There Should be Leash Laws for Children…
Sorry for the long absence. I’ve had a lot going on lately with work, personal issues, etc., but anyway, on to the topic du jour!
I’ve mentioned before that I have shown horses since I was 8 years old. One of my pet peeves is when people just turn their children loose at these events. Not only is it annoying, but it is also extremely dangerous both for the kids and others around them. This is a common complaint among many people but there are many parents who just don’t seem to care.
There have been times where I, as well as other people, have been in the show ring when a bunch kids have gone running up and down metal bleachers. Sometimes this is even a distraction for the veteran show horses, but with some of the young, inexperienced ones, it can really scare them.
I also hate the attitude that some breeders have that they expect everyone else to watch their kids. Of course, this is common everywhere but maybe I just notice it more at shows when I’m constantly around 1000 pound animals. I’ve seen them get into things, ride bicycles right behind a horse, run up and down the barn aisles, etc. At this point, it’s not just about it being extremely annoying, it’s about SAFETY. The safety of them, the animals, and other people. Ironically, the few instances I’ve seen, it never seems to be the kids or their parents that get hurt (not that I want ANYONE to be hurt or put in any danger), but usually one of the riders or horses.
Understand that I’ve been around horses all of my life. As soon as I could sit up without anyone holding me, my mom had me on a horse. However, she drilled it into my head that I had to be careful and well behaved around them. If she caught me so much as running around them, there was hell to pay. Unfortunately, it seems like a lot of this logic has gone the way of the dinosaurs. There’s been times it’s been tempting to lock a rogue brat in a stall.
The best sign I ever saw was at a vendor’s booth. This could be useful in so many places.
February 23, 2009 at 10:31 am
Oh, I need that sign for my HOUSE! Most people know their children aren’t welcome at my house, but that sign would just reinforce the reason. That, or I could just carry it around with me where ever I am: the movies, a restaurant, shopping at the mall… Very cool.
I just can’t get over how unattentive so many parents are. It almost seems like they go out in public so that they DON’T have to watch their children and can shift the responsibility onto the business staff or the homeowner or whatever. They can’t handle their kids so they go out and turn them free and expect someone else to handle them -and if they get hurt, then they can sue.
February 23, 2009 at 11:16 am
LOVE IT.
LOVE the sign
Kids have no idea how to be well-behaved because their parents are overgrown brats themselves.
I used to own fish. I wanted to slap the kids (and parents) who tapped on the glass at aquariums I visited, or in aquarium fish stores.
No kidding.
February 23, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Those poor horses! I LOVE horses but have never really been around them much, but it seems like common sense to not startle or harass the poor things! Oh wait… common sense is rarely than common any more. *sigh* I like your idea of locking them in the stalls!
Fabulously Broke: I have a lovely 37 gallon fresh water planted aquarium and I have had to stop myself from tapping some of the kids AND parents on their heads to ask them how THEY like it. *evil smile* So far my husband has been there to steer me away from trouble.
February 23, 2009 at 9:00 pm
A lot of truth to this. My daughter does western style riding and shows her horse at the Minnesota State Fair. It is amazing how poorly parents watch their kids around horses, creating a stressful situation for horse owner and horse, and a potentially dangerous situation for the kids, and for the horse(A spooked horse can be a really scary thing)
April 8, 2009 at 11:52 am
So, should I start a blog about bitchy people in general, like yourself, with whom I choose not to associate myself? Kids are going to be on this planet, whether you like it or not, just like rude, selfish people like yourself will too. Part of being an adult is learning to live with all different types of people, tall or short, young or old.
Following your logic in this post, we should blame your parents for your being a bitchy, insensitive, selfish brat then?
April 9, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Kshell, this post isn’t just about children being annoying, but in situations like this, they are a danger to to themselves and others. It is the parents’ responsibility to be a parent and watch their child to make sure they don’t get in a situation where they could get hurt or cause someone else to get hurt. For what it’s worth, I also get irritated when people turn their dogs loose at horse shows for the same reasons.
Your comment is far “bitchier” than the blog post. If you don’t like or agree with what I have written, no one is making you stay and read it. Why don’t you go back to your mommy blogs or wherever it is you came from as I can assure you, you’ll be much happier over there.
April 9, 2009 at 10:26 pm
@kshell I agree with Mel: go back to your mommy blogs where you can whine about how bitchy we all are if we don’t bow down to bratty children. For your information real parents know how to discipline children and are not afraid to do so. It has nothing to do with “learning to live with all different types of people.” It has more to do with teaching your children how to behave appropriately in social (and sometimes potentially hazardous) situations. If you don’t see a distinction, then go away!
