ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] RE: Jr Riders

[endurance] RE: Jr Riders

Shannon Loomis (loomis.102@postbox.acs.ohio-state.edu)
Tue, 14 Nov 1995 18:47:06 -0500

hello,

This is a subject near and dear to my heart. I was 13 years old when I
competed in my first ride 10 years ago. The person I rode with was 12.
Back then, no one thought about sending us out alone (of course, no one
wore helmets then either). After all, we conditioned alone and our
parents, while having horses, had no interest in competing. Granted, we
had ridden these trails before and were comfortable with them. I rode
alone for 5 years on many many rides. The sponsor rule was implemented the
year I turned 18 (thank god) otherwise, I may not have been unable to
compete much at all.

I have several problems with this rule, as I know many Juniors who have
been at it longer than Novice adults who are let loose on the trail. Of
course, they (the Juniors) could get a notarized waiver after 300 miles...
I have sponsored my good friend who is 4 years younger than I, even though
she has been competing since she was 11 and her sister who is 13 and has
been competing since the age of 6! Needless to say, I would ride with them
whether they had to be sponsored or not, but sometimes we don't ride the
same pace and I can't let her go ahead or leave her behind -- I do threaten
to if she is whining, however :). Their mom hasn't kept records of all the
rides she (the 13 year old) has been in, so they had to start fresh on
mileage. I think 300 miles is an awfully high number, especially since
many of the juniors I know compete only in LDs. And 18 years is slightly
unreasonable as well... At 16, Juniors can haul themselves and their horses
to the ride, but can't ride alone. Personally, I agree with the earlier
post. Many sponsors are totally irresponsible and abandon kids at vet
checks and even in the middle of the trail. Others, however, are wonderful
and really help teach novice riders to ride sensibly and responsibly.

All in all, I think anyone who does not have a certain level of experience
should be required to ride with a sponsor on non-Novice rides, not just
kids. I have sponsored many kids and novice adults and am willing to do so
for people I don't know, if management asks. After all, we want to
encourage participation.

Getting off my soapbox now, sorry this is so long and jumbled.

Shannon Loomis and Quail Meadow Star