HOUSTON – A longtime Houston trail riding group says it was asked not to participate in this year’s downtown parade hosted by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, following the deaths of two horses during a week-long ride.
- PREVIOUS REPORT: Trail ride removed from Houston Rodeo parade after horse deaths
The Northeastern Trail Riders Association of Houston has been a part of Houston’s rodeo tradition for decades. According to trail boss Anthony Bruno, the group has been riding since 1982.
Bruno explained that beyond participating in trail rides and parades, the association focuses on mentoring young riders.
“We teach kids how to rope and ride, teach them about cowboy culture,” Bruno said.
But during this year’s ride into Houston, two horses didn’t survive.
Bruno said temperatures started off cool but climbed to around 85 degrees during the ride. He explained that one of the incidents involved a young rider’s horse that became overheated after being placed in a closed trailer with the saddle still on.
“He just put him in a trailer and left the saddle on him, and the trailer was closed in,” Bruno said. “So when they got to their campsite, the horse was overheated.”
According to Bruno, the horse’s temperature reached nearly 110 degrees. The group’s veterinary technician administered medication and electrolytes in an effort to cool the animal down. Bruno said a veterinarian affiliated with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo also responded and attempted additional treatment.
“That didn’t work,” Bruno said. “They ended up having to euthanize the horse.”
Later that same day, Bruno said a second horse collapsed from heat exhaustion and died.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo sent KPRC 2 News the following statement following the incidents:
“Trail rides are one of the most honored Western traditions of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Following a review of recent events, the Rodeo made the difficult decision to ask the Northeastern Trail Ride to not participate in the Downtown Parade.
This decision was guided by our established participation requirements and our animal welfare policy. The health, safety and wellbeing of both animals and riders remain our highest priority."
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
Bruno said his organization shares that commitment.
“That’s our highest priority as well. I make sure that we take care of our animals,” he said.
However, he questioned the rodeo’s decision to exclude the group from the parade.
“For them to be so harsh and not allow my people to ride today is very extreme, and I don’t understand the purpose and the reasoning for it,” Bruno said.
For now, the Northeastern Trail Riders Association of Houston will have to wait to learn whether it will be invited back to participate in next year’s parade.