Ridecamp: [RC] Young riders

I've been away from the computer a lot the last week or so, so I haven't
read every post on this subject. This is one of my areas of interests, being
a grandmother of nine with another on the way, and being a member of the
junior comittee.

As a parent and grandparent, I would never allow one of my children or grandchildren
to do a ride unless that child has already shown the riding ability and good
sense I feel necessary on the trail. I have a granddaughter that was riding
on trails with me at a very young age. She started competing in endurance
as an eight year old. She may have had the skills as a seven year old, but
here in the Southeast our regional organization that we also sanction with
does not allow children younger than eight to compete. The main reason is
for the safety of the child. Also all children are required to wear an approved
helmet.

The safety of the horse is of utmost importance, but the safety of the children
riding is paramount. I beleive that the way we do it in the sosutheast is
probably the best for all concerned. The children accept that they have to
reach a certain age before they can compete. I can speak for my grandchildren
in that they all understand that until they can do certain things
riding with me under "home conditions" and riding in a group of friends
that they will not be allowed to ride at a competition. They work hard to
learn what they need to know, and to qualify themselves. 

At age eight, moost children have long enough legs to be able to cue the
horse with them. Younger children with shorter legs are limited in how well
thy can communicate with their mount. Also an eight year old is better able
to listen and follow directions and to understand the safety issues. 

I am NOT advocating that AERC change its rules. I am stating my opinion.
I think that parents and grandparents and ride managers should uses common
sense. There are exceptional children that seem to acheive an unusual level
of riding ability at an early age. They are very much the exception. Each
case is individual. The ride managers always have the option, on the safety
issues, to have stricter  rules at their own rides.  Parents, for the most
part, are usually sensible enough to put the safety of their children first.
 And perhaps, not having ridden in other regions, there are some instances
of which I am not aware.

However, the children are the future of AERC. That is why anyone 16 or younger
rides free at the Halelujah Benefit Ride. We sanction under both AERC and
SERA rules, so they must be at least eight years old and wear an approved
helmet, and have a qualified sponsor.

God bless you all. Have a great end to this year's ride season and a wonderful
2003 year.
Lucie H/SC  grandmother of Christi Johnson, Amanda Hancock and Jamie Hancock,
all AERC members, and some younger ones that will be on the trails soon.