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I think everyone is entitled to their own opinion
on the subject of young riders because we are of course a free country. I
would like to make a statement for those of you reading who are considering let
their young ones of any age ride endurance or pleasure.
I teach pre-ballet and ballet ages 3 to 18 and have
had not one 3,4,5 or 6 year old in ten years of teaching with 550plus students
each year that can do what my 9, 10 and 11 year old girls do. I am sure
there are some exceptions somewhere in this world but I have not found
them. There bodies are not physically ready to do what the older girls do
and the pediatrics' groups in our town support what I do. They also
support that 99.9% of the girls not ride until age seven and by ride I mean be
able to use LEG and leg aides. It can interfere with growth and
development in many cases to push them to far to soon. I agree with SERA
and the 8 year requirement. I plan to teach my daughter at age 7 and then
IF she is ready let her go to a small ride at age 8 but not before we have
completed a 25 mile test ride at home. I suggest that if you want your
youngster to ride find a qualified instructor and let them learn the proper
basics before you put them on the trail and ask your pediatrician what they
think!
I also like the idea of making them do a certain
number of 25's and then 50's before they step up in distance. It might
also be a good idea for a ride to maybe have a 10-20 mile ride for juniors when
they are first starting out. Just like dance you have to train your
muscles and your heart to withstand the rigors of exercise especially with
extreme sports.
Alicia Mansuetti
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