Click the wagon number to go straight to that wagon:
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Wagon 1: Reese Lockett Wagon

Wagon Boss: Katie Beth Henry
Assistant Wagon Boss: Jeff Graeter
Teamsters:  Jeff Graeter & Kelly Hicks

Reese Lockett, a Salt Grass Trail Ride founder, added his wagon to the ride in 1954. At that time, the group was known as the Brenham Wagon, later to be designated the Reese Lockett Wagon. Breakfast and dinner meals are still cooked over an open campfire in accordance with Mr. Lockett’s wishes. In the fall of 1962, Mr. Lockett passed the wagon on to Frank Lenich, asking that he carry on the tradition and originality of the group for as long as possible. Bill Franks serves on the Salt Grass Trail Ride Executive Board as the Chuck Wagon Boss and Don Hildebrandt is a former Salt Grass Trail Boss who still serves on the SGT Advisory Board.

Wagon 2: Circle S Association

Wagon Boss: Kim Baker
Assistant Wagon Boss: Chuck Coates
Teamster: Susan Coates

Circle S joined the Salt Grass Trail in 1954 with Jack Frost, Buck Conner, and Carl Smith. Carl Smith was brought in to make Wagon 2 the official Harris County Wagon, as he was in office as the Tax Assessor, and the wagon was named Circle S in his honor. Wagon 2 has approximately 40 riders. Kendall Stephanow is the wagon’s youngest rider. C.B. Roberts has ridden the Salt Grass Trail since 1954. Wagon 2 is proud to recognize 3 past Salt Grass Trail Association Trail Bosses. I.H. Perry, C.B. Roberts and David Smith. The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo™ Trail Ride Committee selected Wagon 2 as Best Wagon in 2001.

Wagon 3: Houston Farm & Ranch Club W6

Wagon Boss: George Love
Assistant Wagon Boss: Sandra Love
Teamster: Richard Lowe

Official wagon of the Houston Farm & Ranch Club. The original purpose of the Houston Farm & Ranch Club was to promote agriculture and ranching in the community. Wagon 6 is proud to carry the legacy of the Farm & Ranch Club that served the Houston area from 1947 till December 2017.!

Wagon 4: Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo™ Official Wagon

Wagon Boss: John Giannukos
Asst. Wagon Boss: Jim Bob Taylor
Teamster: Sam Parker

The members of Wagon 4 are proud to participate in Salt Grass Trail Ride and its traditions.  Wagon 4 is the Official Wagon of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo™. Show officials and dignitaries accompany Wagon 4 in the Conroe Go Texan parade, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo™ parade and nightly in the Show’s Grand Entry.

Wagon 5: Austin County Trail Riders

Wagon Boss: Jimmy Beckendorff
Assistant Wagon Boss: John Matthews

Wagon 5, Austin County Trail Drivers, has made the Salt Grass Trail Ride since 1955. Gene Beckendorff named the wagon after the home county of the Beckendorff family, who has worked cattle in the area since the 1800s and drove cattle on the Salt Grass of the Southeast Texas Plains for winter pasture. The group has 48 riders led by Wagon Boss Jimmy Beckendorff, who has made the ride since 1967. Milton Beckendorff currently serves as Chairman of the Executive Committee for the Salt Grass Trail Association.  He has made the Salt Grass Trail Ride for 56 years, longest of any Austin County member.

Wagon 6: Rocking H Riders

Wagon Boss: Julie Goetzman
Assistant Wagon Boss: Terry (TJ) Roese

The Rocking H Riders joined the Salt Grass Trail in the mid-1950s as Bubba’s Bandits, and the wagon has rolled every year on the Salt Grass Trail since that time. In the mid-1980s, when Bubba Roth passed away, the wagon changed names and became the Rocking H Riders. At that time Bubba’s nephew, Herman Roth, became owner and operator of the wagon. By 2000, the group had reached 75 riders, and Herman and his wife, Darlene, selected James and Jerilu Goetzman to lead the group.

The Goetzman’s purchased the equipment, and the wagon has remained a family group of riders that enjoy friendship and camaraderie. Jerilu has made the Salt Grass Trail Ride for more than 40 years and held the Executive Offices of Scribe with the Salt Grass Trail from 1990 to 2002, and Public Relations and Special Events Chairman from 1979 to 1987.

Wagon 6 has produced two Salt Grass Trail Bosses: Herman Roth (1985-1987) and James Goetzman (2003-2005). Riders of the wagon have received the honors of Top Trail Rider, Trail Horse, and Youngest Trail Rider.

