Ridecamp: Re: [RC] one more thought and i will shut up

SOME 5 year olds can do the skiing runs.  They usually don't do them as well. 

 

I think Cliffy's grandfather summed it up best.  Cliffy could do it.  SOME other kids can do it.  If they can do it, then I have no problem with them doing it.  Yes, there is risk involved.  Yes, parents can be idiots at times. 

 

Charles

----- Original Message -----

From: Sullivan

To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Thursday, October 24, 2002 11:59 AM

Subject: [RC] one more thought and i will shut up

Regarding toddlers and very small children doing endurance rides, I offer the following:

 

Laws and common sense are the reason you don;t see this age group driving cars, flying airplanes, parachuting, etc. Many small children participate in activities that are SCALED DOWN versions of adult sports (moto-cross, go-karts, skiing etc) Would 5 year olds participate in Olympic-difficulity downhill slalom ski runs or be able to ride cross country olympic courses? 

 

Yet, AERC is allowing pre-school kids to compete on the same courses used for National Championship competitions...many of these trails are into rugged areas with no access, and require great skill from ADULT horse/rider teams.  The fact that some of these kids may have a good time, and be better riders (they certainly are lighter!) becomes totally irrelevent.

Karen