Mission Trail Ride
Sat, February 17, 2024
Give the Fort Bend County Vaqueros Trail Riders a big send-off as they begin their Mission Trail Ride from Goliad to Houston!
Goliad State Park will host the Fort Bend County Vaqueros Trail Riders as they begin their Mission Trail Ride from Mission Espiritu Santo at Goliad State Park to Houston, TX.
For over 30 years, the riders have travelled on horseback and in covered wagons from Mission Espada in San Antonio to Houston to keep the cattle driving heritage alive. Now, they are changing it up and taking a path less travelled to avoid the congestion of San Antonio. The ride from Goliad to Houston follows a route similar to that of Texas’ first major cattle drive, when mission cattle were driven from Goliad to the Gulf Coast to feed soldiers fighting in the American Revolution. Many of the cattle came from Mission Espiritu Santo, which is recognized as Texas’ first major cattle ranch. This ranching history made Goliad the “Birthplace of Texas Ranching,” and an ideal setting for today’s Mission Trail Ride.
The ride will begin at 9am with riders entering the grounds of Mission Espiritu Santo to receive a blessing from a priest before the riders and wagon drivers begin their journey up the coast.
Join us as we wish the riders safe and happy travels!
Be sure to arrive early, as vehicles will not be allowed to enter the park while the riders are entering and exiting the park.
Park entrance fees apply- $4 per person, free for kids 12 & under.