Texas Horseback Rider Clotheslines Himself on Highway Sign in Viral Video

A Texas horseback rider is making waves online after a jaw-dropping incident that looks like it was pulled straight out of The Three Stooges—or maybe your grandparents' favorite old western. In a viral video captured in Harrison County, Texas, the rider, part of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Pony Express tradition, collided head-on with a U.S. Highway 290 sign while traveling at full speed.

The video, which has been shared thousands of times on multiple platforms, shows the rider on horseback receiving a police escort from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department. The annual Pony Express event honors history by delivering rodeo invitations on horseback to state leaders, replicating the 1800s mail-carrying tradition. Unfortunately, this year’s relay included an unplanned—and painful—highlight.

As seen in the footage, the rider was guiding his horse along the road’s shoulder when disaster struck. While the officers’ job was to protect the rider from passing cars, they had no way of preventing the horse’s sudden leftward veer toward the sign. The rider attempted to adjust but ended up slamming face-first into the metal post in a cartoonishly brutal collision. The impact sound alone sounded like it involved a coyote and the roadrunner.

And you know the comments were out of control—from some being sympathetic to outright hilarious:
- "Wide open fields in all directions, and he hits a road sign."
- "Unnecessary roughness on the road sign!"
- "This feels like a Looney Tunes cartoon."
- "Hope the horse is alright."

The rider’s condition has not been officially confirmed, but we certainly hope he’s recovering from what was undoubtedly a moment he will never forget. As for the horse? Reports suggest it’s unharmed—although we imagine it might prefer avoiding highway routes in the future.

For those wondering, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Pony Express tradition continues, delivering more laughs than just invitations this year—and reminding us always to keep our eye on the road.