If they are TRULY practicing the Amish religion, they do not need to have child seats installed in horse-drawn carriages.
I'm not sure what their historical views on adoption are, but in the two Amish communities we have lived in Adoption was becomming increasingly accepted. Many couples who could not have children naturally were becoming foster parents with the hope of being able to adopt children. I beleive historically, they have been hesitant to become foster parents due to requirements such as the requirement to obtain a photo ID. At least that had been an issue in one Amish community in Illinois where we resided.
A person can become Amish. In order to convert, the person will need to meet with the leaders of the Amish faith.
Yes
If an Amish man has a beard that means he is married. Once they become married the need to grow a beard.
The preferred way to drive the Amish buggy is "tickle their feet."
No minimum age, BUT, you need to install footpegs that they can reach comfortably.
The law states that children under the age of 8 must be secured in an approved child safety seat. 8 years and older just need to be secured with a seat belt. There is no specification as to front or rear row seating.
Yes, with all the horses they have, there is a need for blacksmiths.
The only equipment necessary for you, the rider is a helmet and riding boots although smaller children that are just learning how to ride may need a chest protector and so forth.
you need a helmet, riding boots, riding pants, and a crop( if your horse is slow ). you can find these things at the store Horsing Around.
You need to take the riding level exams. If you need help PM me. cheeks101
Yes, there is an Amish community in Phoenix. They mostly live in a couple of little pockets of the area known as "Sunnyslope" and are for the most part just snowbirds, here for the winter just like so many other people. I do not think there are any old order Amish but they are Amish none the less. They wear the traditional clothing and do not own cars, and you will see them riding bicycles or walking. They take cabs if they need to go far. Their housing is provided by Mennonites who own a small trailer park in Sunnyslope and a street of houses, they are equipped with cooling heating and lighting but the Amish are just renting these homes for the winter and it is acceptable to them to use the amenities. Some of them are here for health reasons as well. Unfortunately there is no true Amish society in Arizona, the group that lives here does not farm or really truly follow the Amish ways. Some are very wealthy. They just find ways to operate there business that seem to edge around their rules.