With the 2019 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo approaching, 12 trail rides with more than 2,000 riders have saddled up to head out across the great state of Texas and Louisiana since last week. Traveling more than 1,300 miles combined on horseback and by wagon, these trail rides help kick off rodeo season in Houston, as they make the trek to Memorial Park for an awards ceremony this afternoon.
Each trail ride has an individual travel route throughout the week with stops and overnight stays.
Kelly Traylor, the Chairman of the HLSR Trail Ride Committee riders hit the trail to recreate the Old West.
"It's symbolically started in 1952 with Salt Grass. Four gentlemen started the ride into symbolize that Western heritage," said Traylor.
He said some are third generation trail riders.
"Our longest ride this year is Mission. They'll start about two weeks ahead of the parade. And, they're riding from San Antonio, which is about 239 miles," said Traylor.
He said millions of dollars raised from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo goes to community scholarships.
The trail riders from all around Texas will camped overnight at Memorial Park getting ready for the parade tomorrow.
Click here or more information about the trail rides.