More than 2,000 riders hit the trail ahead of 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

12 official trail rides will cover more than 1,000 miles combined before arriving at Memorial Park on February 27

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Beginning Sunday, more than 2,000 trail riders are traveling toward Houston to kick off one of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's longest-standing traditions. Twelve official trail rides will cover more than 1,000 miles combined before arriving at Memorial Park on Friday at 5 p.m. Riders will then participate in the Downtown Rodeo Parade on Saturday morning.

Why it matters

The Rodeo's trail ride tradition began in 1952 when four men traveled on horseback from Brenham, Texas, to raise awareness of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Today, thousands of riders recreate that journey each year, honoring Texas' Western heritage while marking the unofficial start of Rodeo season in Houston.

The details

The 12 official Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo trail rides travel from across Texas before converging in Houston ahead of Rodeo season. The rides range from 60 to 206 miles and include between 35 to 1,000 riders and 2 to 19 wagons. This year, a new trail ride called the True Western Trail Ride is joining the journey for the first time in more than 20 years.

  • The 12 trail rides begin on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
  • Riders arrive at Memorial Park on February 27, 2026.
  • The Downtown Rodeo Parade takes place on Saturday morning after the riders arrive.

The players

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

An annual event in Houston, Texas that celebrates Western heritage, agriculture, and Texas history.

True Western Trail Ride Association

A new trail ride group participating for the first time in 2026, with a mission to preserve the cowboy way of life and foster community, stewardship of the land, and a passion for agriculture for future generations.

Charles Parks

The trail boss for the new True Western Trail Ride.

Lance Relford

The assistant trail boss for the new True Western Trail Ride.

Saria Varner

The secretary for the new True Western Trail Ride.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's trail ride tradition is a cherished annual event that connects thousands of Texans to the state's Western heritage and marks the unofficial start of Rodeo season in Houston. The addition of a new trail ride group in 2026 further preserves this piece of Texas history for future generations.