Article Index:

New York Equestrian Helmet Statute

New York is the first state in the United States to enact a statute requiring the wearing of an approved equestrian helmet while riding a horse.
The bill was signed into law on September 7, 1999 and became effective January 5, 2000.

Vehicle and Traffic Law

§ 1265. WEARING OF HELMETS.

1. NO PERSON LESS THAN FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE SHALL RIDE A HORSE UNLESS SUCH PERSON IS WEARING A HELMET MEETING OR EXCEEDING ASTM F1163 (SAFETY EQUIPMENT INSTITUTE CERTIFIED) EQUESTRIAN STANDARD. FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "CERTIFIED" SHALL MEAN THAT THE HELMET`S MANUFACTURER AGREES TO THE RULES AND PROVISIONS OF A SYSTEM THAT INCLUDES INDEPENDENT TESTING AND QUALITY CONTROL AUDITS, AND THAT EACH HELMET MANUFACTURED BY SUCH MANUFACTURER IS PERMANENTLY MARKED WITH THE CERTIFYING BODY`S REGISTERED MARK OR LOGO BEFORE SUCH HELMET IS SOLD OR OFFERED FOR SALE. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, WEARING A HELMET MEANS HAVING A HELMET FASTENED SECURELY UPON THE HEAD USING THE MANUFACTURER`S FITTING GUIDELINES FOR THE PARTICULAR MODEL USED.

2. ANY PERSON WHO VIOLATES THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION SHALL PAY A CIVIL FINE NOT TO EXCEED FIFTY DOLLARS. A POLICE OFFICER SHALL ONLY ISSUE A SUMMONS FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION BY A PERSON LESS THAN FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE TO THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF SUCH PERSON IF THE VIOLATION BY SUCH PERSON OCCURS IN THE PRESENCE OF SUCH PERSON`S PARENT OR GUARDIAN AND WHERE SUCH PARENT OR GUARDIAN IS EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE OR MORE. SUCH SUMMONS SHALL ONLY BE ISSUED TO SUCH PARENT OR GUARDIAN, AND SHALL NOT BE ISSUED TO THE PERSON LESS THAN FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE.

3. (A) THE COURT SHALL WAIVE ANY CIVIL FINE FOR WHICH A PERSON WHO VIOLATES THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION WOULD BE LIABLE IF SUCH PERSON SUPPLIES THE COURT WITH PROOF THAT BETWEEN THE DATE OF VIOLATION AND THE APPEARANCE DATE FOR SUCH VIOLATION SUCH PERSON PURCHASED OR RENTED A HELMET.

(B) THE COURT MAY WAIVE ANY CIVIL FINE FOR WHICH A PERSON WHO VIOLATES THE PROVISIONS OF THE SECTION WOULD BE LIABLE IF THE COURT FINDS THAT DUE TO REASONS OF ECONOMIC HARDSHIP SUCH PERSON WAS UNABLE TO PURCHASE A HELMET.

4. THE FAILURE OF ANY PERSON TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE OR ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND SHALL NOT IN ANY WAY BAR, PRECLUDE OR FORECLOSE AN ACTION FOR PERSONAL INJURY OR WRONGFUL DEATH BY OR ON BEHALF OF SUCH PERSON, NOR IN ANY WAY DIMINISH OR REDUCE THE DAMAGES RECOVERABLE IN ANY SUCH ACTION.

General Business Law
§ 396-DD. RENTING OF HORSES; HELMETS AND SAFETY INFORMATION.

1. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, THE FOLLOWING TERMS SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING MEANINGS:

A. "HORSE" INCLUDES A HORSE, PONY, MULE OR HINNY.

B. "HORSE PROVIDER" INCLUDES ANY PERSON, FIRM, CORPORATION OR OTHER LEGAL ENTITY HIRING OR RENTING OUT HORSES FOR RIDING OR PROVIDING TRAINING IN THE RIDING OF HORSES FOR CONSIDERATION.

2. EVERY HORSE PROVIDER SHALL PROVIDE PROTECTIVE HELMETS TO BEGINNING RIDERS AND TO RIDERS LESS THAN FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE AT NO COST BEYOND THE RENTAL FEE; OFFER ALL RIDERS THE USE OF SUCH PROTECTIVE HELMETS REGARDLESS OF THEIR AGE OR EXPERIENCE; AND PROVIDE APPROPRIATE HELMET SAFETY INFORMATION TO ALL RIDERS.

