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I don't think of a 5-year old as a
toddler. Methinks you are underestimating what a 5-year old can think and
do. Children who have challenging early childhood experiences grow up to
be mature and extremely capable adults. At least that is the way it worked
in our family; for several generations on both sides of it,
actually.
Barbara
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, October 24, 2002 8:43
AM
Subject: Re: [RC] [RC] Very young riders
in AERC rides
Juniors endurance riders will someday be our adult
endurance riders. Why do we want to tell them they can't do it because
they are to young?
There is a difference between a "junior rider" and a
child, yes even a TODDLER! Frankly, most adults who think they have to
"explain" anything to a 5 year old need to have a reality check. I have never
met a 5 year old who could either make nor understand a logical decision. They
simply are not of a cognizant age. So that leaves it to said adult to make
choices that affect the child's life - or death. There very idea of a 5 year
old who cannot even effect leg contact with his or her mount coming up behind
my horse at a trot and possibly rear-ending my horse is a consideration. While
it may seem a simple matter of a parent's choice - that choice affects
everyone from those who share the trail to ride management, including anyone
who may have to go fetch the child and-or horse should they become incapable
of continuing.
I like to think that decisions made regarding my child
(daughters now 15 and 17 - EEK!) ARE best made my myself and their dad - but
decisions that have a direct affect on others, well, we do make those
decisions differently out of courtesy and common sense toward others. My
now-15 year old ride her first LD at 8 years old - an easy ride, on my
seasoned old mare, equipped with a pony line should it be needed. She has
graduated to finally riding her very first unsponsored 50 last weekend,
even pulling at 38 miles because she it seemed that my 6 year old mare
was not stabilizing well enough at HER first ride! I am proud of her - she has
grown in both independence and ability - has a bit of an ATTITUDE :) but is so
capable. A 5 year old? I think not. Sorry, but Pony Club comes to mind there.
And yes Auds, I am proud of you!
Mom
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