Flaco Guapo Media, Jim Sánchez
SAN ANGELO — “True Grit” is partly defined as “show the strength of your character. ... and perseverance.”
When San Angelo Ambassadors’ Captain Susannah Mann and her fellow Ambassadors led Santa Fe Ride Trail Boss, Alfredo Martinez, camp boss, Gabriel Guajardo, 19 wagons and 75 riders from Cowboy Church through parts of San Angelo, the trek [included the following: Volney St. to Reagan Elementary School, by the old fire training center, Fort Concho Elementary, finished up on Rust Street and East Ave C) became an arduous challenge that was met with “true grit” by both human and animal.
Weather conditions for the 8:30 a.m. trail ride were in the upper 50s. The difference between this year’s trek and 2020s was that a year ago it was held in February when temperatures are brisk. And, the ride was done in two hours.
This 2021 edition turned into three-and-half hours. By the time the “True Grit” posse ended its ride-a-along, the temperature was in the upper 80s with winds gusting consideringly.
From start to finish, Ambassadors’ Susannah had the same smile and a great attitude that her fellow Ambassadors and all Santa Fe Trail riders matched.
18th annual Trail Ride Awards Banquet
Later that evening, April 9, 2021, the 18th annual Trail Ride Awards Banquet was at held 5:30 p.m. in Fort Concho Barracks #6.
Favorite rider: Justin Reed
Favorite wagon: Raymond Johnson
Atta Boy: Craig Thoreson
Cowpoke congeniality: Tim Halpin (not present)
Committee Choice Award: Clay and Annie Smith
Left-to-right: Santa Fe Trail Trail Boss, Alfredo Martinez, Trail Ride Chair, Tabitha Baker, and camp boss, Gabriel Guajardo.
The 2021 Trail Ride Chair is Tabitha Baker. Other committee members include Co-Chair Jeff "Bull" Rutledge, Trail Boss Alfredo Martinez, and Jerry Bynum as Assistant Trail Boss/Wagon Master.
One of the Foundation's goals is to provide scholarships to area youth in the ranching and farming industry, but it also provides more economic impact to San Angelo and the surrounding communities than any other single event, per Santa Fe Trail Ride information.