3. SUCH HELMETS SHALL COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION TWELVE HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE OF THE VEHICLE AND TRAFFIC LAW.

4. A KNOWING VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION SHALL BE SUBJECT TO A CIVIL PENALTY NOT TO EXCEED FIFTY DOLLARS FOR EACH SUCH VIOLATION.

Introducer’s Memorandum in Support of New York Equestrian Helmet Bill
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.
 

NEW YORK'S NEW HELMET LAW

New York's Vehicle and Traffic Law (Section 1265) and the General Business Law (Section 396-dd) went into effect the first week of January, 2000.

Section 1265 requires that no person less than fourteen years of age shall ride a horse unless such person is wearing a helmet meeting or exceeding ASTM F1163 (Safety Equipment Institute Certified) Equestrian Standard. Summonses can be issued to a child's parent or guardian for violation of the law. ( A copy of the full law is available at the website www.nyshc.org.)

Section 396-dd involves rental and lesson horses, and requires that providers of these services must provide helmets to riders less than fourteen years old and OFFER them to all riders, regardless of their age or experience. They must also provide "appropriate helmet safety information" to all riders.

The enclosed pages contains some basic information which may be helpful to providers of rental and lesson horses. The New York State Horse Council does not make any guarantees that this information satisfies the requirements of the helmet law (General Businees law section 396-dd) or any other law, or that the use of this information will prevent a lawsuit or protect a horse provider from liability should a lawsuit be commenced. All horse providers are encouraged to consult with their own attorneys for legal advice concerning the requirements of the new law.

More detailed information and copies of actual medical studies about helmets can be found at  http://www.utexas.law.edu/dawson/   in the newsletter of the American Medical Equestrian Association.

Specific questions about helmet fitting is supplied by the manufacturers of ASTM/SEI helmets with each helmet sold at retail, or directly from the manufacturers. A list of these is attached to this release.

Questions about the ASTM standard and the SEI compliance system, or this release, 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

WHY SHOULD YOU WEAR A CERTIFIED RIDING HELMET ?

Riding is a wonderful sport, but it does carry an element of risk. Medical studies over the years have shown us some surprising things. 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 age of the rider, number of years of experience, natural ability, and degree of expertise cannot and do not prevent riding accidents.  Rider deaths in falls were caused by jumping in 23% of the cases; the rest occurred standing still, or at the walk, trot, canter and gallop. The most dangerous horse activity is riding for pleasure, based on numbers of participants injured.

The most common serious riding accidents affect the head; with the expanded use of the ASTM Standard FEI Certified helmets by riders under the age of 21, the largest group of head-injured riders has become ages 22 to 35. Many of the most serious injuries and deaths happen to riders older than 35.

Medical Examiner reports show that 60 % or more of horse-related deaths are caused by head injuries. Helmets can reduce this possibility by 70 to 80 %.

Repeated blows to the head can cause cumulative damage to the brain; each new accident expands the original damage. Unlike arms and legs, the brain cannot recover 100% from an injury. A serious head injury can quickly use all of a person's health insurance. The most catastrophic of these average a cost of $4,000,000, plus a lifetime of suffering for both the injured person and his or her family.

* * * * * * * * *

These statements have been endorsed by the Board of Directors of the American Medical Equestrian Association, whose mission is accident and injury prevention for people in horse activities, and reduction of the severity of injury when an accident occurs. More information about the AMEA is available from Doris Bixby-Hammett MD, 103 Surrey Road, Waynesville, NC 28786.

WHY WEAR A HELMET CERTIFIED TO PASS INDEPENDENT STANDARDS ?

Although we know that no helmet can protect against every kind of blow, helmets made to ASTM F 1163 have been tested extensively in independent facilities, and have been certified by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) to meet or exceed the standard. Over ten years of documentation has proven that they can prevent or minimize the damage caused by a blow to the head.

The manufacturers are constantly audited to be sure that their products continue to meet the standards. The standards are constantly being improved.

Certified helmets must show their date of manufacture so they can be replaced when needed. Their permanent labeling gives important information about their care and maintenance.

