AUSTIN, Texas – It’s a sound—and a sight—you don’t see every day. 

Dozens of horses and riders trotted through Austin on Monday. They traveled from Houston to the Texas Capitol in what’s known as the Pony Express—a longstanding tradition meant to promote the Houston Rodeo. 

What we know:

47 horses and riders traversed the streets of Austin and onto the Capitol grounds as part of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Pony Express relay, which is now in its 76th year. It’s a partnership with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. 

Riders from different groups and agencies carried invitations to the upcoming rodeo to be delivered to state leaders—much like the famed Pony Express would have done back in the 1800s. 

“It was their way from east to west to deliver information. And this is our way of doing the same thing,” said Pat Mann Phillips, board chair for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. 

The ride began Sunday morning, with 22 teams passing the baton each mile as they traveled down U.S. 290, stopping in Elgin overnight.

On top of obstacles like bridges and cars, there is so much preparation that goes into making this happen. 

“You have to get your horses ready. They have to be cleaned up. They have to be in good shape so that they’re able to make the ride,” said rider Norman Anderson, an officer with the Barbers Hill ISD Police Department. 

For many riders, their spouses are a big part of the tradition, too. 

“You open the trailers and drive the trucks and watch them ride,” said Kim Anderson. 

What they’re saying:

“This is my 20th year, and it’s still exciting,” said Norman Anderson.

“It’s an experience riding through downtown Austin, being the only ones pretty much able to ride horses through Austin,” said rider Stephen Graschel, captain of the Gulf Coast Equine Response Team. 

The horses got a warm welcome from state leaders, on hand to receive their rodeo credentials. 

“We’re just happy to be a part of it. It’s always great to see horses at the capital,” said Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham.

What’s next:

The focus now turns to the big show next month.

“It’s an event for all Texans. We have 20 days of action packed rodeo,” said Mann Phillips. “7,000 livestock and horse show entries. We’ve got a great carnival.”

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo runs from March 4-23 at NRG Stadium.