In 1957, James Francis, Junior had a vision of observing black Western heritage, realizing that there was a need to (1) bridge the gap from the time of the Buffalo Soldier era (1942 to 1957) where participation of blacks was not recorded, (2) to promote Agriculture and Rodeo interest in young Black Americans, and (3) established an avenue whereby graduates of Black Agriculture and Mechanical Colleges would have contracts with more Agricultural related careers in which to pursue.
On January 7th, 1957, an official meeting with Dr. E. B. Evans, President of Prairie View A and M College, Dr. A. N. Poindexter, Veterinarian, Mr. J. C. Williams, Agriculture, and Mr. H. A. Perkins, Of buildings and grounds of Prairie View. A & M College, Mr. Myrtis Dightman and Mr. James Francis, Jr. was held. During this meeting, the approval was given to use the name “Prairie View Trail Ride”.
The Prairie View Trail Ride, which originated in 1958. The ride travels 45 miles from Prairie View University in Waller County to Houston. Ride secretary Jenelle Cain Johnson said when James F. Francis, Jr. started the ride in 1958, there was one wagon and five riders on horseback. However, she says that first ride braved cold wet weather to make the treke and it instilled pride in the black community. She said the interest has grown steadily since that time, and today there are many blacks in this area of Texas who own horses and who participate in the ride.
Resource: Prairie View A&M University. (1977). Panther - March 1977- Vol. LI, No. 15., Vol. LI, No. 15 Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/pv-panther-newspapers/171
Resource: Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. (1961). The Prairie View Standard - March 1961 - Vol. LI No. 7., Vol. LI No. 7 Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/pv-newspapers/234
The Trail Ride is still ongoing in Prairie View, TX. Beginning Feb. 19, trail rides from all over Texas will travel more than 1,300 miles across the Lone Star State to arrive in Memorial Park by Feb. 25 for an awards ceremony. In all, there will be 11 trail rides.
In 2023, the Prairie View Trail Ride group consist of 300 riders, 9 wagons, and starting the ride in Hempstead, TX. This is the 66 year the association is participating in the Houston Rodeo.
Resource:
Texas trail riders saddle up ahead of Rodeo Houston; See where they’re headed.(2023). click2houston. https://www.click2houston.com/rodeo/2023/02/19/mapped-texas-trail-riders-saddle-up-ahead-of-rodeo-houston-see-where-theyre-headed/
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