During the 1980 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Bar‐B‐Que Contest, past chairman of the Bar‐B‐Que Committee, Bailey and his sidekick, Steve Watson (Watson), also past chairman of the Bar‐B‐Que Committee, talked about maybe getting involved with a trail ride group. Watson, having experience with and knowing folks involved with the Logan’s Port Trail Ride, convinced Bailey, Gov. Bill Daniel, Benny Rusk, and Hoot Gressett to participate in the 1981 Logan’s Port ride. It was after that 1981 ride, that the Wagon 7 adventure began.

While the adventure began in 1981, Wagon 7 was still several years away. In 1982 Bailey, Watson and the others decided to ride on the Salt Grass Trail Ride as guests of Dude Parmley owner of Wagon 8. Bailey and Watson really enjoyed being with Wagon 8 and Dude Parmley. Bailey stated…“Dude Parmley treated us just like we were his family, and if it weren’t for Dude Parmley there probably wouldn’t a Wagon 7 as we know it
today.”

That same year (1982), as Bailey and Watson pulled out of camp they stopped to visit with Nick and Phyllis Morrow the owners of the then Wagon 7, called the “Farm & Ranch Club” wagon of the Salt Grass Trail Ride. As Bailey once said…“We made an inquiry to Nick to see if he wouldn’t be willing to sell it.” So, Bailey and Watson negotiated a deal with the Morrows, and recruited J.J. Acy, Roy Eledge, Ronnie Eubanks, O.L. Harris, Benny Rusk and Wayne Taylor to buy the Farm & Ranch Club wagon. The deal included a wagon, a team of mules and harnesses and a trailer for $6,000. Additionally, the owners put in another $1,000 for expenses. Wagon 7’s 1st year (1983), under new ownership, rolled down the Salt Grass Trail as the Farm & Ranch Club wagon. However, in Wagon 7’s 2nd year (1984) Bailey came up with “The Magnificent 7” name for the new Wagon 7. Bailey also engaged Don Newcomer to design the current Wagon 7 logo. Don Newcomer is credited as the designer of the KIKK 650 AM “BOOT I BOOT BOOT” logo. In the 80’s, KIKK 650 AM was the #1 Country radio music station in Houston. Since 1984 Wagon 7 has been “The Magnificent 7” wagon. Over the years, Wagon 7 has been honored with many Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ awards and recognitions. Many Wagon 7 riders and horses have been recognized by the Salt Grass Trail Association for their participation and contribution while riding on the Salt Grass Trail.

For four decades, Wagon 7’s future, memories, and history have been rooted in “Family Values”, “Western Heritage”, “Friendship” and “Fellowship”. Today the Wagon 7 “February Family” consists of 9 owners, 113 members, many members’ children of all ages, and countless friends.

Wagon 7 will always cherish and preserve our history and our traditions and honor those who blazed the trail before us. Wagon 7 remains committed to our Family Tradition (“core value”) and looks forward to kindling old friendships, creating new friendships, and watching our children create their own Wagon 7 memories.

Happy Trails.