Sports
Youth Equestrians All Required to Wear Helmets Under New Law
Assemblyman Fred Thiele and Sen. Kenneth LaValle sponsored helmet legislation.
New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into law this week legislation sponsored by two local state lawmakers that requires teens age 14 to 17 wear helmets while riding horses, amending a 1999 law that only required helmets through age 13.
Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr., of Sag Harbor, who sponsored the bill, began working on the legislation when he was approached in 2011 by Gary Hornstein, a Southampton resident. Hornstein's daughter died in 2006 at the age of 12 after falling from a horse in Florida and suffering brain injuries, according to Thiele's office.
"I commend Mr. Hornstein's dedication in helping to prevent anyone else's child from being injured or any family from having to suffer the tremendous loss that he did," Thiele said in a statement.
Sen. Kenneth P. LaValle, of Port Jefferson, sponsored the Senate version of the bill.
“New York State was one of the first states to adopt a helmet law protecting children,” LaValle noted in a statement Thursday. “However, the current law does not adequately protect all children. ... Changing the age to 18 years of age would further protect our children, prevent serious injuries and help save lives.”
The legislation also raises the fine for parents or guardians who permit their children to ride without a helmet. It will increase from $50 per violation to $250. Helmets must meet ASTM F1447 equestrian standards.
Businesses that provide horses for rides and lessons will be required to supply helmets to youth riders, as well as "beginning riders," for no additional cost.
Thiele's office stated that Hornstein was instrumental in passing similiar legislation in Florida and is working to do the same in additional states. In June, when the New York State Legislature adopted its law, Hornstein said, "I'm humbly so grateful to be a part of something so special — all the children are worth it."
New York State Horse Council states on its website, "Horseback riding carries a higher injury rate per hour of exposure than many other sports. This includes downhill ski racing, football, hang-gliding and motorcycle racing."
The council goes on to state, "Medical examiner reports show that 60 percent or more of horse-related deaths are caused by head injuries. Helmets can reduce this possibility by 70 to 80 percent."
