The 2010 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo kicks off March 2 and for the past several weeks, the greater Houston area has been gearing up for what is annually one of the most exciting and largest events in the state.

Rodeo fever returned to Tomball Feb. 23 as the Sam Houston Trail Riders made their annual stop in the city. The 300-plus riders were not only greeted by representatives from the city and local citizens, but also dreary weather.

Pictured, members of the Sam Houston Trail Ride make their way down Main Street in Tomball during their stop in the city Feb. 23. For more trail ride photos, visit our online photo gallery.

Photo by Holly Dutton

The near-freezing temperatures and steady drizzle only served to dampen the festive mood as the riders took a break from their 71-mile journey to water their horses and get a bite to eat or drink themselves. They also took the opportunity to talk about the history of the ride and the life of the traditional trail rider.

A presentation by the city and members of the Sam Houston Trail Ride included awarding scholarships to several area high school students during a ceremony at the Downtown Depot.

The trail ride began on Feb. 21 when the riders left Leon Rios Ranch in Montgomery and camped at a spot off FM 149. The following day, the group traveled a little more than 18 miles to the Jack Corey Ranch near Pinehurst.

Another 18-mile trek down SH 249 and onto FM 2920 put the riders in Tomball, after which they traveled back north to Spring Creek, where camp was set for the night.

The ride resumed Thursday, Feb. 25, when the riders made their way down SH 249 into Houston for an overnight layover at Sam Houston Race Park.

The ride concluded on Friday, Feb. 26 when the caravan wound through Houston and joined in as part of the annual Go Texan Parade, which annually marks the official start of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The Sam Houston Trail Ride was established in 1954, with the first ride taking place in February of the following year. It is the second oldest trail ride in the Rodeo. This year’s Trail Boss was David Supac, with Earl Blackmon as Assistant Trail Boss. The 300-plus riders pulled 13 wagons.

Each year, the Sam Houston Trail Riders Association contributes to the Montgomery FFA and 4-H clubs, various youth organizations, the Montgomery Fire Department, the Magnolia Fire Department and the Cypress Fire Department.

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