Re: RE: worlds youngest rider

["Karen Sullivan" <greymare@jps.net>]

Sylvia writes:>
> I'm having a hard time picturing a 3 year old having the wherewithall to
> understand exactly what they're getting themselves into....they don't have
the leg length  (or strength) to stay WITH a horse in
> a serious situation.  Not to say that there can't be a child prodigy (like
> that chess playing kid) who could just tear up the endurance trail at age
3,
> but even so, wouldn't be my own personal choice for my kids.
>
> Sylvia

Sylvia,

I have to agree with you, and really question why AERC has no minium age for
juniors, when there is one for horses!  Because there is no doubt that
exceptional 3 years old  HORSES might be able to do 50 mile rides, the vast
majority are not physically or mentally ready.  The day someone does a top
ten on a 3 year old, someone will try to break the "record" and do a 50 on a
2 year old, if there were not a rule!!

Why should there not be a minimum age for children on 25 mile rides, 50 mile
rides and 100's?
Has AERC every considered this? Because, this report on this 3 year old
child was presented in the form of a "record" breaker.  Now, is some
over-zealous parent going to try to break this record with a 2 year old
child, or pony an 18 month old baby on a horse??!

I'm sorry, having raised two children and worked with 3 year olds, I find
this very inappropriate.
Your average 3 year old lacks the strength, muscle coordination and riding
skiils to handle a horse, espeically in a group situation.  Just becuase
they appear to be horse-crazy, I find it little different from the 3 year
old that screams to stay on the Wal-mart rocking horse!  Even with parents
riding shotgun, anything can happen on a ride!

I believe AERC should set minimun age rules on children on various length
rides.  I suggest they consult several pediatritians, and professionals in
the child development areas. I would be more interested in their comments,
than just endurance fanatic parents.

Having children is a huge responsibility, and while I agree the whole experi
ence can be wonderful for families and kids, the welfare of the kids MUST
come first.  While children can be involved in rides, I have to wonder about
those that seem to be at rides every other weekend.  What kind of balanced
life do they have?  What other activities do they have? Do they have a
social life? I don't understand how PARENTS can be so wrapped up in their
accumulated miles or points for riding a horse, for goodness sake, that they
put that ahead of their kids! And I have heard of endurance kids that are
sick and tired of the whole thing, but their parents are wrapped up in
accumulating miles and getting some "family" award.

I would love to do more rides, but I have a family to consider.  I have a
husband with other interests, and kids with a vaiety of interests. They both
have done rides, and enjoy them.  But,
there has to be a healthy balance.....I will have years and years to
endurance ride after they have gone.  I hope they choose to do more rides
with me, and learn to love the sport-but it just isn't going to be the focus
of our lives!.

I don't know this family or child, but still read this "report" with dismay.
I'm sure I will get flamed by those who will claim that  endurance parents
should be commened for spending time with their kids and involving them.  I
agree with this-to a point!  When it gets to the point the kids are being
put second to the horses or sport, I have to question it.

Since this is endurance related, I hope there will be more discussion, and
people will sent their opinions to the AERC.  I intend to.

Karen Sullivan