The next generation of Rocking H Riders is rising to honor the heritage left by its empty saddles.

Wagon 7: The Magnificent 7

Wagon Boss: Curtis Johnson
Assistant Wagon Boss: Edd Compton
Teamster: Cathy Johnson, Curtis Johnson, Gary McHenry, Stacy Black, Bandit Williams

Distinguished members of the group include: John Burns,  Dan Johnston, Johnny Montalbano, Edd Compton, Mac Delaup, Judy Lakin, Gary Mchenry, David Johnson and Dozier Partlow.

Longtime members include: Shaun Burns, Marty Officer, Ellen Kirkland, Sylvia Pennywell, and Joey Pedigo and many more loyal riders.

The Magnificent Seven Wagon has won Best Appearing Group in the HLS&R parade multiple times. We are honored to be represented on the Salt Grass Executive Committee by our own Dan Johnston as Chairman.

The Magnificent Seven also rolls a second wagon, Wagon 7B, with Stacy Black and Bandit Williams as teamsters.

Wagon 8: Lazy 8

Wagon Boss: John Parmley
Assistant Wagon Boss: Steve Parmley
Teamsters: John & Ginger Parmley

Lazy 8 was formed by eight members of the Harris County Sheriff’s Posse, Dude Parmley, Frank E. Mann, George Cook, Jack White, Dr. R.D. Ward, George Allhouse, Ed Hallmark and Frank Trent. At the time, Dude Parmley was the Captain of the Posse. Dude Parmley served as Trail Boss for the Salt Grass Trail from 1973-1975.

The Lazy 8 Wagon has participated in and contributed to the Salt Grass Trail Ride for over 50 years. Wagon 8 has won Best Show Wagon and Best Appearing Group for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo™ Parade 12 times. Group members have won Youngest/Oldest Rider Awards and Farthest Distance Traveled Awards many times. Dude rode horseback every year on the Salt Grass Trail until he joined the Riders in the Sky in 2007. Riders representing Wagon 8 for the Salt Grass Trail are John Parmley a Lifetime Scout and James Williams who serves as Scout.                                                                   Ride for the Brand.

Wagon 9: Desperados

Wagon Boss: Tara Dahnke
Assistant Wagon Boss: Margaret Jo Byron and David Brock
Teamster:

The Desperado wagon has been on the Salt Grass Trail Ride for more than 50 years. The Desperados have welcomed distinguished riders including Welcome Wilson, former chairman of the board of regents for the University of Houston, former Houston Chief of Police Harry Caldwell and “The Virginian”, James Drury. The buggy carries other important Desperado members.

The Desperados have won many awards over the years, including Best Appearing Wagon for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo downtown rodeo parade in 1981, 1982, l984, 1988, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2022, and 2023; and Best Show Wagon in 1995, 1997, 2003, 2008, 2014, 2017 and 2019. Desperados won Best Wagon on the Salt Grass Trail Ride in 1981, 1984 & 1986, and 2nd Place in 1985. In 1985, Archie “Pa” Bennett, Sr. was awarded the Oldest Male Rider for the Salt Grass Trail and the Most Experienced Women has been awarded to Beverly Wilson Smith in 2016 and to Margaret Jo Byron in 2023. The Longest Distance Outside the Continental USA has been awarded to the Olaf Braunert family from Germany, in 2011, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Wagon 10: Texas Outlaws

Wagon Boss: Matt Smith
Assistant Wagon Boss: Rhonda Reynolds
Teamster: Jacob Skobel

The Texas Outlaws, previously the Pasadena Wagon, joined the Salt Grass Trail Ride in 1982 under former Wagon Boss Bubba Baker. This group of 45 riders comes from all over the state of Texas. The group’s oldest rider is Bobby Schrock, and Jonathan Klepetko is the youngest Texas Outlaw.  Distinguished member Marilyn Demontrond has ridden the Salt Grass Trail for more than 35 years, the longest of any member of the group. The Texas Outlaws’ wagon name originates from the spirit of the members – they are open to new adventures and never back down from a challenge.

Wagon 11: Broken Wheel

Wagon Boss: Lisa Hakemack
Assistant Wagon Boss: Roger Spinks
Teamsters: Lisa Hakemack

The Broken Wheel Riders joined the Salt Grass Trail Ride in 1962 under founding wagon boss Foster McKnight. The wagon was then passed down to Donald “Duck” Belyeu, who had ridden since 1964. In 2008 he handed the reins over to his daughter Lisa Ahrlett.

