Opelousas shootings put future St. Landry Parish trail rides in jeopardy

St. Landry Parish bans trail rides for rest of 2026 after shootings; 4 suspects wanted, 1 arrested

OPELOUSAS, La. (NEWS 15) — St. Landry Parish will no longer permit trail rides for the remainder of 2026 after a pair of shooting during a weekend event at the Yambilee building and Ag Arena grounds, Parish President Jessie Bellard…

Opelousas shootings put future St. Landry Parish trail rides in jeopardy

Two shootings connected to a trail ride in Opelousas over the weekend have called the future existence of such rides in St. Landry Parish into question, officials said.

Future of trail rides in St. Landry Parish uncertain after weekend shootings

The future of trail rides in St. Landry Parish is uncertain after two shootings disrupted a three-day trail ride and rodeo event over the weekend, prompting local leaders to consider stricter security measures.Parish President Jessie Bellard said the violence threatens a long-standing tradition deeply rooted in the parishs culture and economy.Weve always had it in our parish as a tradition that goes back way, way longer than us, Bellard said. Bu…

Weekend violence threatens tradition: ‘The future of trail rides’ in jeopardy in St. Landry

Trail rides are a time-honored tradition for St. Landry Parish's African American community, but recent violence could threaten their continued existence. The trail rides are considered a celebration of the parish's unique Creole cowboy identity, often featuring processions, dancing, music,…