RE: worlds youngest rider

[Lynne Glazer <lynne@glazer.org>]

Pat et al,

As a ride manager, I am terrified of the idea that a 3 year old would 
enter my ride.  (Not just a "me, too", but a valid concern.)  What 
would you do, as a RM?  What do you do now, RMs?

I personally don't believe that most 3 year olds are capable of 
handling spooks, trips, sudden stops, or the actions of an 
out-of-control horse/rider, despite the quality of the veteran horse.

I think it's wonderful that Cliffy is getting to ride, and only 
question it from a safety perspective--if he had an accident would 
they be proud that he "died with his boots on?"  No, of course not.

Secondarily, I'm concerned with the image it presents to 
non-endurance people, including visitors to our horse town's urban 
ride like the  mayor, and the volunteers which included city 
councilmen and lots of moms.

Lastly, I don't want a ponied rider considered for completion--it's 
just not right.

Lynne
one of the many who had non-horsey parents
Norco Riverdance Ride


At 11:35 PM -0700 10/9/00, superpat wrote:
>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
>>
>>
>>
>>  =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
>>  Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
>>  Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/RideCamp
>>  =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
>>
>>
>
>
>=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
>Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.   
>Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/RideCamp  
>=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=