About 200-students from Garden Oaks Elementary were dressed in western garb, waiting for a chance to interact with riders from the Spanish Trail Ride. Julie Flores is one of the riders. She says seeing the students gave them a
second wind.

"We are tired but every day's fun."

PH: "Seems like you're just as excited as the kids are."

Flores: "We are. It's great. It's great to see everybody all having a good time."

Garden Oaks teacher Carrie Steele says the excitement from her students certainly put her in the mood.

"They're super pumped to see the animals, it's good education on Texas, the rodeo."

PH: "Is this the part of the year that kids young and old can't wait for?"

Steele: "Absolutely...I'm just as excited, even worse, as they are, and dressed up. So, it's just a chance to act like a kid again. It's fun."

The Spanish Trail Ride traveled almost 120-miles from Shepherd north of Houston. Long time trail boss Joe Cantrell says the end of the ride is the best part because of the kids.

"I get the enjoyment. I'm a great grand father. The kids is what's gonna make this world go. Its not me or you, its the younger generation that's gonna have to make the world do round."

PH: "And hopefully, future trail riders?"

Cantrell: "I'm hoping for a few. All my children started riding trail rides two years. Some of them have been on this trail ride for 28-years, 30-years. My assistant trail boss is my son. He's been on the trail ride since he was three years old."

13 trail rides with some 3000 participants camp out at Memorial Park before the rodeo parade through downtown Houston and the start of the three week run of the rodeo.