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

Nancy made excellent points.  We *should* proceed with
caution.  Our children bring up all kinds of emotions
and it's important not to react with emotion.  Also,
consider that whether a child participates in any
event is up to the parent.

When I was a wee one, my Daddy taught me to respect my
"orsie" and take care of him.  Just because they're
bigger and older than me doesn't mean they can take
care of themselves.  I remember that lesson to this
day and continually educate myself to better take care
of my "orsie".  A child CAN and DOES learn how to take
care of a horse and can realize that competiting can
be dangerous.  A child CAN and DOES learn what to look
for during a ride.  

A good example of this are the juniors in the Central
Region (and I'm sure every other region as well).  One
in particular has been in this sport since she was 5
and not big enough to stay in the saddle when an
Evergreen branch hit her.  She is an excellent
rider/competitor today.

Indeed, proceed with caution.

=====
Susan Young Casey, Princess of Pink, LIW, RRHA, RHS
Semper Obliquo (Always aside)  

Glenndale Grace Farm, Ft Gibson, Oklahoma U.S.A.

"Ride on! Rough-shod if need be, smooth-shod if that will do, but ride on! Ride on over all obstacles, 
and win the race!"         - Charles Dickens (1812-1870)

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