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  Damn Yankee
Posts: 12390
   
Location: Somewhere between raising hell and Amazing Grace | I know this is NOT the appropriate time to be putting this out there. But I've not been known to hold back.
For years, at every major race we have attended, my husband and I have always been extremely bothered by the use of ATVs by EVERYBODY, not just children. It's scary. Not everyone is being extremely dangerous, but as made obvious recently, it doesn't always take speed or danger to create a horrific accident. I know some places do not allow four wheelers.
Am I the only person that feels that there need to be MUCH stricter rules and regulations concerning ATVs at barrel races? Either they need to be banned, or restricted to adult use only, or at least require helmets? I am not saying that the parents of the child that passed should have made her wear a helmet, so please don't think I am blaming them. My heart is breaking in pieces for what they are going through.
But at the same time, why can't we all ban together to prevent another family from going through it? I know ATVs are convenient at races. But we can all survive without them.
Am I way out of line? Or is it fair to ask that changes be considered? |
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 Coyote Country Queen
Posts: 5666
| Creating new rules and guidelines only effects those who follow the rules. If they aren't enforced, then people are going to continue to do as they please. My issue is for the safety of those around. I think that people should be able to choose unless it causes potential safety issues for others. Honestly, how many times have you been at barrel races or other events where people outright ignore the rules? If there is no one enforcing the rules then people ignore them. I can't even begin to count how many times I've seen dogs in facilities where there are signs posted, it's written in the rules, and been announced that there are no dogs allowed. Again, I don't have a problem with the well-behaved dogs, but when they are barking/chasing horses, or running the fence when people are competing I find that as a potential issue. |
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Damn Yankee
Posts: 12390
Location: Somewhere between raising hell and Amazing Grace | Jenbabe - 2015-07-01 12:23 PM Creating new rules and guidelines only effects those who follow the rules. If they aren't enforced, then people are going to continue to do as they please. My issue is for the safety of those around. I think that people should be able to choose unless it causes potential safety issues for others. Honestly, how many times have you been at barrel races or other events where people outright ignore the rules? If there is no one enforcing the rules then people ignore them. I can't even begin to count how many times I've seen dogs in facilities where there are signs posted, it's written in the rules, and been announced that there are no dogs allowed. Again, I don't have a problem with the well-behaved dogs, but when they are barking/chasing horses, or running the fence when people are competing I find that as a potential issue.
Taking your dog into a facility where no dogs are supposed to be is a far cry from a person losing their life to an ATV accident......
Though I agree with the dogs. |
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 Fact Checker
Posts: 16575
Location: Displaced Iowegian | We live in a world of "It's all about me" and the rules are certainly NOT for me! As has been pointed out, unless the rules are enforced making another rule is useless......but I do agree with you! |
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Coyote Country Queen
Posts: 5666
| missroselee - 2015-07-01 11:47 AM
Jenbabe - 2015-07-01 12:23 PM Creating new rules and guidelines only effects those who follow the rules. If they aren't enforced, then people are going to continue to do as they please. My issue is for the safety of those around. I think that people should be able to choose unless it causes potential safety issues for others. Honestly, how many times have you been at barrel races or other events where people outright ignore the rules? If there is no one enforcing the rules then people ignore them. I can't even begin to count how many times I've seen dogs in facilities where there are signs posted, it's written in the rules, and been announced that there are no dogs allowed. Again, I don't have a problem with the well-behaved dogs, but when they are barking/chasing horses, or running the fence when people are competing I find that as a potential issue.
Taking your dog into a facility where no dogs are supposed to be is a far cry from a person losing their life to an ATV accident......
Though I agree with the dogs.
I was just using that as an example of rules being ignored and not enforced. I will say though, that a loose dog chasing a horse could cause a very bad accident. Or how about when a horse is at the barrel and a dog all of a sudden starts barking loudly at the fence. You can't regulate people to be considerate and respectful of others, whether that be using an ATV unsafely or making your dog mind (or your child for that matter!). How many wrecks have there been or almost been because people are being unsafe in the warm-up pen. What about people/horses getting kicked because someone ties their known kicker in a high traffic area. People need to take responsibility for their own actions, and more rules and regulations isn't alwayd the answer. It is awful that this little girl lost her life because of this tragic accident. But what I read is that some kids were throwing water balloons at her when it happened. Does that mean we need to ban them as well.
