Unique Way to Travel to Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
The Western world looks forward to the beginning of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in February. For 20 days beginning February 27, NRG Park turns into a western world called RODEOHOUSTON.
Most people travel by truck, trailer, or car to enjoy and participate in rodeo festivities. More than 2,000 people choose another method, of the old-fashioned kind, a trail ride. That's correct; some travel as far as 206 miles.
If you witness them, it will look like a scene from the Old West with riders on horseback and covered wagons making their way to Houston. There are a total of eleven trail rides that begin on February 16. The trail riders will eventually gather on February 23 at Memorial Park for an awards ceremony at 5 pm.
This tradition started in 1952 when four men began on horseback in Brenham, Texas, intending to promote the Houston Rodeo. According to the RODEOHOUSTON website, the people who comprise the trail riders come from all walks of life. Combining their leadership and resources, the groups travel different routes consisting of multiple miles.
The arrival of the covered wagons and horse riders signals the beginning of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Here is a list of the trail rides and the facts about each.
MISSION
Trail Boss Jeremy Olivarez
Assistant Trail Boss Jesus Amaya
Secretary Mayra Vargas
About the Ride
- Years of Participation: 29
- Established: 1991
- Start Date: Feb. 17, 2024
- Location: Goliad, Texas
- Distance: 206 miles
- Number of Riders: 75
- Number of Wagons: 10
NORTHEASTERN
Trail Boss Anthony Bruno
Assistant Trail Boss Donald Crawford
Secretary Karen Hill
About the Ride
- Years of Participation: 29
- Established: 1982
- Start Date: Feb. 18, 2024
- Location: Cheeks, Texas
- Distance: 111 miles
- Number of Riders: 55
- Number of Wagons: 9
PRAIRIE VIEW
Trail Boss Myrtis Dightman Jr.
Assistant Trail Boss Paul Jackson, Ronald Turner
Secretary Crystal Stewart
About the Ride
- Years of Participation: 67
- Established: January 1957
- Start Date: Feb. 17, 2024
- Location: Hempstead, Texas
- Distance: 80 miles
- Number of Riders: 300
- Number of Wagons: 9
SALT GRASS
Trail Boss Philip Fairchild
Assistant Trail Boss Shane Linnell
Secretary Conni Myer
About the Ride
- Years of Participation: 73
- Established: January 1952
- Start Date: Feb. 17, 2024
- Location: Cat Spring, Texas
- Distance: 105 miles
- Number of Riders: 1,000
- Number of Wagons: 22
SAM HOUSTON
Trail Boss David Supak
Assistant Trail Boss Keith White, Mark Sechelski
Secretary Taryn Sims
About the Ride
- Years of Participation: 70
- Established: February 1955
- Start Date: Feb. 19, 2024
- Location: Montgomery, Texas
- Distance: 70 miles
- Number of Riders: 50-75
- Number of Wagons: 8
SOUTHWEST
Trail Boss Alex Prince
Assistant Trail Boss Raymond Glass
Secretary Earnetta Qualls
About the Ride
- Years of Participation: 31
- Established: January 1993
- Start Date: Feb. 17, 2024
- Location: Rosenberg, Texas
- Distance: 120 miles
- Number of Riders: 294
- Number of Wagons: 7
SOUTHWESTERN
Trail Boss Rosetta Gray
Assistant Trail Boss Elizabeth Cook
Secretary Gabrielle Curvey
About the Ride
- Years of Participation: 49
- Established: January 1973
- Start Date: Feb. 16, 2024
- Location: West Columbia, Texas
- Distance: 100 miles
- Number of Riders: 250
- Number of Wagons: 11
TEXAS CATTLEMEN'S
Trail Boss Melody Page
Assistant Trail Boss Lea Fistein
Secretary Leslie Nelson Young
About the Ride
- Years of Participation: 36
- Established: January 1985
- Start Date: Feb. 19, 2024
- Location: Plantersville, TX
- Distance: 60 miles
- Number of Riders: 35
- Number of Wagons: 3
TEXAS INDEPENDENCE
Trail Boss Edward Valles
Assistant Trail Boss Linda Easton
Secretary Crystal Higgins
About the Ride
- Years of Participation: 63
- Established: January 1961
- Start Date: Feb. 17, 2024
- Location: Hitchcock, TX
- Distance: 75 miles
- Number of Riders: 75-200
- Number of Wagons: 14
THE SPANISH
Trail Boss Larry Cantrell
Assistant Trail Boss Jim McGinnis
Secretary Wendy Drabbant
About the Ride
- Years of Participation: 64
- Established: January 1961
- Start Date: Feb. 17, 2024
- Location: Shepherd, Texas
- Distance: 109 miles
- Number of Riders: 125
- Number of Wagons: 9
VALLEY LODGE
Trail Boss Michael Murphey, Jr.
Assistant Trail Boss Willie Fry
Secretary Ashleigh Murphey
About the Ride
- Years of Participation: 65
- Established: January 1959
- Start Date: Feb. 17, 2024
- Location: Brookshire, Texas
- Distance: 75 miles
- Number of Riders: 75
- Number of Wagons: 4
