[RC] Very young riders in AERC rides - Rides 2 Far
Though I do not support a > minimum age
> rule based on possible "child abuse", I WOULD like to see some >
research that> is comprised of information gathered specific to our
sport...
I'm afraid we'd have to find an orthopedic surgeon who competes to weigh
the dangers of a mass start of endurance horses. While I do have concern
for the joint issues, I have an even greater concern as to whether a
small child is physicially capable of controlling a horse once it crosses
that line and doesn't *want* to be controlled. I don't like going
through the woods at a front runner pace on a 50 and coming around a
curve only to see a horrified parent trying to get their small junior out
of my way. Even if I am in control, my approach at a faster pace is
enough to cause them a control issue.
The start of a 100 is safer than the start of a 50, and the start of a 50
is safer than the start of a 25 in my opinion, but overlapping loops make
it very difficult, even for a parent who starts after the pack to truly
provide a safe environment for their child. I'm glad I spent my
childhood PLAYING on a bareback pony, building "forts" in the woods
spying on grown ups. Endurance is a great sport, but we can do that till
we die. As a child I'm glad I got to do the stuff that I was bound to
outgrow.
Angie (wonder if I could sneak outside and spy on Bill fixing my fence
without him seeing me >g<)
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