Click the wagon number to go straight to that wagon:
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Wagon 1: Reese Lockett Wagon
Wagon Boss: Bill Franks
Assistant Wagon Boss: Jeff Graeter
Teamsters: Don Hildebrandt & Jeff Graeter
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: Debbie Humphrey and 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 3 is proud to carry the legacy of the Farm & Ranch Club W6 that served the Houston area from 1947 till December 2017.
Wagon 4: Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo™ Official Wagon
Wagon Boss: Jeff Hayes
Asst. Wagon Boss: John Giannukos
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: Donnie Hill
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: Jerilu Goetzman
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: John Burns
Assistant Wagon Boss: Kathleen Brast
Teamster: Cathy Johnson, Curtis Johnson, Gary McHenry
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: TBD
Wagon 10: The Rockin’ B Ranch
Wagon Boss: Rita Burns
Assistant Wagon Boss: Olga Assed
In 2019 Robert Burns began rolling as Wagon 12. In 1992 Ray Holcomb started as Wagon 19 and was taken over by Robert Burns in 2002 as Wagon Boss and mule skinner. Robert was awarded the Salt Grass Trail Ride’s Top Trail Rider award for 2004. Rita Burns continues her husbands love of Salt Grass Trail Ride and sharing of horses in activities helping special needs individuals throughout the year.
Wagon 11: Desperados
Wagon Boss: Gary Smith
Assistant Wagon Boss: Margaret Jo Byron
The Desperado wagon has been on the Salt Grass Trail Ride for more than 30 years. The Desperados have welcomed distinguished riders including Welcome Wilson, chairman of the board of regents for the University of Houston, former Houston Chief of Police Harry Caldwell and “The Virginian”, James Drury. Gary Smith is driving the buggy with other distinguished guests.
The Desperados have won many awards over the years, including Best Appearing Wagon for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo™ downtown parade in 1981, 1982, 1984, 1988, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2010; and Best Show Wagon in 1995, 1997, 2003, 2008 and 2014. 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.
Wagon 12: Texas Outlaws
Wagon Boss: Lauren Spinks
Assistant Wagon Boss: Matt Smith
Teamster: James Huttman
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 13: 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!
agon 14: Brazos River Riders
Wagon Boss: Kurt Klausmeyer
Assistant Wagon Boss: Travis Hakemack
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 and Assistant Trail Boss on the Executive Board and is currently serving as Trail Boss. Also representing Wagon 14 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 15: Independent Riders
Wagon Boss: Buddy Jones
Assistant Wagon Boss: Shane Linnell
Mule Skinner: Buddy Jones & Shane Linnell
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.
Shane Linnell is Wagon 18’s Assistant Wagon Boss and is beginning his third term on the Salt Grass Executive Board as Wagon Boss. Buddy drives the team of mules, but group members joke that when Buddy drives, the mules are usually in charge. 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 16: 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 17: Double “M” Trail Riders – DR-20
Wagon Boss: Mitch Morgan
Assistant Wagon Boss: Cam Morgan
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. Mitch has ridden the Salt Grass Trail for more than 45 years. 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’s daughter Misty Horn keeps the Double M camp in order and takes care of Double M with plenty of warm healthy meals along the ride.
Mitch is now representing the Salt Grass Trail on the Advisory Board, 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 Utility Boss for the Salt Grass Trail.
The “Double M” name comes from Floyd Morgan and Charlie Morgan. “Double M” will be extended to represent Mitch Morgan and his son Cam Morgan in future years. 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 18: Rounders
Wagon Boss: Angie Gonzales
Assistant Wagon Boss: John Mikolajewski
Teamsters: Betty Doss and John Mikolajewski
Frank Majorwitz, Billy Baichtal, Fenton Hauck, Ron Johnson, Jeff Lehmann, and a few other Salt Grass Trail riders founded the Rounders in 1973 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 firefighter 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. Three Rounders have won Best Trail Horse awards – Jaynie Carrens on “Sundance” in 1986, Stan Moss on “Toro” in 2002 and Lynne Cantrell “Blanco” in 2015. Youngest Girl Rider awards were presented to Ashley Johnson in 2001 and Hali Belcher in 2002. In 1991 & 2004, Top Trail Rider Don Nelson in 2016, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Parade Committee voted the Rounders Best Appearing Group, and in 1976 the Rounders were the Rodeo Parade’s “Best Centennial Wagon”. In 2005, Jeannine Templeton was recognized as the Most Knowledgeable and Experienced Woman of the Salt Grass Trail. And in 2009, Dave Young from Livonia, NY won the award for Furthest Traveled inside the US. Shonda Welsh for Trail Boss award “Top Scout”.
