To think 1 year old child is too young to compete?

[TakeABreakAt12]

A (currently) very famous celebrity has posted recently that her 1.5 year old DC is going to be competing in the Royal London Horse Show She qualified, apparently.

I've been out of the equestrian world for around 8 years now but the youngest child I remember ever competing was about 3, and that was surprising.

AIBU to think it's a bit young?

In what class?!

My daughter “rode” at less than 2 years old, but not competing like that!

How is it even possible?!

Balanch I have no idea! Perhaps lead rein?

I must admit she looks extremely cute in her canary yellow johds, tie, hat, shirt and blazer!

I have a one year old and there is no way hell on earth I would place her on top of a 500kg animal and let her off. She doesn't understand the concept of falling properly yet. WTF??

Here's the post

I don't know anything about horse riding but would imagine a 1 year old (child!) is too young to actively compete at anything?

Skinny I don't really understand how she qualified. She's extremely cute all suited and booted but even a lead rein class requires poise on top of the pony.

A 1/1.5 year old surely can't have the posture to do that?

She has a special saddle that basically "bookends" the child and holds her in position - no posture or balance needed.

I didn't think those special saddles would be allowed - They alter the riders position completely.

Obviously it's a child's competition class but even still, the world of horse show/eventing is usually very strict across the board

It’s beyond ridiculous to put a 1 year old on a horse. What if the horse bolted? I imagine someone must have to hold the reins but really it’s craxy. Plenty of time when older. She probably thought the outfits were cute

A lead-rein class isn't judged on the child but on the pony - so although those saddles do seem a bit unfair, the child's job is mainly to not cry look like they are enjoying themselves. The judges will be more interested in the pony and how it responds to the leader (who is the person actually controlling it).

Having watched Rosie on the trotting pony, I am extremely concerned about her neck and spine. The saddle only supports the lower back and when trotting her neck is absolutely bouncing, with the helmet on top.

Absolutely no need for a child that young to be doing this, all for her mother’s Instagram lifestyle. 🙄

I used to have one of those saddles, great for children but designed to fit no pony I have ever owned. My one year old does have her own pony and loves horses but there's no way she'd sit through a showing class. She does enjoy the odd little trot though but literally about 10 yards!

At 1.5 years old a child can't ride. She's purely sat bouncing along on what I deem to be a made pony. That's not riding. But each to their own.

I’ve also just had a look. The “Royal London” is not remotely connected to the big shows. It is a nice achievement, but not HOYS. It’s at a venue not far from Milton Keynes.

And to qualify, she just had to get placed or for the above her to have already qualified. I doubt there’s much riding involved ;)

Mine 'competed" on their show ponies from around 2.5, but it was lead rein, they sat there, very well I may add, or led them out, but it was our ponies being judged totally, .

q

Very famous celebrity? I have absolutely no idea who she is!

"Mummy" needs to contact the North Mymms Riding Club. They have published the results for the 4th August 2019.
According to what they have printed, Rosie wasn't 3rd place in the Tiny Tots Lead Rein

Who is this very famous celebrity, I have never heard of here. What is she famous for? But whoever, I hope she keeps her small child safe.

Maybe it was tack and turnout? So just sat looking pretty and walking around the arena once or twice.
Is that’s class at Royal London? Bit far for us so never competed there.

Samantha Faires and her friend Luisa Zuisman both have their young kids doing horse riding lessons and classes. Luisa especially is very passionate about horses and owns a few of her own If I remember correctly. Im sure at that age it’s not really about competing for the child, more just sitting nicely and looking cute.

@1forAll74 she started on The Only Way Is Essex I think, she now has her own reality show “The Mummy Diaries”

1. That lady isn't very famous - I had to Wikipedia her and even after reading about her life story I'm still not sure I could pick her out of a police line up.
2. Her daughter isnt 1.5 - her birthday is in November.
3. @Otterseatpuffinsdontthey that's very funny - just looked it up. These instamummies will do anything for like.