This tight-knit group of approximately 40 riders comes from all over Texas every year to ride the trail and catch up with their “trail ride family.” Their riders have truly forged a family-like bond that would have been impossible to form without their dearly missed Riders in the Sky: Foster McKnight, Donald Belyeu, Dawn Belyeu and Pam Belyeu Buckmaster.

The group’s  youngest riders are 7 year old Cooper Massar ,and 5 year old Carsyn Massar. Their best aged rider is Mrs. Pat Fendley, who hasn’t missed a ride since 1968. Broken Wheel has had the same wagon and name since they started in 1962, and they have never missed a year on the trail. The name Broken Wheel has suited them well over the years as they have ridden through a couple of rides and even a parade with a real broken wheel, but thanks to Duck’s ingenuity they never let it stop them from completing a day’s ride!

Wagon 12: Brazos River Riders

Wagon Boss: Travis Hakemack
Assistant Wagon Boss: Curtis Klese
Teamster:  Buddy Schultz & Curtis Klesel

The Brazos River Riders joined the Salt Grass Trail Ride in 1972 and have not missed a ride since. They have approximately 40 members. John Phillips, Karen Klausmeyer, Kurt Klausmeyer, Philip and Doyleen Fairchild, and Tom and Sally Hakemack have all been members of the Salt Grass Trail Ride for more than 40 years. Tom Hakemack served as Chief of Scouts from 2002 to 2005. Sally Hakemack has served on the Salt Grass Trail Ride Executive Board as Public Relations and Special Events Chairman and currently serves as Scribe. Philip Fairchild has served as Route Boss, Assistant Trail Boss and Trail Boss on the SGT Executive Board and is currently serving as Chairman of the Executive Committee and a Scout. Also representing Wagon 12 with the SGT Kurt Klausmeyer, as Chief of Scouts, Lifetime Scout Tom Hakemack, Scouts – Wesley Martin, Joe Diez, Rusty Sillivan and Ronnie Thrasher.

Brazos River Riders participate in many parades and trail rides throughout the year. Our wagon name originated from the Brazos River, which is the boundary between Waller and Austin Counties where most members reside. Our awards include Top Trail Rider: Kurt Klausmeyer (1996),Travis Hakemack (2020), Top Trail Horse: Travis Hakemack riding “Mandy” (1997), Tyler Klesel riding “Rebel” (2013), Kurt Klausmeyer riding Blue Duck (2016); Youngest Riders: Phyllis Fairchild (1985), Dustin Cope (2000, 2003, 2005, 2008) Tyler Klesel (2007, 2008, 2009), Ronnie Lee Thrasher II (2009), Morgan Thrasher (2010), Hunter Hinze (2013), Heath Hinze (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Ace Jerome Vance (2019), Avery Grace Vance (2019, 2022) and Hayes Hinze (2022).

Wagon 13: Independent Riders

Wagon Boss: Buddy Jones
Assistant Wagon Boss: Mark Temple
Mule Skinner: Buddy Jones & Mark Temple

The 59 Independent wagon joined the Salt Grass Trail in the early 1970’s, and the wagon’s history goes back farther than any of its present members. The group’s name originated from the founders of the club who were all from the North US 59 area. We carry on the tradition and their motto: “Independent is a state of mind.” The wagon has 20 riders, led by Wagon Boss Buddy Jones.

Wagon 13 is proud to have Shane Linnell as a member for nearly 30 years. Shane is the current Trail Boss for Salt Grass.

Buddy drives the team of mules but is always looking to turn over the lines to anyone who wants to drive. We are happy to be part of this grand Texas tradition. Our team is also blessed to pull a wagon in the Grand Entry of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo™

Wagon 14: Longneck Riders

Wagon Boss: Poncho Dismukes
Assistant Wagon Boss & Teamster: Stuart Markwardt

The Long Neck Riders joined the Salt Grass Trail in 1979. Poncho Dismukes is the longest riding member, having made the Salt Grass Trail Ride for more than 40 plus years.

The Long Neck Riders have won several awards along the Salt Grass Trail, 2nd Place Best Wagon in 1982, 1st Place Best Wagon in 1983 and 3rd Place Best Wagon in 1984. They also won Best Appearing Wagon for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Parade in 1982. The Long Neck Riders have had 4Salt Grass Trail Top Trail Riders: Rueben Mikeska in 1989, Poncho Dismukes in 1990, E.C. Kennedy in 1992, and Chad Dismukes in 2011. They have also had 2 Salt Grass Top Trail Horses: Mercedes in 2010 Owner Larry Davis. Scarlet in 2012, Owner Kristi McBride and Cochise in 2018 Owner, Teresa Witten. Along with being the founder of the Long Neck Riders, Poncho Dismukes currently represents the Salt Grass Trail Executive Committee on the board of directors.

