Hooves, wagons roll into Tomball as Sam Houston Trail Riders head to Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The sound hit downtown Tomball before the riders did—hooves on pavement, wagon wheels turning and a steady line of trail riders pushing south toward Houston.

What happened

The Sam Houston Trail Riders rode into Tomball on Feb. 25, drawing residents out to welcome them during their annual stop on the way to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The group’s route covers about 70 miles from Montgomery to Houston, a tradition the riders have kept going for more than seven decades, according to the rodeo’s website.

Participation shifts year to year, but the ride typically includes roughly 50-75 riders and five wagons, according to the rodeo’s website.

After the Tomball stop, the riders continued their push toward NRG Park—one more leg closer to the gates opening and rodeo season kicking into full gear.