Ridecamp: [RC] "Keep your kids off drugs, LET them ride a horse".

In a message dated 10/30/2002 2:00:22 PM Central Standard Time, jlong@xxxxxxxx writes:


> If I may be forgiven one more reply, as this has been said so often:
> that is a classic example of the fallacy known as the "Fallacy of the
> Excluded Middle."  It suggests that a child is either riding endurance
> rides, or sitting on a couch getting no exercise -- it allows for no
> other "in-between" situations.  In reality, any child who would do an
> endurance ride is obviously riding horses other times, in other
> situations -- but not riding 50 or 100 miles at one time.  Having to
> wait a year or three to do his first endurance ride isn't depriving
> him of exercise.


Boy, I was hoping I wouldn't do this... but as you can see, I just can't help myself. 

Joe, I have said MANY times, that I agree 5 is a little young for a 100 miler (but just for a 100), but are we that 5 yr. olds parents?  Nope!  I have a 13 yr. old, 12 yr. old and a 16 month old.  I personally am full, and don't want anymore children. <bg>  

I have ALWAYS tried to install in my children to at least TRY!  If you try, then you DON'T fail.  

My oldest son (Chris) was heartbroken when we had to send his little Arab back (had a free lease) to his owner, UV problems.  Did I go out and buy/lease him another?  NO, gave him time to heal.  BAD MOVE.  He now couldn't care less about horses.  Don't get me wrong here, he likes the horses... but he has no desire to ride... Oh sure he mentions it (riding), but I don't force the issue (less stress).  I figure if he REALLY wanted to, he'd be out there in the barn with me.   He loves to just camp at the rides, and be a kid.  That is fine too.  But if he decided tomorrow that he wanted to try.. You bet I would be out there looking for a horse for him to ride.  Or looking up Maryben. <g>

Wonder if I told him I would take away some CHORES if he rode, if that would interest him?  (just kidding now.. don't stone me)

Joe, I just can't see where telling these kids they CAN'T is going to help anything.  They need outlets these days.  Life just isn't as EASY as it use to be.  Hey this would make a good DARE program.  "Keep your kids off drugs, LET them ride a horse."

Now, I am done!  I am plum just drug out (BG... get it? lol) over this issue.
Jinnifer Plummer