Since 1957, the Prairie View Trail Riders Association has been making the annual journey to the Houston Rodeo, keeping the Black cowboy tradition alive across generations.
Since 1957, the Prairie View Trail Riders Association has been a cornerstone of Black cowboy culture in Texas. Founded by James Francis and Myrtis Dightman Sr., the PVTRA has led the annual Houston Rodeo Trail Ride for nearly 70 years, one of the oldest and most celebrated Black equestrian traditions in America.
Each February, hundreds of riders mount up in Prairie View and make the historic journey to Houston's NRG Park, covering over 50 miles of Texas roads and countryside. Thousands of spectators line the route to watch these riders pass.
The PVTRA is more than a riding club. It's a living history. Members span multiple generations, with grandchildren riding alongside the grandchildren of the founders. The organization runs scholarship programs, youth riding clinics, and community events throughout the year.
'Every time we ride into Houston, we're making a statement,' said one longtime member. 'We're saying: we were here, we are here, and we're not going anywhere.'