By: Taelor Smith
February 18 – Members of The Prairie View Trail ride Association came out the Prairie A&M University campus early on the morning of Saturday, February 2, 2018, for their final Wagon Inspection. These members are preparing to hit the trail this week for their 61st annual participation in the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Trail Ride where they will travel from Hempstead to Houston in wagons and on horseback to attend the Kickoff Parade.
The Wagon Inspection event, led by PVTRA Secretary Gina Goosby-Harris, gave a general overview of the week’s daily plans and gave members an understanding of proper safety measures to use throughout the week’s activities. College of Agriculture and Human Sciences Dean Dr. Gerard D’Souza provided a few comments and words of thanks to the organization on behalf of the college, and members received updates on HLSR from the organization’s CEO, Joel Cowley. To stress the importance of safety while out on the trail, Prairie View Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief John Milan gave a hands-on demonstration of preventing and putting out fires. Cooperative Extension Agent for Waller County, Clara Walker also provided important tips for practicing food safety. PVAMU Program Assistant Chandra Adams and student members of the Rainbow 4-H Group provided updates regarding community involvement with PVTRA. The PVTRA Trail Boss Myrtis Dightman, Jr. presented awards to members after wagon inspections. Those inspections were conduction on wagons from Independent Crusaders Trail Ride Group, Wildbunch Riding Club, and 190 Trail riders.
PVTRA will hit the trails heading to Memorial Park in Houston from February 17th to February 23rd, making stops each day along the way. On their stop in Prairie View on Monday, February 18, the group will parade the university campus and host their annual Chili Cook-off on the campgrounds located behind Panther Stadium at noon. Expected judges include PVAMU President, Dr. Ruth Simmons.
The tradition of the black cowboy and trail riding in Texas is being kept alive much in part to the efforts of PVTRA. Support from the university and CAHS has been a major part of the group’s success each year and is something that will continue for many years to come.
PVTRA Chili Cook-off
When: Monday, February 18, 2019
Where: Campgrounds behind Panther Stadium
Time: 12 p.m. (Noon)
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Taelor Smith
Communications Specialist
tasmith@pvamu.edu
(936) 261-5155