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Sports

Law Will Make Helmets a Must for Teen Equestrians

Assemblyman Thiele sponsors legislation requiring helmets for riders younger than 18.

Teens age 14 to 17 will soon be required to wear helmets while riding horses, under legislation sponsored by local state lawmakers that recently passed in the New York State Legislature just before the 2013 legislative session ended.

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 whose 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.

The existing New York law, adopted in 1999, requires that children 13 and younger wear helmets while horseback. The new law, which will take effect immediately if and when it is signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, raises that age to 17.

 "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.

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.

"I'm humbly so grateful to be a part of something so special — all the children are worth it," Hornstein said.

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."

On Friday, the Assembly voted 108 to 19 to adopt the helmet legislation, and the Senate, where Sen. Kenneth LaValle, of Port Jefferson sponsored the legislation, has passed the bill as well.

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