+ participants - Salt Grass
Division II: Medium Trail Ride – 50 to 144 participants - Texas Independence
Division III: Small Trail Ride – 49 or fewer participants - Los Vaqueros

2009

Division I: Large Trail Ride – 145+ participants - Salt Grass (also won 2006-2008)
Division II: Medium Trail Ride – 50 to 144 participants - Valley Lodge (also won 2008)
Division III: Small Trail Ride – 49 or fewer participants - Texas Cattlemen