Ridecamp: Re: [RC] [RC] Very young riders in AERC rides

In a message dated 10/23/2002 11:09:30 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
Dbeverly4@xxxxxxx writes:

<< yes, I have two children ages 15 and 17 and I probably don't WANT to know 
what they're up to 24/7 these days ;)  I do know that the thought of them 
doing 100 miles at the age of 5 is nauseating and the only way they would 
have done it was to satisfy my own ego.  I do believe that Cliffy Lewis might 
just be a child prodigy and none the worse for wear.  However, what about the 
kid who's parents decide that since Cliffy could do it their little "Mikey" 
could do it?  I think AERC needs to do for these kids what it did for the 
horses since the beginning. Stupid not to. >>


For the most part, I agree with you.  The vast majority of children would 
have no business doing this.  BUT!  LOL  I am a big believer in minimal rules 
and relying on the parents to make such decisions.  As I said, mine are about 
twice the age we are discussing, and they are NOT ready for it.  And my ego 
doesn't need that.  :o)  That said, however, I would have to hear an enormous 
wealth of evidence regarding body and mind development before I could see 
setting an age limit.  What IS an appropriate age?  Doesn't that vary widely 
from child to child?  And, as I have previously stated, setting such a limit 
does provide a point in law which makes liability greater than not setting 
one at all.  Interesting topic.....love to hear form some child development 
experts?
Scott

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