ROOKIE RULES

So you want to be a Desperado? That’s entirely possible! We are a private organization and new members are sponsored by existing members. Chances are, that’s why you’ve come to this page. We encourage you to read this section of the website, and also browse the rest of site to get a general understanding of who we are and how we operate.

The focal point of our year is the Salt Grass Trail Ride each February. Guests are welcome to participate with us in whatever capacity suits them best…rider, camp mover or cook crew. Most of us take a turn doing all three. If you like the experience as much as we do, you’ll officially become a Desperado. There will be other rookies and, together, you’ll make up that year’s Rookie Class. It’s a fun time that you’ll never forget.

We encourage you to participate the entire week, from Friday night through the downtown Houston parade on Saturday. It’s tough (in a good way) and creates bonds with the other members of the group that will never be broken. The minimum requirement for a rookie to become a Desperado is five days and nights in camp. During that time, you must obey the following commandments:

1.Horse safety above all else. Being a safe and courteous rider will earn you a great reputation with the Desperados. Not doing so will earn you a bad rep with every wagon on Salt Grass.

2. Beverly is in charge. She walks softly, but carries a big stick. Just ask Geezer.

3. When in doubt, see Rules 1 and 2.

4. We are invited to all the parties, because we are the most fun, not because we make idiots of ourselves when we party. Remember this!

5. We leave camp each morning at 9 AM with or with out you. No matter when you got into bed, be out of it in time to go!

6. Have fun, and be enthusiastic. This is like summer camp. A lot of what we ask you to do may seem like work but, once you do it, you’ll see how much fun it is. A hint: if you look like you’re having fun, more people will volunteer to help you.

7. We will certainly tell you a lot of what to do the first year, but the true measure of a Desperado is what he or she volunteers to do. Look for ways to contribute.

8. Horses get barn sour; so do riding buddies. Do your best to not to spend all of your week riding with one just person or group Mingle!

9. Where there’s riding, there’s drinking. No one is going to pace you. Every means—fair and unfair—will likely be used to throw you off your pace. Be friendly, but it’s best to avoid accepting randomly offered shots from passing riders.

10. “Hip hip hooray” every chance you get. It’s the closest thing we have to a secret handshake. It’s a Desperado’s earned right and we love it. You will too.

We dress alike while on the ride, which can lead to some teasing from the less fortunate. We like looking sharp and being quickly recognized as a Desperado. Our dress is the main reason we’ve won more honors from the rodeo committee than any other wagon in the history of SGTR.

As a guest, we encourage you to borrow the necessary garb, which includes a monogrammed denim jacket, a couple shirts, and a rain slicker. All the dress details are available on this website. Your second year, we’ll help you order the items, or you can continue to borrow, if you like.