Wagon 15: Double “M” Trail Riders–DR-20

Wagon Boss: Cam Morgan
Assistant Wagon Boss: Colton Horn
Mule Skinner: Cam Morgan; Dusty Rhodes

Charlie Morgan and his father, Floyd Morgan, rode the Salt Grass Trail Ride on horseback with Julias Collier from Tomball for many years. Floyd Morgan wanted to drive his own wagon, so Charlie purchased the wagon for his dad in 1975. Floyd was able to fulfill his dream and drove the Double “M” wagon for the 1975 Salt Grass Trail Ride before he passed away in August of that year. Charlie took great pride in honoring his father’s wish by keeping the wagon on the Salt Grass Trail all these years. Charlie passed away in 2020 and is highly missed by his family and many friends.

Mitch Morgan along with his children and grandchildren Morgan, Colton, Wyatt, EJay, Jacob, Ella, Cash, Macey, Peyton, Declan and Dovie represent the fifth generation of the Double M tradition. In 1981, the “Double M” won the Best Wagon award, and in 2001, Mitch Morgan was awarded Top Trail Rider. He’s carried on his dad’s legacy serving as the Chief of Scouts for 6 years. Charlie and Mitch are the only father and son that have ever represented the Salt Grass Trail as Chief of Scouts.  Mitch continued to serve Salt Grass as Trail Boss for three years and on the Advisory Board for five.

In September of 2023, we said goodbye to a true legend.  Mitch Morgan has handed down the trail ride tradition to his children: Misty, Kristin, Leianne and Charles “Cam”.  They plan to honor his name and his love for trail ride by continuing to teach the next generation of riders what hard work, dedication, family and friends truly mean.  Mitch devoted 48 years to Salt Grass and the Double M wagon.  The Morgan Family and devoted Double M Riders plan to continue his legacy.

Jeremiah “JJ” Horn, son-in-law of Mitch, and Richard Horn take great pride in representing the Double M on the Executive Board as the Livestock Boss and Assistant Trail Boss for the Salt Grass Trail.  Additionally, Colton Horn, Mitch’s grandson, serves as a scout.

The “Double M” name comes from Floyd Morgan and Charlie Morgan. “Double M” was extended to represent Mitch Morgan and his son Cam Morgan.  The Double M initials will now be represented by Cam Morgan and his son Cash Morgan.  DR-20 is a symbol added in 2005 in honor of Dusty Rhodes, a lifelong friend to the Morgan’s, and a fellow Sgt. Scout representing the “Double M” wagon on the Salt Grass Trail. Dusty Rhodes’ horse D-9 was awarded Top Trail Horse in 2005.

Double M has won many awards throughout the years and are very proud of all their winners.

Wagon 16: Rounders (A & B)

Wagon Boss:  Angie Gonzales
Assistant Wagon Boss: Richard “Shorty” Baker
2nd Assistant Wagon Boss: Dave Wise
Teamsters Wagon A: Betty Doss & John Mikolajewski, Susan Hudnall
Teamsters Wagon B: Linda Young & Bill Jachetta

Frank Majorwitz, Billy Baichtal, Fenton Hauck, Ron Johnson, Jeff Lehmann, and a few other Salt Grass Trail riders founded the Rounders in 1972 with the purpose of promoting western heritage, friendship, and fellowship and preserving the past while preparing for the future. The group was called the Rounders, after the expert horsemen who rode out to round up stray cattle in the days of the American cattle drives.

The Rounders contribute to and participate in numerous charitable trail rides and events each year, including the Saddle-Up for St. Jude ride and Adopt a Hero for Christmas benefiting wounded US soldiers. The Rounders’ Annual Shane Harris Memorial Poker Ride, held in October each year in honor of one of the Rounders’ Riders in the Sky, benefits a scholarship fund for first responders training, equipment, and continuing education.

In more than 50 consecutive years of riding the Salt Grass Trail, the Rounders have won numerous awards, including Best Wagon and Best Showmanship. Four Rounders have won Best Trail Horse awards – Jaynie Carrens on “Sundance” in 1986, Stan Moss on “Toro” in 2002, Lynne Cantrell “Blanco” in 2015 and Billy Welch on “Scout” in 2023. In 2005, Jeannine Templeton was recognized as the Most Knowledgeable and Experienced Woman of the Salt Grass Trail. In 2009, Dave Young from Livonia, NY won the award for Furthest Traveled inside the US. Shonda Welsh was voted “Top Scout” for the Trail Boss award in 2023. Youngest Girl Rider awards were presented to Ashley Johnson in 2001 and Hali Belcher in 2002. In 1991, 2004, & 2024 the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Parade Committee voted the Rounders Best Appearing Group. Don Nelson was awarded Top Trail Rider in 2016, and Richard “Shorty” Baker was voted Top Trail Rider in 2023. The Rounders were the Rodeo Parade’s “Best Centennial Wagon” in 1976.

