2001 Kids' Summer Fun Guide

Horse Camps

BEE CAVE RIDING CENTER These summer camps provide training in both Western and English riding as well as classes in horse science and management. There's a horse show at the end of each week for both beginner and experienced campers to test their skills, an arts program featuring pottery and ceramics, and even a pool to provide respite for those who get a bit horsed out. Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, beginning May 14. 15740 Hamilton Pool Rd. 632-RIDE. www.ridinghorses.com.

BLUE STAR RIDING TRAINING CENTER Beginning riders attending this camp get a horse to call their own for two weeks! Each student is responsible for grooming, feeding, and other care for their particular horse. Students learn walking, trotting, and other details of horse showmanship. More advanced students learn jumping, obstacle courses, and get to participate in the creepy-fun Murder Mystery Trail Ride. Free pickup of campers is available from three different locations for parents on the go. Classes begin March 28, 8am-4pm. 9513 Hwy. 183 S. 243-BLUE.

RIO VISTA FARM AND TACK SHOP will teach your kids how to drive a pony cart. Cool, eh? They also offer English riding, with two lessons daily, a visit to the thoroughbred breeding facility on-site, arts & crafts, horse theory, and a horse show on Fridays. The camp is geared toward small groups of up to 16 students per week. Transportation available from Westlake and North Austin. Ages: 7-16. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. Near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, call for directions. 247-2303.

TOP PRIORITY HORSE has 20 years of experience working with horses. They offer small sessions of eight kids per week, with lots of hands-on experience for participants. Each day focuses on something different, like Western or English riding, horse care and identification, or trail riding. Ages: 6-12. Classes begin in June and run through early August. Located 15 minutes east of Hutto. 751-0661. www.home.switchboard.com/ toppryorityhorsetraining.

LITTLE BUCKAROO RANCH MINI HORSE CAMP It's home, home on the miniature horse range! Assist the wrangler with feeding and grooming, saddle up for lead line pony rides and art activities, and wrap it up with a picnic and marshmallow roasting. Ages: 4-6. Weekly sessions in June & July, Tue-Thu, 10am-noon. 18320 Hamilton Pool Rd. Call 264-2383 by May 15.

KINGS BRIDGE DAY CAMP Come meet the camp's miniature horse named Pickle! Campers enjoy trail rides through bunny- and deer-filled scenery while they learn horse care and horsemanship. A pool and arts & crafts area are available for kids if they get a bit saddle-sore. Every Friday is an awards show where campers can try out their newfound talents. Transportation provided from Westlake, Northwest Austin, Round Rock, and Pflugerville. Ages: 7-16. Weekly sessions begin May 29. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. 710 County Rd. 272, Leander. 512/259-3479.

KELLY'S KIDS SUMMER CAMP All things horses all the time. Learn to ride, care for, groom, saddle, bridle, bathe, and trail ride a horse. Friday horse shows too. Ages: 6-18. Weekly camps run Jun-Aug. Kelly's Kids Horse Camp, 951 CR 110, Georgetown. 512/863-7649.

HUNTERS CHASE FARMS Who hasn't asked for a horse of his or her own? Not many of us are prepared to fulfill that request, but through the summer camp at Hunter Chase your little one can get up close and personal with grooming, care of horse and tack, games, daily swimming, and, oh yes, lots of riding. Ages: 51/2-16. Transportation available from five Austin area locations. Weekly camps May 28-July 27. Hunters Chase Farms, off Hamilton Pool Rd., eight miles west of Hwy. 71. 264-3346. www.hunterschasefarms.com.

BEAR CREEK STABLES has two, count 'em, two summer camps in one. Kids can attend the summer swim camp, the horse camp, or both in the all-day camp; and the instruction is equally as good. Campers are split into groups depending on their experience. For the finale, campers demonstrate a learned riding pattern at the Camper Horseshow. Kids attending the all-day camp will not only ride and swim but also enjoy nature walks and arts & crafts. Ages: 7-16. Bear Creek Stables, 13017 Bob Johnson Ln., Manchaca. 512/282-0250.