The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community. The Houston Livestock Show is organized by three categories of competitions: Junior Show, Open Show and Youth Show. During the Rodeo, walk through Show Pride to learn about the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s many contributions to agriculture, education, entertainment and Western heritage throughout the years.
In 1931, The Houston Fat Stock Show and Livestock Exposition was created after seven men met for lunch at the Texas State Hotel with a goal of preserving the cattle industry along Texas Gulf Coast area. In 1932, the first Show is held at the Democratic Convention Hall before it was demolished in 1937. The Sam Houston Coliseum replaced it in time for the Show in 1938.
In the 1950s, the News of the Houston Fat Stock Show traveled as the first trail ride started on horseback from Brenham, Texas to Houston, TX. The Salt Grass Trail, begun in 1952, was the first trail ride. Its originator, Reese Lockett, was mayor of Brenham and a rancher who in his youth had driven cattle from Central Texas to winter pasture on the rich salt grasses of the coast.
Each year, more than 800 scholarships are awarded to Texas students by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the U.S., the Rodeo has presented more than 20,000 scholarships valued at $275 million since 1957.
Image Credit: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo | 2023. Hyo Silver.
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