Re: [RC] 20 Mt and Little Big Man - Joe LongOn Tue, 21 Feb 2006 03:27:07 GMT, Ridecamp Guest <guest-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: Please Reply to: Karen Nelson knelson4299@xxxxxxxxxxx or ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ========================================== Joe- I am known for being a sour puss on lots of topics, but I have to take my hat off to you and pass the baton over to you. You manage to put a lemon on lemonade much better than anything I can think of, and I have a very devious mind that drives lots of people nuts. You are certainly entitled to your opinion, as I am to mine. Shame on you from the start: YOU WEREN'T THERE, so you certainly don't have eye-witness accounts of how well the boy was riding, and I have seen Karen herd as many as 7 juniors (sorta like herding cats) with strength and aplomb. They even listen to her- never have found out what punishment she has promised them if they don't do what she tells them... I am sure she evaluated what she felt to be a strong rider before she took on the task of sponsoring him. As I said before, I'm not out to rain on anyone's parade. I'm well aware of Karen's competence. I have no doubt that Colton rides well for his age, and that he had a great time. I'm happy that he had a great time and wasn't harmed, this time. There are many "adult" riders out there who need a sponsor and ROOKIE STRIPES before being turned loose alone. Non sequitor, that has nothing to do with the issue. Secondly- I don't care how much anyone gets swaddled with bubble wrap- we all stand a chance of geting hurt just getting in and out of bed. Kids are like Gumby- they take a spill, laugh, and get right back to what they fell off of. There are more injuries every year from trampolines than from kids falling off horses, especially endurance horses. Yes, it's all relative. There are a hell of a lot more children jumping on trampolines than riding endurance rides. There is no doubt that the younger and smaller the rider, the greater the risk. Most sports have minimum ages for this very reason, and most sports (except for running) don't have children competing in the same place at the same time as adults. Is there NO age where you would say "My God, that's too young?" I rode with Tommy Lewis and his son Cliffy when Cliffy was 3 y/o and the horse was 28. Spiderman was as careful as he always was when Tommy rode him to Junior National Championship, and Cliffy was playing in the sand at every stop we had. Will he grow up bow-legged? So what? I'll take bow-legged any day before I will take lame-brained, and that is what you are managing to be here. I guess there isn't. I don't give a damn how "careful" Spiderman was. IMO it was outrageous for the Lewis's to do that. They can thank God that their irresponsiblity didn't ruin their child's future. Nothing like being prosecutor, judge and jury from 3000 miles away, eh, Joe? It wouldn't matter if I was 12,000 miles away. The truth is the truth. Again- Shame on you, but you can keep the crown...... As many people as I can piss off, you are taking away my crown---and you are welcome to it. Enjoy it, as I think you are the permanent wearer of same. I do not enjoy "pissing people off" and I do not write for the purpose of doing that. But I will not shrink from ruffling a few feathers when the cause is worth it. As I see it, you are on the parent's side, but I am on the CHILD's side. I like my position a lot better. -- Joe Long jlong@xxxxxxxx http://www.rnbw.com =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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