Edited to add - I re-read this and I sound really argumentative! I apologize for that, not my intention at all.
Edited by Jenbabe 2015-07-01 11:58 AM
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 Serious Snap Trapper
Posts: 4275
Location: In The Snow, AZ | Accidents happen, regardless of rules...even if they are enforced. It's an unfortunate part of life. I certainly agree with enforcing the rules tho. |
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Location: Keeping up with the numbers! | I would like to see disqualification on the spot if caught. The adolescent driver would then have to wait with security/official until parent arrived on spot. If you wanted to get really tuff, then parent would be fined by the association. I think this though harsh, would be a wake up. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1182
Location: Do I hear Banjos? | Some organizations/horse events have rules that are dictated in part by their insurance policy. For example the NATRC distance sport requires helmets for all under 18 when on horseback...even in camp. They also do not allow ATV's without an added policy. So that means no ATV's at 99% of them.
And...It's enforced. I don't see why it would be allowed at particular barrel races if there are rules against these things. (The dog example for instance) If people refuse to follow the rules they are asked to leave and not allowed to compete. Otherwise the insurance company will not cover it. |
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 Take a Picture
Posts: 12841
| I am going to take a different stance on this. First of all, I follow the rules. I have never even had a speeding ticket and I have been driving 51 years. It drives me crazy when I go to a barrel race and their only rule is don't circle the barrel twice.
To me, 4 wheelers are like guns. The 4 Wheeler was not the cause of the accident. It was not caused by the incorrect operation of the 4 wheeler. I have a 4 Wheeler and no one rides it but me. It came with a warning to wear a helmet, especially for anyone under the age of 16. By the way, I wear a helmet when I barrel race and when practice at more than a trot. Should the child have been wearing a helmet? Probably so. The local news just happened to have a short segment about summer safety, and it was mentioned that childrens' heads are so much heavier than the rest of the body and usually hit the ground first because of this. I think this was probably a better explanation. I think everyone needs to remember that any vehicle has certain dangers, even golf carts and scooters. Rules against 4 wheelers will only help people who follow the rules. Unfortunately, acidents do happen. That is why they are called accidents. |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| I agree with missroselee. My sister almost lost a very good mare at a big futurity because a well known person was on a golf cart, racing around corners and such drunk as a skunk. My sister's horse was tied at her own trailer when the a** ran into her. I would love to have them banned, but I know I am in the minority and it is not going to happen. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 830
Location: Paradise , tx | Unfortunatly, from the barrel races I have been to, rules are very seldom enforced And usually, some come up with all kind of excuses why they are not enforced
Edited by Tailwind 2015-07-01 1:37 PM
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Coyote Country Queen
Posts: 5666
| That is where I say you can't regulate people to be responsible and considerate. I unloaded my young horse from the trailer one day, and there was a loose dog that ran around and started biting her back legs. But do I think all dogs should be banned from barrel races? No. Just because a handful of people are irresponsible doesn't mean that the rest of us should be punished. Because those people aren't going to change, the only ones effected will be those who follow the rules.
I honestly don't know how you correct the problem of people's poor or irresponsible behavior. And the problem with trying to punish a person for acting like this is who gets to decide who needs punished and what the punishment will be. Too many politics. It's frustrating, I totally agree. I just can't see punishing everyone for the few offenders. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 316
| Unfortunately there are a lot of unsafe situations at barrel races. Children tearing around on bikes is one of my pet peeves. I personally think if people would use more common sense at a barrel racing that we could avoid MOST accidents. I'm not sure of the specific story you are talking about but I don't agree with the us of 4 wheelers at barrel races. Those things are so dang dangerous! |
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Veteran
Posts: 160
| I was running at AA when the accident occurred. I'm 19, but I'm a mawmaw at heart. Thanks to life happening, I tend to have more of a mother's mindset than your typical college student.
All weekend I was so terrified of something happening to any of the little kiddos running around like hellions. My friends and I talked over and over about how anyone under the age of 16, or anyone without a license, truly doesnt understand how to safely operate any kind of motorized transportation. Over a dozen Times, I either watched as a child almost ran out in front of another vehicle, hit another vehicle, or I almost hit them. Kids are so unaware of their surrounding and so oblivious to danger.
