Re: Re: Re: RE: worlds youngest rider

["Karen Sullivan" <greymare@jps.net>]

> Barbara writes"
> I'm sure my opinion will be disapproved by some, but my feeling is "Why
must
> the government, or AERC, or anyone else, be responsible for protecting
people
> from themselves?"  If people choose to do something the rest of us
consider
> dangerous, that's THEIR responsibility, not ours.  Shall we now prohibit
> mountain climbing? Surfing? Bicycling

Barbara, if we took that attitude, then why have any rules at all in the
sport?  Why require helmets for juniors; or have minimum age for horses?
Why is the welfare of the horses more important than welfare of children?

> It may not be the safest thing in the world to put a 3 year old on a horse
> and take him through a 25 mile ride, but I personally think it's none of
our
> business, only theirs.

Then, to follow your logic, it is NO business of ours at all to insist they
ride with helmets!.

Sorry, but this is EXACTLY the response I am getting from CSHA!  I inquired
why they did not require helmets for junior riders on Trail trials.  I get
all sorts of huffing and puffing about not imposing on parents freedom to
make the choice of putting a helmet on a kid or not-yet, the have other
RULES regarding safe footwear, and type of equipment on the horses.  It is
downright hypocitical!  An organization has whatever right to institute
whatever rules it wants!  You either chose to obey those rules or not.

I'm really trying here to back off on the subject in regard to Stephs
wishes, but am REALLY dismayed to be asked to quit talking about something
ENDURANCE related, and turn to discussions of cats, weather or stall
cleaning!

This has very serious implications for the sport, and I am also very
dismayed that you and Maryben, as board members don't seem to want to
consider it. I am strongly suggesting to
AERC that they look into it, talk to some pediatritians, and come up with
some sort of guidelines as to what constitutes "junior rider" versus a baby!

Yes, I get more and more upset, especially about hearing that the trails had
hazardous sections.

Karen Sullivan
>
> Barbara
>
>
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