Florida Governor Charlie Crist has signed a bill that mandates the use of protective helmets by young equestrians when riding on public property or roads.

The law applies to children age 16 and younger who are:

• Riding on a public roadway or right-of-way;
• Riding on a public equestrian trail, public equestrian trail, public park, public preserve, or public school site:
• Riding on any other publicly owned or controlled property.

Helmets must meet the current standards of the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) for protective headgear. 

It does not apply to children under age 16 who are riding while:

• Practicing for, riding to or from, or competing or performing in, shows or events such as rodeos and parades where helmets are not historically a part of the or event;
• Riding on privately owned land even if the land is occasionally separated by a public road or right-of-way that must be crossed;
• Engaged in an agricultural practice or pursuit.

The legislation, known as Nicole’s Law, is named after Nicole Hornstein, a 12 year-old girl from Loxahatchee who died in 2006 after falling from a horse.  Nicole’s parents and two sisters attended yesterday’s bill signing ceremony at Hamlin Park in Loxahatchee. 

 FYI now in stock TIPPERARY Equestrian Helmets at Two Time Tack & Feed (these are the best! TR)
Alma Height
7420 Rosco Ave
Jacksonville, FL 32256
904-262-7574
twoxtack@aol.com