Imho, the staff that runs the race (not JPD or local law enforcement) should have someone monitoring the barns and parking lots at all times and if a child is caught driving without a license, they will be disqualified. A ticket doesn't scare an 8 year old, or even their parents. But an immediate DQ at a $500/horse race sure would.
Just because a kid can manage a golf cart or four wheeler or even a car or truck at home "on the farm" does not mean they can safely navigate public roads or a busy facility.
Praying for the sweet family that lost their baby |
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 Friendly horse swapper
Posts: 4122
Location: Buffalo, TX | horseshorseshorses - 2015-07-01 1:59 PM I was running at AA when the accident occurred. I'm 19, but I'm a mawmaw at heart. Thanks to life happening, I tend to have more of a mother's mindset than your typical college student. All weekend I was so terrified of something happening to any of the little kiddos running around like hellions. My friends and I talked over and over about how anyone under the age of 16, or anyone without a license, truly doesnt understand how to safely operate any kind of motorized transportation. Over a dozen Times, I either watched as a child almost ran out in front of another vehicle, hit another vehicle, or I almost hit them. Kids are so unaware of their surrounding and so oblivious to danger. Imho, the staff that runs the race (not JPD or local law enforcement) should have someone monitoring the barns and parking lots at all times and if a child is caught driving without a license, they will be disqualified. A ticket doesn't scare an 8 year old, or even their parents. But an immediate DQ at a $500/horse race sure would. Just because a kid can manage a golf cart or four wheeler or even a car or truck at home "on the farm" does not mean they can safely navigate public roads or a busy facility. Praying for the sweet family that lost their baby
You seem very mature for 19....I agree with you 100%... |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| horseshorseshorses - 2015-07-01 1:59 PM I was running at AA when the accident occurred. I'm 19, but I'm a mawmaw at heart. Thanks to life happening, I tend to have more of a mother's mindset than your typical college student. All weekend I was so terrified of something happening to any of the little kiddos running around like hellions. My friends and I talked over and over about how anyone under the age of 16, or anyone without a license, truly doesnt understand how to safely operate any kind of motorized transportation. Over a dozen Times, I either watched as a child almost ran out in front of another vehicle, hit another vehicle, or I almost hit them. Kids are so unaware of their surrounding and so oblivious to danger. Imho, the staff that runs the race (not JPD or local law enforcement) should have someone monitoring the barns and parking lots at all times and if a child is caught driving without a license, they will be disqualified. A ticket doesn't scare an 8 year old, or even their parents. But an immediate DQ at a $500/horse race sure would. Just because a kid can manage a golf cart or four wheeler or even a car or truck at home "on the farm" does not mean they can safely navigate public roads or a busy facility. Praying for the sweet family that lost their baby
Well said. I was at Waco in September, I stopped and got out of my truck to corral a 6 year old on a bike who was zig zagging in and out of the traffic going to the barn, no way he could be seen over the front of the trucks. I have no idea where his parents were, I took him to the show office.
Edited to add DQ will do the trick. When we went to state finals for high school rodeos, atv's and golf carts were not allowed, automatic dq if you broke the rules and rules were enforced.
Prayers for the family
Edited by rodeomom3 2015-07-01 2:41 PM
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| I dont think you can prepare for all the accidents... those parents are putting their kids on 1200 pound animals and some way overmounted... accidents could happen, ive seen them happen. Some kids wear helmets, some dont. You can't police everything. At some point, parents have to be parents and decide what they want to allow their kids to do. This is my opinion... from an insurance standpoint, i dont know how this type of thing effects them. |
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 Angel in a Sorrel Coat
Posts: 16030
Location: In a happy place | I agree with missroselee. It seems that it gets more dangerous as the years go by to go to the barrel races. My only problem is if there are certain rules is anyone going to see that they are carried out. I love the disqualification idea. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 669
Location: Central Texas | I agree "ban them". I have never ever liked those things. You hear of way to many accidents and this is the reason every time our kids begged for one, they were told no. They were never allowed to ride anyone else's either. I totally understand accidents happen in all areas. This is just my on personal opinion/perference. |
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Coyote Country Queen
Posts: 5666
| It really doesn't matter to me either way, as I don't ever see myself taking a 4-wheeler or golf cart to a barrel race. But I don't understand why we should ban them for everyone, including those who are using them correctly and safely. We use our 4-wheeler at home on a regular basis, and when used correctly the risk of accident is very small. |
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