Trail riders arrive at Memorial Park to kick-off Houston Rodeo

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - After about a week of braving the rain and Texas humidity, over 3,000 trail riders arrived at Memorial Park in Houston for the official start of the Houston Rodeo.

The riders come from 11 different trail rides that, all together, covers over 1,300 miles. The Mission Trail Ride that begins in San Antonio traveled the furthest distance – 239 miles.

The tradition began in 1952 with four men and quickly grew to 800 people just two years later.

The trail riders participate in the Downtown Rodeo Parade on Saturday at 10 a.m.