A Black trail ride is a community celebration rooted in African American cowboy and equestrian tradition. Riders on horseback travel together through streets and countryside, accompanied by wagons, music, food, and family. It is part heritage, part homecoming, and part pure joy.
The tradition is strongest across the Gulf South: Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, where riding clubs have preserved and grown the culture for decades. In Houston, riders have made the journey to the rodeo since 1957. In Louisiana, Creole riding clubs gather nearly every weekend in season.
BlackTrailRides.com exists to document, connect, and grow this community. We list events, profile clubs, and tell the stories behind the culture so the next generation can find their place in the saddle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What states have the most Black trail ride events?
Texas and Louisiana have the highest concentration of Black trail ride events, followed by Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Arkansas. The Gulf South, particularly Houston, Lafayette, Opelousas, and Baton Rouge, is considered the heartland of Black trail ride culture.
When do Black trail rides happen?
Black trail ride season runs roughly from February through November, with a peak in late winter and spring. February is especially active in Houston and Louisiana due to Mardi Gras and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Summer and fall bring major events across Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. BlackTrailRides.com lists upcoming events updated regularly.
How do I find Black trail rides near me?
Visit BlackTrailRides.com/events to browse upcoming trail rides by state and date. You can also follow @BlackTrailRides on Facebook and join local trail riding clubs in your area. Many events are promoted through Facebook groups, so searching “[your city] trail ride” on Facebook is a good start.
What is the oldest Black trail ride in America?
The Prairie View Trail Ride Association, founded in 1957, is recognized as the oldest Black trail ride in the nation. Based in Prairie View, Texas, the association makes an 80-mile journey to Houston's Memorial Park each February as part of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo tradition.
What is a chicken run at a trail ride?
A chicken run is a beloved Louisiana trail ride tradition where a live chicken is released along the trail route, and riders compete to catch it on horseback. The tradition has roots in the Mardi Gras Courir (chicken run) of rural Creole communities in South Louisiana.
How do vendors participate in Black trail ride events?
Vendors, including food vendors, clothing sellers, jewelry makers, and service providers, can list their business on BlackTrailRides.com to reach the trail ride community across the South. Events typically have vendor markets where attendees shop between rides and at evening concerts.
What is the largest Black trail ride event in America?
The RodeoHouston trail rides, which bring together 12 official trail riding groups and over 2,000 riders converging on Houston's Memorial Park each February, are among the largest organized Black trail ride gatherings in the country. Individual events like the Bama Backwoods Trailride have drawn 5,000+ attendees in a single day.
What should I wear to a trail ride?
Cowboy hats, boots, jeans, and western-style shirts are the standard trail ride attire. Many riders dress in full western gear, complete with custom hats, embroidered shirts, and decorated saddles. If you're not riding a horse, comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing work fine for spectators.