April 10, 2009 at 11:35 am
You’re darn right my comment was bitchy. Not all kids behave the way you described in your post, and not all parents are irresponsible.
I’m sorry you don’t like being called out for who you are, perhaps you should just blame your parents and keep writing.
Bloggers are all pretty self-centered people, but the good ones don’t need to put down others to make themselves feel good. Calling parents “breeders” set the tone of your post for me. Are your parents included in that generalization?
I can understand the safety issue with the horses, and living in a rural community, I’ve been witness to it also. My point is, just because 2 humans choose to breed, does not automatically mean they are irresponsible parents.
April 10, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Kshell, nowhere in my post did I say ALL kids are misbehaved and ALL parents are irresponsible. I know there are some well behaved children and parents who actually, well…parent. I was merely pointing out that I have seen this occur more than once and it is an issue that should be addressed. Did I say all children are guilty of it? No. Did I say that every parent is to blame? No. Only the parents who choose not to watch their kids and let them run around like wild heathens are to blame. I don’t take issue with those who are responsible and know where their kids are and what they are doing. Unfortunately, it seems like a growing number of parents are taking this approach. Also, to set the record straight the term “breeder” does not necessarily apply to all parents. If you need to brush up on the terminology, I suggest you mosey on over here: http://www.childfreeclique.com/2007/12/you-know-youre-breeder-if.html
April 15, 2009 at 10:05 am
I agree with the horses and any animal with teeth. I have a 6 pound dog that is allowed in any shop/pub or shopping centre here in the UK.
I am in my late 20’s I recently realised that when I was a child people where not allowed to touch other peoples animals for safety and respect purposes.
We were not allowed to ride our bicycles anywhere we wanted or interput adult conversation with insensate nattering, our parents brought educational entertainment objects for us, if we were in any situation that was not child orientated.
Also, I find it disheartening that we have to tolerate misbehaved children because, their parents are no longer ashamed by their behaviour.Not all children behave in such a manner but the well behaved ones are the minority( be honest).
However, I do need someone in 20 years to make my decaf espresso. So, they can breed as long as they control their monsters.
October 9, 2009 at 8:13 am
Is it me or do I feel that CF people are more intelligent than the anti-CF. I’m in the middle of both and still deciding. I do agree with every points and arguments of CF. I admire their analytical and intellectually-challenged mind, also their ability to speak out and articulate. BUT anti-CF arguments or respond to all most all of the posts seems so narrow-minded and self-centered. Some of them can’t even read the article/passage and get the message right. It’s a basic intelligence. Because they have this pro-child presumption, it just sort of cloud over their judgement and ability to read things neutrally. kShell is a good example. I didn’t, for a second, think that the blog post refers to all children and all parents. What the heck? I see this happens all the time with anti-CFers.
October 16, 2009 at 6:01 pm
i agree with the owner of the blog. i have ridden horses since i was 8 as well. i am 17 now. the fair i ride at has many kids running around, but there is one family in particular (i left the club i was in because they were in it) that will get in physical altercations, screaming fights, and they let their very rude child (7 years old) run around, play IN other peoples stalls. he steals things, hits people and cusses them out. he decided to take my horses silver inlaid bridle back to is barn as a gift to his sister. i followed him, with several of my friends. they family gave me back my bridle, but did not punish the kid. this same family allows thier 18, 15 and 22yo daughters to ride very lame and exhausted horses. i study vet med. i want to be a vet. i was at a show, and my big anti man gelding was acting crotchety. he is 29, he has every right. the patriarch of that wonderful family came up to me and my horse, took the CHAIN lead from my hands, jerked my horse on the rope, and put his hand into my horses nose, and all the while i am telling him to leave my horse alone and what my horse will do because of his terrible experiences with men. he didn’t listen, and leo, who hates men, reared up on his hind legs, and knocked the guy to the ground. there were several witnesses, so me and leo didn’t get in trouble. but the guy always thinks i have no idea what i am talking about. i do. i ride for four different barns as a professional rider and amateur trainer. in several different divisions. gaited, western, hunter, and dressage. i am good. i have a show this weekend, three day. i am in the running for a grand champion on a pony mare i ride. i am taking college classes while i am a senior in college
October 16, 2009 at 6:03 pm
highschool, sorry, watching the o’reilly factor while talking to a trainer on the phone