Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Age Distribution for AERC Members and Riders Revised

> Any thoughts as to why endurance doesn't seem to appeal to people in their
20s?
> College, starting families....?

I don't think it is fair to say that it doesn't appeal to people in that age
range.  It is simply a matter of financial reality.  You have some of the
causitive reasons right--college, meeting mates, starting families, starting
careers, etc.  But the bottom line is money.  Prior to 18, mom and dad are
paying the bills, so they can ride as much as they want, with the only
limitation beyond that being what mom and dad can afford.  At 18, they most
likely leave home, leave the horses home, and are pretty well broke and
occupied.  Usually by 30, they are established in careers, often are
established in family life, etc.--and can once again own horses, pay entry
fees, travel, etc.  Many people discover endurance for the first time as
adults, but indeed, some of our juniors do come back.

A few of us rode through those years, but the few who do have a driving
dedication to horses and/or endurance to the point that it is more than a
hobby.  We are the oddballs--the ones who take those years out are far more
typical, and always have been.  That trend has bee with us since the very
beginning of the sport, and I don't think it is very realistic to expect it
to change, given the normal progression of American life when we are that
age.

Heidi


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