Re: Re: RE: worlds youngest rider

["superpat" <superpat@gateway.net>]

More RULES?????
Puleeese!!!!!!
So you don't want your kids on a horse til he's 6...or 10.... or.....
OK...so don't put your kid on the horse til you think he's ready. But let's
not tell everyone they can't put their kid on a horse at any age. Now, I
don't know this family but I would wager that they are way experienced and
know the potential for wrecks of all kinds. I would also wager that the
horse that carried that three year old, took care of him better than most
grandfathers could.
As for me.....I'm jealous. Jealous of the kid for having such an early start
with horses. (It took me 57 years to discover the wonder of horses). I'm
jealous of the parents for having a child who loves to ride and is tough
enough to stick it out, and I would bet, have fun doing it.
I think that the arguments for waiting until the child is older and stronger
have merit. But I would be the last to try to force my opinions on others.
It sounds too much to me like my argument for Roe vs Wade. (spelled
correctly?). And not wanting to get any more political and off topic than
that, I will demur to your completing that thought.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LEWIS FAMILY!!!!!
Pat (wish my folks had put me on a horse) Super

Sent: Monday, October 09, 2000 8:43 PM
Subject: RC: Re: RE: worlds youngest rider


> Sylvia writes:>
> > I'm having a hard time picturing a 3 year old having the wherewithall to
> > understand exactly what they're getting themselves into....they don't
have
> the leg length  (or strength) to stay WITH a horse in
> > a serious situation.  Not to say that there can't be a child prodigy
(like
> > that chess playing kid) who could just tear up the endurance trail at
age
> 3,
> > but even so, wouldn't be my own personal choice for my kids.
> >
> > Sylvia
>
> Sylvia,
>
> I have to agree with you, and really question why AERC has no minium age
for
> juniors, when there is one for horses!  Because there is no doubt that
> exceptional 3 years old  HORSES might be able to do 50 mile rides, the
vast
> majority are not physically or mentally ready.  The day someone does a top
> ten on a 3 year old, someone will try to break the "record" and do a 50 on
a
> 2 year old, if there were not a rule!!
>
> Why should there not be a minimum age for children on 25 mile rides, 50
mile
> rides and 100's?
> Has AERC every considered this? Because, this report on this 3 year old
> child was presented in the form of a "record" breaker.  Now, is some
> over-zealous parent going to try to break this record with a 2 year old
> child, or pony an 18 month old baby on a horse??!
>
> I'm sorry, having raised two children and worked with 3 year olds, I find
> this very inappropriate.
> Your average 3 year old lacks the strength, muscle coordination and riding
> skiils to handle a horse, espeically in a group situation.  Just becuase
> they appear to be horse-crazy, I find it little different from the 3 year
> old that screams to stay on the Wal-mart rocking horse!  Even with parents
> riding shotgun, anything can happen on a ride!
>
> I believe AERC should set minimun age rules on children on various length
> rides.  I suggest they consult several pediatritians, and professionals in
> the child development areas. I would be more interested in their comments,
> than just endurance fanatic parents.
>
> Having children is a huge responsibility, and while I agree the whole
experi
> ence can be wonderful for families and kids, the welfare of the kids MUST
> come first.  While children can be involved in rides, I have to wonder
about
> those that seem to be at rides every other weekend.  What kind of balanced
> life do they have?  What other activities do they have? Do they have a
> social life? I don't understand how PARENTS can be so wrapped up in their
> accumulated miles or points for riding a horse, for goodness sake, that
they
> put that ahead of their kids! And I have heard of endurance kids that are
> sick and tired of the whole thing, but their parents are wrapped up in
> accumulating miles and getting some "family" award.
>
> I would love to do more rides, but I have a family to consider.  I have a
> husband with other interests, and kids with a vaiety of interests. They
both
> have done rides, and enjoy them.  But,
> there has to be a healthy balance.....I will have years and years to
> endurance ride after they have gone.  I hope they choose to do more rides
> with me, and learn to love the sport-but it just isn't going to be the
focus
> of our lives!.
>
> I don't know this family or child, but still read this "report" with
dismay.
> I'm sure I will get flamed by those who will claim that  endurance parents
> should be commened for spending time with their kids and involving them.
I
> agree with this-to a point!  When it gets to the point the kids are being
> put second to the horses or sport, I have to question it.
>
> Since this is endurance related, I hope there will be more discussion, and
> people will sent their opinions to the AERC.  I intend to.
>
> Karen Sullivan
>
>
>
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