'A millionaire's dream': Northeastern Trail Ride boss talks about the historically Black tradition

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Fifty-five riders, 19 wagons, and 111 miles over six days make up the only historically Black trail ride of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.

ABC13 caught up with Northeastern Trail Ride trail boss Anthony Bruno live on the trail as the caravan made its way to Memorial Park in Houston on Friday to commemorate the rodeo as part of the 71-year history of the famous trail rides.

"For us to be able to do this every year, it's an honor and a privilege. We live a millionaire's dream," Bruno said from inside a Northeastern wagon as the ride set out on its final stretch of a six-day journey.

RELATED: Trail riders saddle up to kick off start of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Ten trail rides got underway on Sunday to participate in the event's signature annual tradition.

Bruno is making the journey with a bittersweet heart following the death of his father last year. Bruno's father, Joseph, co-founded the historically Black Northeastern Trail Ride in 1982 and served as its inaugural trail boss for about 30 years before passing the reins to Anthony.

"This trail ride was founded to introduce people to Black cowboys and Black cowboy history because it hasn't been fairly documented," Bruno said. "We are keeping our culture and heritage alive."

Watch the full conversation in the video above player above.

You can view more about the trail ride and the 111-mile journey here and learn more from ABC13 media partner The Houston Chronicle, whose reporters Sam Gonzalez Kelly and Elizabeth Conley have made and documented the journey with the Northeastern Trail Ride.

For updates on this story, follow Jonathan Bruce on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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