Southwestern Trail Riders continue Houston rodeo tradition

HOUSTON – Deep in family tradition, trail rides have been ingrained in the fabric of the greater Houston community for decades.

Many of them include family members and generations of all ages.

The Southwestern Trail Riders from West Columbia in Brazoria County are the perfect example.

“Thirty years I've been doing this, trying to get all my grandkids, nieces and nephews involved so when I can't do it anymore, they can keep it going,” Reginald Morant said.

Morant’s 10-year-old great niece, Mykayla, has taken part in seven trail rides.

“I want to be with the tradition. This tradition has been living on and on and on,” Mykayla said.

The rides are a sight to see.

Each year, more than 3,000 trail riders partake in what’s become the rodeo’s trademark event.

They converge on Memorial Park where they spend the night before Saturday morning’s rodeo parade downtown.

People from all walks of life show up, but tut there, one thing is clear: No one is a stranger.

“We're like a family. We're like a family out here,” Bernadine Maryland of the Southwestern Trail Riders said.