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 Thanks for your opinion, I happen to agree with it, 
and although I am many regions away and in a small community, I also ride 
with my 4 grandchildren, all have been allowed (if they wished one ride (25 mile 
ride at the end of their 7th year and then 50's at age 8.  This was 
their parents rule, and fine with me. All had ridden tons  with 
me before they competed. 
  
The oldest girl just is not endurance oriented, 
loves her horse and trail rides for pleasure. The others, boy 16, has lost 
interest (over 1,250 miles (including a five day duck ride and several ride and 
ties, one short r&t at age 8), the other 2 girls have 850 (and a 
r&t at age 9), and 500, one having less oppurtunities, but equally 
eager. 
  
Just part of my story 
  
Joan 
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