Reliving the Old West

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.

A Piece of History

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.

Participating Trail Rides

Los Vaqueros Rio Grande Trail Ride, established in 1973 
386-mile ride from Reynosa, Mexico

The Mission Trail Ride, established in 1990
210-mile ride from San Antonio, Texas

Northeastern Trail Ride, established in 1982 
107-mile ride from Cheek, Texas

Old Spanish Trail Ride, established in 1956 
216-mile ride from Logansport, La.

Prairie View Trail Ride, established in 1957 
87-mile ride from Hempstead, Texas

Salt Grass Trail Ride, established in 1952 
90-mile ride from Brenham, Texas

Sam Houston Trail Ride, established in 1955 
70-mile ride from Montgomery, Texas

Southwest Trail Ride, established in 1993
120-mile ride from Rosenberg, Texas

Southwestern Trail Ride, established in 1973 
102-mile ride from Angleton, Texas

The Spanish Trail Ride, established in 1961 
109-mile ride from Shepherd, Texas

Texas Cattleman's Trail Ride, established in 1986 
69-mile ride from Anderson, Texas

Texas Independence Trail Ride, established in 1961 
108-mile ride from Brazoria, Texas

Valley Lodge Trail Ride, established in 1959
71-mile ride from Brookshire, Texas

Events