The Cowboys Are Here! Sam Houston Trail Riders 2026
As the sun climbed high over the Tomball Depot Plaza this past Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the rhythmic clatter of hooves and the creak of wagon wheels signaled a cherished annual arrival. The Houston City Beat‘s Mike Acosta was on the ground to capture the Sam Houston Trail Riders (SHTR) as they made their traditional journey through the heart of Tomball.
Established in 1955, the SHTR is one of the ten historic trail rides that converge on Houston each year. Covering approximately 70 miles from their starting point in Montgomery, Texas, these riders serve as the “unofficial heralds” of the rodeo season. Their stop at the Depot Plaza (201 S. Elm St.) from noon to 2 p.m. was a vibrant celebration of cowboy culture.
The atmosphere was electric as locals and visitors gathered to welcome the riders. The event featured:
Live Western Music: Setting the stage for a high-energy afternoon.
Line Dancing: Enthusiastic crowds joined in on the plaza, turning the historic site into a temporary dance hall.
Refreshments & Community: Neighbors shared stories over tasty refreshments, a hallmark of the hospitality the trail riders bring to every town they pass through.
For many, the sight of the SHTR wagons and horseback riders is a reminder of the grit and camaraderie that defined the Old West. As the riders departed Tomball to continue their trek toward Memorial Park, they left behind a trail of dusty boots and smiling faces – a clear sign that the spirit of the Rodeo is alive and well.
About the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ is more than just a world-class event; it is a living monument to Texas’s agricultural roots and a testament to the power of community. Established in 1932 as the Houston Fat Stock Show, the organization was born out of a desire to preserve the cattle industry along the Texas Gulf Coast. What began as a modest gathering at the Democratic Convention Hall has evolved into the largest livestock exhibition and rodeo in the world. Over the decades, it has transformed into a massive engine for education, committing over $600 million to the youth of Texas through scholarships and grants. Despite its global scale, the Rodeo remains anchored in its founding mission: celebrating Western heritage and fostering the next generation of Texas leaders.
