Ridecamp: [RC] young riders

   I am 15 and started endurance (LD) at age 10.  I did my first 50 at 11 and so on.  So far i've done a few hundreds and my goals include the pan-am.  safety is very important to me, that icludes helmets and the ability to control your horse.  i've seen so many competent people under the age of 8 (or around). this past week, at the owhyhee pioneer ride, an 8 year old (w/ 1300 miles plus) rode all 5 days.  the one thing that should be a standard for young riders is that they can take care of them selves while doing a ride.  i have seen many juniors (including myself at times) who did not take proper care (eating and drinking right) on rides and crashed.  their sponsor had to take care of them and i dont think thats right.  if you cant take care of yourself, dont ride.  but if you can, and can be resposible and control your horse, i personally see no problem ridin
g at an age below 8 or so.  but thats my opinion.....thanks for listening,
Jessica Anderson
Jr. Rep
NW region