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Re: [RC] kids and horses - Joe LongOn Tue, 21 Feb 2006 07:45:12 -0700, heidi@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote: I think it depends on the maturity level of the kid riding. Of course it does. And that isn't something that AERC or any other organization can legislate. A minimum age for participation is something that MOST organized sports legislate. Joe's idea that he is speaking out for the child is hogwash. Kids are ready when they are ready, and Joe of all people should know that there is no magic way to determine that. No, there is no "magic number." The best we can do is set some reasonable minimum, based on our expertise and experience. I think NATRC has it about right with their 10-year-old minimum, and maybe even 12 would be best for endurance. But six or seven DAMN sure is too young, for any child. The SERA has used eight years old for their minimum for over ten years now, and it's worked very well. So I can accept eight years old for AERC. --Joe, maybe you've never worked with exceptional kids, but not having appropriate outlets IS damaging to them. There is a "magic time" for kids to start things that really turn them on--and if you miss that time, you miss a trememdous opportunity for that child. No child needs to start endurance at six to be "turned on" by endurance at eight or ten. Joe and others have waved a red flag that it is somehow ok for kids to go ride at younger ages, but that in these various other sports where toddlers compete (motocross, etc.) they aren't competing against adults, so that is somehow also "more ok" than going out and doing endurance. How do you figure that they compete with adults in endurance? (Talk about non-sequitors, Joe...) They ride in their own division, BUT they have to be sponsored by an adult, so there is ALWAYS an adult there to hold their hands if necessary. Karen's report of Colton's ride was great--it detailed just how an adult can mentor a kid, monitor his/her moods, and determine if it is really ok to keep going. IN NO OTHER YOUTH SPORT that I know of does the child have that adult presence, helping, nurturing, protecting. And if something goes wrong, there are a whole host of other responsible, caring adults there on the trail to lend a hand. Gee, sounds a lot "safer" than some of the daycares I've heard of! Amost uniquely among sports with significant risk of injury, endurance has all competitors in all classes, including our Junior Division, on the same course at the same time. An out-of-control adult rider's horse is a danger to all other horses and riders in the area, and so is an out-of-control child's horse. No matter how competent and attentive a sponsor, that sponsor cannot be sure of being able to take control of a junior's horse in an emergency. I was never blessed with children. But if I had been, I'd sure rather have them with me out on a horse (and yes, even at a ride--IF they indicate by their actions and desires that they are ready) than in a whole lot of other places available to kids today. And it will be a sorry day indeed if the AERC board ever does give in to this sort of pressure and try to "fix" something that ain't broke. Heidi Having children of my own is something I have missed in life, too. Maybe that's why I like sponsoring Juniors so much. And of course, if I had children I'd have them riding as soon as they are able. That sure wouldn't include taking them on an endurance ride at six or seven years old!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is "broke" in that some people are doing just that, and not just "now and then" either, it is becoming more common. A majority of AERC members support a minimum age for riders, but so far the Junior Committee and the Board seem to want to ignore that. Will it take a tragic accident for you to see that it is "broke?" -- 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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