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Giddy Up!

Kids learn to respect noble beasts at horse camp

A A A Comments Thursday, Jul 10 2003

One alternative to betting on horses is riding them. For junior dudes and dudettes champing at the bit for a little equine connection, there's still time to sign up for summer camp at Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy. In addition to developing respect for their whinnying sidekicks, campers will learn to care for horses, saddle up English-style and "walk-on" -- maybe even trot. But what good are new skills without the chance to flaunt them? The final day of each session is "show day," complete with ribbons and braided tails. Parents are encouraged to ooh and ahhh... Sessions are for kids ages seven to 16. This week's runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Monday, July 14, through Friday, July 18. Additional sessions run from July 21 to July 25 and July 28 to August 1. The Riding Academy at Great Southwest Equestrian Center, 2501 South Mason Road. For information, call 281-579-2416 or visit www.gswec.com. $275 per session. -- Bliss Foster

Lil' cowboys kick up dust in Katy.

Kidgets love specimens.

Sunrise at Sam Houston

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SAT 7/12
Mallrats
Got a child between three and eight? Congratulations! You're the proud parent of a "kidget," and the Galleria is offering free stuff for that little person. "Kidgets Get Cultural" includes a portable planetarium from the Museum of Natural Science and painting workshops from the Orange Show. Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 12. The Galleria's Nordstrom wing, 5135 West Alabama. For information, call 713-622-0663. Free. -- Troy Schulze

SAT 7/12
Get 'Em While They're Young
Introduce your child to horse racing at this weekend's Sunrise at Sam Houston event. Kids will tour the facility, meet a jockey or a trainer and see a quarter horse close up. They'll also get to race on foot around the track and meet Sam, the park's mascot. Then, it's a class on how to bet -- psych! 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 12. Sam Houston Race Park, 7575 Sam Houston Parkway West. For information,call 281-807-8847 or visit www.shrp.com. Free. -- Cathy Matusow

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