“...ranchers kids...”
At first, I was incredulous and questioned that the story could even be true. However, I thought about it further and realized my 8-year-old twin grandsons might be capable of this feat. They are farm boys and are driving the skid steer under very close supervision. I don’t think they would try such a thing as a trip alone with their little sister though.
Lol, I get your doubt considering city culture society now days... But all the kids in those days were driving around to do chores. fix fence, haul water, check tracks on water troughs to see if a particular cow had her calf yet, hunt, trap, etc. At seven Cuz and I would drive from the ranch 30 miles to town twice a week to get the mail and any messages. We were lucky to even see one car the whole round trip. The difference was the era and City vs Country... :)