Back-up sponsors. Be sure each junior has a back-up sponsor listed on their registration form. If you don't have one, you can always ask at the ride meeting. There's usually someone behind you who is delighted to adopt a junior for a few more miles.

Half-price to any junior rider. Face it, footing the bill for four can be tough. Offer half-price to any junior rider. Consider special recognition to the person who sponsors the most young riders. Introductory ride. We treat our 12-mile "fun ride" riders like real endurance riders, with a pre- and post-ride vet check and awards. Most who complete the 12 want to come back the next year to do the 25.

Communication to base. We have a local ham radio group at every water stop on our course. Not only does it reassure the riders (juniors and novices) that someone is watching out for them, but if there's a problem with one of their horses or sponsor, they can communicate back to base.

Extra glow sticks. Management should keep a small stash of extra glow sticks to have on hand for juniors on their first 100-mile venture into the night. It sure does make juniors smile to be gifted a few extra glow sticks, just in case.

No shortage of awards. Be sure to have something fun on hand for all the junior competitors.

Keep kids happy in camp

Fun and friends. More than open space, more than an opportunity to hang out with horses, more than good fresh air, more than campfires, kids covet camaraderie.

Vet scribes. It's the most coveted job of the weekend (by all ages). Move over, adults. This is a great place for a responsible kid to learn about horses, veterinary issues, and dedication. Find a few of your most attentive kids in 4-H or Pony Club and let them have the privilege of hanging out with a vet all day.

Give them responsibility. At Mt. Adams, the 15-year-old daughter of one of the ham radio guys acts as the invaluable liaison between ride management and riders. She knows who's coming, who's going, which tanks need refilling and when there's an issue on the trail. She knows that one of the most important things is communication and, boy, is this girl good at it.

Finish line. Kids love to help, so let them. And the finish line is a good place to let them hang out. (But be ready with back-up when they've had enough.)

Meals as fundraisers. This is a great way to feed the riders and support the community—especially in rural areas where there just aren't a lot of ways to raise money. At Mt. Adams, dinners are hosted by a couple school groups. We include a meal with each registration fee, so the students are guaranteed at least 100-plus meals. The students set up, cook, and clean up.

Build a fire (or better, let the kids build it). And they will come. It's fun to try to stay up all night waiting for the last rider to come in.

Be imaginative and try to see your ride through a kid's eyes. For instance, if it's a particularly hot weekend and ride camp is not near a river or a lake, you could consider designating a water trough for kid play. Unless, of course, you're concerned that a BBR with a few too many margaritas might start bringing up insurance issues.