Raw video: Independence Trail Ride | Raw video: Old Spanish Trail Ride

It’s that time of year again when when cowboys, cowgirls and horses share the roads with cars and SUVs.

SURVIVAL GUIDE:

Maps, schedules and everything else you need before you go rodeo!

PICS:

Slideshow: 2009 pics

Slideshow: 2008 pics

Slideshow: Entertainers

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RELATED STORIES:

A Cowboy's Life

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Entertainer lineup announced

Rodeo Value Days

We've come a long way baby!

Rodeo Roundup

HELPFUL LINKS:

Slideshow: 2009 Entertainers

Daily schedule

Transportation, parking

More Rodeo

Rodeo Web site

MAPS:

Reliant Park

Rodeo seating

Reliant Center

Reliant Arena

Parking

Yes, it’s rodeo time and that means trail rides.

Thousands of riders are heading here for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

About 6,000 riders are making that journey. Many have been on horseback for a week now.

This tradition began in January 1952 when four men made their way to Houston on horseback from Brenham.

It was a way to call attention to the rodeo.

The following year 80 riders made the journey. That was the beginning of the Salt Grass Trail Ride.

Today, 13 trail rides brave the open land and road to get here.

They cover 1,943 miles and come from across Texas, Louisiana and Mexico.

The title of the longest journey goes to the Los Vaqueros/Rio Grande Valley Trail Ride. Their journey, which begins in Reynosa, Mexico, covers 386 miles.

The prize for shortest ride goes to the Sam Houston Trail Ride. Their ride begins in Montgomery, Texas and spans 70 miles.

The groups meet up at Memorial Park where they’ll all spend the night before heading to the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo parade and eventually the big event.