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 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 and Ryder Gage represent the Rounders as a Scouts for the Salt Grass Trail and Joe also serves on the first responder Safety Team.
Wagon 19: Chappell Hill Cowpokes
Wagon Boss: James Kubeczka
Assistant Wagon Boss: Clifford Miller
Mule Skinner: Tom Kubeczka
Established in 1984 with only 10 riders, the Chappell Hill Cowpokes are a great group of about 35 members. Parents and children, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, as well as many friends, participate as one BIG family in this group. The Cowpokes do not meet a stranger!
The name of the wagon originated from the fact that a number of the charter members actually resided in historic Chappell Hill, Texas. ‘Cowpokes’ then added just the right touch to complete the name. The Cowpokes’ oldest rider and Charter Member, Tom Kubeczka, has ridden the Salt Grass Trail Ride for 55 years. Chappell Hill’s distinguished riders include: 2010 Top Trail Rider – Brett Schroeder; and, 2011 and 2016 Oldest Male Rider – Tom Kubeczka. Charter Members also include Lisa Stark Kaspar, James Kubeczka and Steve Wahrenberger. Carrying out the tradition, the following Cowpokes made the original SGT Ride out of Brenham, TX: Tom Kubeczka, Gary Ladewig and Steve Wahrenberger..
Wagon 20: The Texas Legacy Riders
Wagon Boss: Pam Wren
Assistant Wagon Boss: Darin Hamilton
Teamsters: Steve Miller and Stephanie Theis
The Texas Legacy Riders name was chosen to honor the amazing legacy and memory of those that are gone but certainly not forgotten. The wagon will be “Riding in Memory of Jody Wren” and others for whom the Salt Grass Trail Ride was an integral part of their lives. Pam Wren’s husband, Jody, was serving on the Salt Grass Executive Board when he left us to become a “Rider in the Sky”.
Pam purchased the wagon from long-time Wagon Boss Dickey Davis who has also gone to his final reward after over 50 years of riding the Salt Grass Trail.
Pam has partnered with Chris Miller, Michelle Crite and Bridget Reid-Wood.
Wagon 21: Iron Horse Guest Ranch
Wagon Boss: Niki Henson
Assistant Wagon Boss: Leslie Mickelis
Teamster: Alex Henson
Iron Horse Guest Ranch wagon is the newest wagon on Salt Grass Trail Ride having joined SGT in 2018. The wagon was made by the Amish, Yoder Wagon Works.
Our country’s veterans are very near and dear to the hearts of Iron Horse. Alex Henson, the wagon driver, served for 9 years in the United States Navy as a SeaBee.
Iron Horse Guest Ranch wagon group is uniquely composed of riders of all ages. 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 teams of Belgian horses, Prince & Diamond and Ace & Cash. Ace and Cash are from Minnesota and have over 100 trophies and ribbons from showing in a variety of driving classes from a 6up hitch to Juniors Cart. Prince and Diamond came from a ranch in Georgia and stand 18-3 hands tall. The Belgian horse teams also pull the Concord Stagecoach owned by the Texas Historical Foundation at the Fanthorp Inn in Anderson, Texas.
In 2017, the wagon group won a “best wagon” award on the Montgomery County Scholarship Trail Ride. The wagon is serving this year as the Grand Entry wagon for the Black Heritage Rodeo at the George Ranch Historical Park. It is an honor to be a small part of keeping the heritage rodeo alive.
Wagon 22: Last Call Stampede
Wagon Boss: Nino Boswell
Assistant Wagon Boss: Karen Shaddock
Last Call Stampede organized as a Trail Riding group in 2011 with the mission to foster and promote Trail Riding to honor the countless memories and share the rich history between people and horses. Last Call Stampede Trail Riders have participated in the Salt Grass Trail ride as far back as the early 1960’s. Our Riders have enjoyed the benefit of riding with many of the great SGT Trail Bosses and Wagons over many years.
Last Call Stampede has been recognized as having some of the youngest Trail Riders, the oldest Trail Rider, and a Top Trail rider – all a testament to our focus as a family oriented group all invested in the future of the Salt Grass Trail Ride.
Last Call Stampede opens a new chapter with Salt Grass Trail Ride in 2023. Last Call Stampede is excited and honored to participate in Salt Grass Trail Ride as Wagon 22.
Wagon 22 is: 2 much fun 2 pass up!
Wagon 23: Wesley Outlaws
Wagon Boss: Delphine Merkel
Assistant Wagon Boss: Mark Engeling & Delta Kolajak
Teamster: Delphine Merkel