Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Youth

Linda,

What you said was exactly my point!  You put it much more eloquently than I did, however!  Here is something that I wrote to another person by private e-mail trying to explain that it's not just all about a race.

"Okay, let's just imagine that these children have decided (or have been taught by their parents) to equate their endurance ride to a long trail ride. Who's to say that they shouldn't go on a long trail ride where (even better) there are vets to check their horses, water stops along the way and hay to give their horses when needed!  Not only that, but I tend to think that the adult riders of endurance rides have a bit more consideration for their fellow competitors than do other sports.  I know this from experience!  This is one of the reasons why I love the sport so much!"

So, maybe children riding endurance isn't about competing ... maybe kids do it because they love it, and love it because it's about adventure and challenge, riding new trails, getting to travel and  camp with their horse and family, enjoying membership in a nomadic band of folks...

Very, very, very well said.  This is what I also meant by not turning your children in to couch potatoes!  Involving them in something other than the norm these days.  We won't go there!  LOL  Spending quality time with your children to hopefully end up raising them in an environment that it self motivating, rewarding and centered on family and fun!  Wow, what a concept!  

This is our family's little way of getting back to the 50's era where family was the most important thing and raising your children with self-esteem and goals will benefit them in years to come!  Yes, there are many different ways to do this but we have chosen endurance riding because the entire family enjoys it and, I would hope, that know one tries to put restrictions on my children's welfare!

Thanks for your comments!  They were definitely appreciated, atleast by me!!!

Ginger