Ridecamp: Re: [RC] [RC] Very young riders in AERC rides

In a message dated 10/24/2002 1:40:20 PM Central Daylight Time, greymare@xxxxxxx writes:


> *Jinnifer-being a responsible adult means doing this all the time. 


Karen, I have 3 children.  And I tick them off, or break their hearts EVERYDAY.  (just ask them..<g>)  My point here is...  Who are we to say this is abuse?  Just because the child is 5?  Please.  I don't buy it.  

I had my then 8 yr. old son (now 12) to a ride in Ohio, his horse turned into a lunatic before the ride, I rode the horse a little while with no change.. Did I let him ride that day?  Hell no.  It broke his heart yes (mine too).  But now that same son, doesn't want a thing to do with all these horses here.  I am in NO WAY saying I should have let him ride that day.  I am just saying if they want to do it.. Let them at least TRY. 

What do ALL kids want to be when they are young?  Grown ups!  All this AGE thing will do is make their YOUNG lives go by even faster in a rush to GROW up.

I just simply think INSTEAD of putting an age limit on this issue, we need to put a mileage standard on it instead.

Have a great weekend all!  I have to go pack the trailer, Off to Spook Run, hope to see some of you there.
Jinnifer