starting as an adult

[LBHBHNCK <LBHBHNCK@FTC-I.NET>]

As the grandmother of a very enthusiastic endurance riding ten year old,
i fell I must put my two cents worth in here. Most of us do not have the
resources of time and money to compete in this sport until our children
are grown. I did not start until my forties. Now I ride with my ten year
old granddaughter, who just completed her first two day hundred and
wants to do a one day hundred in the fall. Youth need to be encouraged
in whatever their interests are. As a ride manager, I offer youth free
entry in the Hallelujah Benefit Ride, so long as they wera an approved
helmet, and are eight years old, which meets the SERA criteria. (SE
rides are santioned both by AERC and SERA, so rules of both
organizations must be followed.)
	I think a bigger issue is what our sport can do for young riders, IF
THEY ARE INTERESTED. A child that can successfully complete
the 25, 50 and/or 100 mile rides with all the difficulties we face,
keeping horses sound, as well as ourselves, will have learned lessons  
that will carry them well as adults. They will have learned to overcome
obstacles, they will have learned responsibility, and gained
determination to finish what they start. Some people call it GRIT.There
is so much that a child can learn from this sport...respect,
sportsmanship,pride of accomplishment in a job well done, teamwork, and
so on. 
	My granddaughter has learned so much, taking care of her horse and
herself. I have had the joy of watching her learn, from her tentatively
following me on a pleasure trail ride to seeing her make wise decisions
about pacing her horse, traversing muddy or rocky places,
hearing her give advice about riding to her younger cousins, watching
her show them how to massage a horse's back and cool it down, etcetera.
	It doesn't matter at what age a person begins, but the reception and
encouragement each person recieves. Families with young children usually
do not have the financial resources to do many rides or travel very far.
I cannot go everywhere I would like to ride. We each do the best we can.
Let us all continue the hospitable way I was introduced to the sport.
Patiently answer "Newbie's" questions. Help any way we can, and when
asked, be willing to sponsor a junior rider. I like the fact that when I
fell off and broke my wrist, front riders helped me up, and helped me
get the medical attention I needed. Every time I have needed help on the
trail it was freely given. I pray that I will never overlook someone
else's need. That is part of the sport.

Lucie and Tamar Starofdavid; Christi and Bukkura