Fw: RC: Re: RE: worlds youngest rider

["Karen Sullivan" <greymare@jps.net>]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Karen Sullivan" <greymare@jps.net>
To: <Merryben@aol.com>
Sent: Monday, October 09, 2000 11:07 PM
Subject: Re: RC: Re: RE: worlds youngest rider


>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <Merryben@aol.com>
>
>
> > In a message dated 10/9/00 9:03:59 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
> greymare@jps.net
> > writes:
> >
> > << I don't know this family or child, >>
> > This is the point.  You don't know the Lewis family.  I was there when
Tom
> > rode Spiderman on the VC 100 when he was 5.  Obviously he still loves
the
> > sport.  Cliffie rode Spiderman at his ride this week.
> >
> Again, as I mentioned in the previous post, this is not directed
> specifically at this family-it sparked a discussion on the wisdom of
letting
> young, young children ride.  I don't see how anyone's "love" of the sport
> indicates that they have any common sense when applied to their children
or
> babies!
> And again, this is a general comment, not directed toward Mr. Lewis.  Last
> year when the discussion came up on the fact Mr. Lewis had ridden a 100
mile
> ride at age 5; my comments and opinions were the same-I feel it is poor
> judgement and borderline child-abuse to encourage or force children that
age
> to ride a horse all day (and on a 100, into the night).
>
> A 3 or 5 year old can have no real concept of what the sport requires, or
> understand anything about the danger and power or horses, or be able to
> understand or implement anything about conditioning or feeding.  They are
> there becuase their parents want them there-period.
>
> It might be "cute" for a 3 or 5 year old to trot out an old campaigner
> horse; how many could deal with the horse bolting, or spooking; how many 3
> year olds can run that far without tripping?!!
>
> I am all for encouraging junior riders and have sponsored my two kids and
a
> friend's kid.  They are able to care for their own horses, condition their
> horses, be involved in decisions regarding the pace, and pull their
weight.
> It is not just a "joy" ride.  When they have some understanding of the
> sport, exhibit good horsemanship and act responsibility, THEN there is
PRIDE
> in the accomplishment of finishing a ride. One started riding 25's at age
8,
> and I believe one was 7.
>
> At one ride, a mother with two kids approx age of 10; 12 spend
considerable
> effort on tired horses to keep ahead of us, just so their kids could get
> first Junior rider in. Both kids were crying and complaining they were
tired
> and their legs hurt, but their mother just had to beat us......then didn't
> even stay for awards;shoved tired horses in a trailer and h auled home.
>
> I believe you are a terrific mentor in the sport and am aware you have
> sponsored and encouraged countless juniors in the sport.  I applaud your
> decation and patience!  I know your junior riders have gone on to be
> successful and prominent in the sport.  I am just saying it is not all
> positive and happy times for all the junior riders.
>
> 3 years old?, come on!
>
> Karen
>
> !
>