HOUSTON — The Houston Rodeo is quickly approaching which means more than 2,000 trail riders are getting ready to embark on a journey to the Bayou City.
The 12 trail rides are departing from different cities across Texas and Louisiana, with most leaving from their areas on Saturday. All are expected to arrive at Memorial Park on Friday where they will spend the night and then participate in the Downtown Rodeo Parade on Saturday, Feb. 23.
According to RodeoHouston’s website, the 12 trail rides that meet in Houston are like small cities of settles, combining their leadership and resources to bring their group over many miles.
“They are people from all walks of life, and each trail ride has many interesting stories,” the website says.
The first trail ride took place with four men from Brenham, Texas in January 1952. One year later, 80 people signed up to start the Salt Grass Trail Ride. By 1954, 800 people were participating.
Over 1,300 miles are covered by all 23 trail rides. San Antonio’s Mission Trail Ride travels the longest distance with 239 miles. Valley Lodge Trail Ride out of Brookshire travels the shortest distance with 71.5 miles.
RodeoHouston says many of the horses on the trail ride are rescued animals.
If you happen to drive by one of the trail rides, please drive carefully.
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