Ridecamp: RE: [RC] Very Young Children in AERC Riding

>>>>...there are many professionals that are far more
qualified to vote on this matter than a lot of
parents.  Shall we remember the 7 year old girl who
(had a dream to fly across the country), that crashed
and died?  Yes, that was her "dream" to do that.  I am
not arguing that she be denied her dream (she was most
likely an exceptional child), but what she attemped to
do was NOT appropriate for her AGE!<<<<

Another lurker that's come out in the open on this
subject of young riders.  Stating that "professionals"
are better qualified than parents at making decisions
for children is a mighty strong statement.  The post
regarding CA rule changes in the social/mental/health
departments because of a change in regimes states that
this just isn't so...else the professionals making
these rules wouldn't change them because of new
management.
I remember the 7-year-old girl who crashed her plane. 
It was a sorry day for aviation...but I back her
parents for allowing her to follow her dream.  Our
older son started flying young (although not that
young...only when he showed an interest) so I am aware
of the training involved here.  He was flying before
he was driving and has flown his parents/brother from
IL to FL several times.  For her to have flown across
country means she had to have been qualified to
fly...pilots go through lots of emergency scenarios
while "in the air" to practice for just such.  Not
only that but pilots are always listening and/or
talking to some air controller...and I'm sure she had
a radio (don't recall exactly).  Through out their
training there is an instructor on board to ensure
they are knowledgeable.  Don't downgrade that crash
because of her AGE...even highly-experienced pilots
crash who have YEARS of flying.  
To lean back toward endurance--I'm sure any young
children riding have had lots of trail experience and
time in the saddle to be qualified riders.  I'm hoping
these parents have properly prepared them and am sure
that the horses they ride are dead broke and safe...in
any circumstances.  
Agree with the statement that let's keep this
endurance related and stop comparing it to other
activities...that could go on forever.  Keep the vote
for ONLY parents as professionals change their minds
to suit their interests.  I am not a member of AERC
but do have children.  I hope to do an LD endurance
ride this coming year (my first).  I agree with having
no minimum age requirements set...leave that to ride
management...or pull the parent/child team should the
parent make poor decisions on any particular ride. 
That would be much better...allowing good parents and
their children to ride...and "pulling" the others on
an "as needed" basis.
Back to lurking,
Val


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