Big Christian cowboy and cowgirl event returning to Raymondville

For the 12th straight year, a huge, six-day, Christ-oriented gathering of horse enthusiasts will take place in Texas County.

The 2018 Heartland Christian Cowboys and Cowgirls Gathering is set for May 29 through June 3 at Golden Hills Trail Rides and Resort, a 5,000-acre equine venue near Raymondville. Founded 14 years ago by St. Joseph residents Matt and Melissa Wagner, the event (which was not held at Golden Hills in its first two years) features daily devotionals for men, women, teens and kids, fun activities (including horse games, square dancing, camp fire singing and much more), food and – or course – riding on Golden Hills’ system of about 150 miles of trails.

“Basically, it’s God and horses,” Matt Wagner said. “We all say we have a friend in Jesus, but I want to take it one step farther and introduce you to my friend. I think a lot of people just don’t have the boldness to go out and share that, and we just try to encourage others as much as we can.

“After all, He’s our Lord and savior.”

Participants typically come from all over Missouri and several other states, but event organizers are hoping to have more local people involved this year. Campsite rental is $35 and horse stalls are $20 per horse. Bunkhouse rental is available for $35 per night (with six, eight or 10 beds) and motel rooms can be reserved for $45 per night (with two queen beds per room).

For more information, call Matt Wagner at 816-390-7561 or Curtis Doennig at 417-844-1999.

For more information about the Heartland Christian Cowboys and Cowgirls Gathering, log onto www.heartlandcowboygathering.com. The organization can also be found on Facebook.

Heartland Christian Gathering

2018 Heartland Christian Gathering schedule