2025 Awards & Achievements
Celebrate the achievements of PVTRA's 2025 award winners. Join us in honoring the winners of various events as they take a well deserved victory lap!
7W Youth Riding Club
HLS&R 2025 Parade, Best Appearing Group
Wagon Boss: Ryder Johnson (11)
Asst. Wagon Boss: Dylan Gillie (9)
Independent Crusaders
1st Place, Chili Cook-off
Wagon Boss: Fran Thomas-Ray
Asst. Wagon Boss: Chester Gilford
Prime Time Posse
3rd Place, Chili Cook-off
Wagon Boss: Bradrick Russo
Asst. Wagon Boss: Lloyd Stewart
Independent Crusaders
2025 PVTRA Best Wagon
Wagon Boss: Fran Thomas-Ray
Asst. Wagon Boss: Chester Gilford
History & Heritage
Founded in 1957, PVTRA earned the name “Mother of Black Trails” by blazing a path for inclusivity in trail riding. Over the decades, we’ve triumphed at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (HLSR) with multiple “Top Trail Ride” victories and perfect scores. From championing youth engagement to highlighting Western heritage, our legacy is a testament to perseverance and community spirit. Notable achievements include repeated first-place finishes in HLSR Division 1, recognition as “Best Parade Trail Ride,” and ongoing collaborations with Prairie View A&M University to support agriculture-focused programs.
Learn moreHow You Can Help
The Prairie View Trail Ride Association (PVTRA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Black Western Heritage, advancing agricultural education, and fostering a strong community through cowboy traditions.
Membership
Join any of our wagon clubs or ride independently. Help us carry forward the proud traditions of the trail!
Volunteer
Help organize events, assist with logistics, or become a corporate sponsor!
Start Donating
Your support helps preserve Black Western Heritage and grow youth agricultural programs.