All Trails Lead to Johnson Space Center

Sandwiched between vestiges of the Old West and evidence of humanity’s reach into the solar system, the Texas Independence Trail Ride made its annual trek through NASA’s Johnson Space Center on Feb. 25. Many Johnson team members gathered along the route to cheer them on as they clip-clopped toward the JSC Child Care Center and Gilruth Center to camp overnight.

The trail ride is a tradition that started in 1952 when four men traveled on horseback from Brenham, Texas, to raise awareness of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™. Currently, more than 2,000 trail riders partake in the rodeo’s signature tradition each year in an attempt to recreate the Old West, and Johnson is one of the locations lucky enough to witness this nod to the past.

Enjoy images from the trail ride further below.  

Trail Ride Facts (courtesy of RodeoHouston.com):

- In January of 1952, the first trail ride took place with four men from Brenham, Texas.

- One year later, in 1953, 80 people signed up to start the Salt Grass Trail Ride. By 1954, 800 people were participating.

- Today, more than 3,000 riders saddle up from all directions, including Louisiana.

- Twelve trail rides participate in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Downtown Rodeo Parade.

- Over 1,300 miles are covered by all 12 trial rides.

- Longest Distance = 239 miles: Mission Trail Ride begins in San Antonio, Texas.

- Shortest Distance = 71.5 miles: Valley Lodge Trail Ride begins in Brookshire, Texas.

- All trail rides are led by Trail Bosses, who a responsible for ensuring safety. 

- Many of the horses on the ride are rescued animals. The Texas Independence Trail Ride has such animals, as well as three-century-old wagons.

- Many of the trail rides include family members and generations of all ages.

- Some trail rides distribute scholarships to area students and visit schools to share the history of the show and trail rides.