The Rounders are proud to recognize three past Salt Grass Trail Bosses, Bill Henry, the late James Goetzman, and the late David Smith, who were and will always be part of the Rounders Family.

Ronnie Havemann, Campsite Boss, Brian Havemann, Utility Boss and Conni Meyer, Chairman of Public Relations are proud to serve on the Executive Board for the Salt Grass Trail Ride.  In addition, Don Nelson, Joe Bergstrom, Shonda Welsh, Ryder Gage and Katrina Libby represent the Rounders as Scouts for the Salt Grass Trail, Joe and Shonda also serve on the first responder Safety Team                                                                              WFO

Wagon 17: Chappell Hill Cowpokes

Wagon 18:   Iron Horse Guest  Ranch

Wagon Boss: Niki Henson
Assistant Wagon Boss: Cyndie Phillips
Teamster- Alex Henson

Iron Horse Guest Ranch wagon joined Salt Grass Trail Ride in 2018. The wagon was made by the Amish at Yoder Wagon Works.

Our country’s veterans are very near and dear to the hearts of Iron Horse. Alex Henson, one of the wagon drivers, served for 9 years in the United States Navy as a SeaBee. Additional members of the wagon group are family of servicemen currently deployed. Iron Horse Guest Ranch Wagon Group is composed of riders of all ages and encourage youth to participate.

Many of the riders are a part of the Wrangler training program where they learn to become the equivalent of lifeguards on horseback. The Wrangler training program includes horsemanship, leadership, first aid, CPR, and emergency management training. They regularly do run-down drills to keep their skills current. The wagon also has their own scout team used in WarmUp rides and charity events.

The wagon is pulled by two blue roan Percheron horses, Liberty and Justice.

The wagon group works year-round to help preserve history by providing plowing demonstrations at Barrington Plantation and Concord Stagecoach rides (owned by the Texas Historical Foundation) at the Fanthorp Inn in Anderson, Texas. In 2019 the wagon group won Best Trail Riding Group in Waller and in 2017, a “best wagon” award on the Montgomery County Scholarship Trail Ride.

Wagon 19: Texas Renegade Outriders

Wagon Boss: David Russell
Assistant Wagon Boss: Kacey Stewart Russell
Teamsters – Robert (Red) McPherson

The Texas Renegade Outriders proudly joined the historic Salt Grass Trail in 2024, marking the fulfillment of Kacey Stewart’s dream to create a wagon rooted in friendship and the love of her family tradition of western trail heritage and keeping the spirit of the trail alive. The wagon was founded by nine dedicated charter members: Kacey Stewart, David Russell, Mandi Cary, Cash Cary, Jeb Burris, Christina Mulvey, Joel Dawson, Christine Dawson, and Gabriel Ashworth. Each member brings years of experience, unique talents and contributions, making the Texas Renegade Outriders a welcoming home for families and friends dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Old West.

The strength and success of the group lies in their membership, consisting of approximately 120 members. With some traveling from across the country and all around the state of Texas. The group’s camaraderie flourished to the extent that a second wagon was added to their ranks their first year.

The head wagon boasts a storied history. Formerly the lead wagon for Texas Independence, it was later acquired by the Hughes family before becoming the Texas Renegade Outriders’ flagship wagon and joining the Salt Grass Trail.

In 2024, the Texas Renegade Outriders celebrated milestones that will be remembered for generations. They were deeply honored to receive the 2024 Oldest Male Rider Award, presented to the legendary “Rider in the Sky,” John E. Heineike. They were privileged to have John complete his final Salt Grass Trek alongside them, a moment they will always cherish.

Additionally, the Texas Renegade Outriders proudly earned the coveted Best Appearing Group Award at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo™ Parade during their inaugural year—a significant achievement and true testament to their spirit and dedication.

The year 2025 proved to be just a successful earning the titles of Oldest Male Rider Award presented to John Hervey.  Top Salt Grass Trail Rider was awarded to Kacey Stewart.  They were also honored to receive The Best Show Wagon award at Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo™ Parade.

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