When Assembly Bill 355 was introduced into the New York legislature in January 1999, its sponsor, Assemblyman Robin L. Schimminger filed the following memorandum in support:

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL: Although horseback riding is considered a recreational activity, more and more accidents are occurring and causing more severe injuries. With enactment of this bill, it is hoped that the number of head injuries as a result of horseback riding accidents will decrease.

EFFECTS OF PRESENT LAW WHICH THIS BILL WOULD ALTER: Currently there are no laws requiring the use of helmets while horseback riding.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS: The Vehicle and Traffic law is amended to add a new section which makes it mandatory for riders under the age of sixteen to wear helmets when riding a horse. The General Business law is amended to provide that every horse provider shall provide helmets to beginning riders and riders under sixteen years of age. If a rider over the age of sixteen chooses not to wear a helmet, a waiver indicating their choice shall be signed by the rider.

JUSTIFICATION: Horseback riding is a popular activity that over 30 million people in the U.S. enjoy. Presently there are no safety standards or guidelines in New York State to facilitate the reduction of injuries resulting from horseback riding. It is noted that the incidence of serious injuries is higher for horseback riders than for even motorcyclists and automobile racers. The American Medical Association has reported that the greatest decrease in head injuries occurred when people voluntarily wore helmets. Other sports, such as bike riding, that are considered even less dangerous than horseback riding, already enforce helmet laws.

In 1989, when 23-year-old Robyn Czerwinski from Buffalo died as a result of a horseback riding accident, she was not wearing a helmet. It is not known if wearing a helmet would have saved her life, but The New England Journal of Medicine has reported that wearing helmets reduces head and brain injuries by 85%. In a more high profile case, actor Christopher Reeve was wearing a helmet when he was jolted off his horse. It has been said that had he not been wearing a helmet, he would have died. Wearing a helmet is a painless and inexpensive way to save lives.

Questions may be directed to New York State Horse Council Safety Chairman Dru Malavase at drumalavase@hotmail.com or at 2270 County Road 39 RD 2 Bloomfield, NY 14469. I can be reached at home at 716 657-7053 after 7:30 p.m. and on weekends