Re: RC: Young, really young riders

[JANUSSTUDIO@aol.com]

In a message dated 10/10/00 11:17:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time, donp@dcr.net 
writes:

<< The issue here AVERAGE mental state of a 3 to 7 year old child
 when it comes to being out there on an endurance on the back of the old
 "seasoned" boy, who might think they see a bear behind the next tree. Most 
CTR's
 have a 10 year old minimum age for juniors and I think that is a good idea 
for
 AERC to take up.  Is anyone there listening?<

Yes, many of us are listening. This subject strikes a cord with me. I 
'personally' feel that the minimum age of 10 years is to old. I 'personally' 
feel that it should be up to the parents good judgment as to weather the 
child is capable of doing competition. If the child is eager/ willing, etc. 
This is a NATRC rule (no children under 10). I've been opposing this simply 
because I'd personally rather my granddaughter (who is now almost 4) start 
her trail riding on a (usually) more sane NATRC ride than on an endurance 
ride. But at least (now) endurance is open to younger ages.
 
> How about you folks who are running for the board, any thoughts?
 
 Whew I haven't posed this much on any subject before I guess it struck a 
nerve
 cause every time I read a related post I think about my 3 year old grandson
 doing this. >>

I've held off posting myself because of the low ignition point on this 
list.<g>
As I said I have a three year old granddaughter as well. She is a 'horse nut' 
already and it amazes me as to how long she wants to ride sometimes. Then 
there are other times when twenty minutes is enough. I can't imagine forcing 
a child of any age to ride when he/she doesn't want to. How could any adult 
stand it! On the other hand a child that can't get enough is a delight to 
ride with. Three seems young to me, but I can see how a three year old who 
lives on the back of a horse could do it with ease. My own granddaughter 
rides her tiny pony on her own. Of course I'm always near. She can lead him 
were ever she wants with ease. Right now all is fun and I want to keep it 
that way. No, she isn't anywhere near ready for a 25 miler, but I would like 
the choice to let her begin to compete when she is ready, and I'm thinking it 
will be before ten!
So please don't force the one option I have left out of my reach. The parent 
should be the one to decide. Well, I guess there is always the show ring. 
<sigh>
Now having said all that <g>, I don't see anything wrong with RM having the 
final say. I would appreciate an age limit on some of the trails out there.  
Some make me cringe, I wouldn't want to take a very young youngster on them.
Jan - still listening