Certified helmets are available in many different styles and types, and in a broad range of sizes and prices. Not every rider will be comfortable in every model, and it may be necessary to try more than one to get the correct fit. The best way to do this is to visit a full service tack store which stocks more than one manufacturer's products.

Part of the SEI Certification process requires that the manufacturers provide liability insurance on their products. Helmets labeled "item of apparel only" do not have the same requirement, and their manufacturers do not consider them to offer any protection to a rider.

SELECTING AND FITTING ASTM/SEI HELMETSÓ
Dru Malavase, NYSHC Safety Committee

Riding helmets made to the ASTM F1163 standard and certified by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) are considered to be the world's best head protection for horseback riders. Although no helmet can protect 100 per cent against every type of helmet injury, studies show a great reduction in both the number of injuries and the severity of injuries in those who use them every time they ride.

ASTM/SEI helmets come in a variety of types, and should be chosen for the type of horse sport the rider intends to enjoy. For English showing, a black velvet hunt cap type is always correct; for Western riding, there is a model covered with a traditional Western hat. Endurance, pleasure, and trail riders favor the ultra-light, ultra-ventilated soft shell models. For riding schools and hack stables, the light and ventilated hard shell schooling helmets are both popular and durable.

No helmet can do its job if it doesn't fit properly. It must be snug but not uncomfortably tight. Every ASTM/SEI manufacturer includes fitting and care instructions in the box with a new helmet or attached to the helmet. Insist on getting this when you buy one! Each model has special "tricks" for fitting, none of them difficult, but all of them important.

When selecting a helmet, make sure it has the SEI Seal on a permanent label inside. This may be hidden under a detachable liner which can be removed and washed/disinfected. The label will also show the date of manufacture. The practical life span of a helmet is five to six years...the manufacturer may specify.....so make sure what you buy has been made as recently as possible.

When a helmet fits correctly, it sits about an inch above the eyebrows, squarely on the head with the brim straight ahead. The harness must be fastened so there is direct firm contact with the jaw or chin, depending on the model and the manufacturer's instructions.

Most harnesses are adjustable on the sides or at the back with laces, velcro, straps, or some other similar system. This should be adjusted to fit as closely to the head as possible with no gaps or lumps.

To check actual fit, place one hand on top of the helmet and rock it backward and forward, and side to side. The scalp should move with the helmet, which is shown by the eyebrows moving. Small fitting problems can be solved by following the manufacturer's instructions, usually by adding the foam padding which is provided with the helmet, or by adjusting the internal harness with velcro on the outside as is possible with one popular model. If the helmet needs more padding than is provided, a smaller size or different model is needed.

If buying helmets for a riding facility to loan, depending on the number riding at once you will probably need one of each available general size (XS, S, M, L, XL) and extras in the small and medium ranges. You should have models from at least two manufacturers since you will have much better fitting flexibility that way; all heads are not created equal!

Replacement on a regular basis should be part of your safety plan for a facility. Serious damage to a helmet cannot always be seen or felt. Any helmet which has been in a hard fall should be inspected by the manufacturer or destroyed and replaced. Some of the signs of hard use in a helmet, and a need for replacement, are:

1. Harness pulling loose from the helmet
2. Squeeze clips with broken teeth
3. White helmets turning yellow
4. Black velvet helmets turning beige
5. Surface cracks, holes or dents
6. Chunks missing from the liner
7. Liner squashed down in places
8. Shell or liner cracked through

Here is a general safety reminder. After years of studies of horse-related accidents, the United States Pony Clubs' Safety Committee recommends that helmets be worn whenever working around horses, as well as when riding or driving a horse; grooming, leading, longeing, bandaging, loading, etc. This is especially important for children, whose heads may be at "cow-kick" height when working around ponies and horses.

Here's where to get help in finding helmets which meet your needs:

Aussie Rider
Australian Holdings
5855 Green Valley Circle, #216
Culver City, CA 90230
310 348-1993

International Riding Helmets
205 Industrial Loop
Staten Island, NY 10309
800 435-6380

Lexington Safety Products
117 Westhampton Drive
Lexington, KY 40511
800 928-4287

Troxel
1333 30^th Street
San Diego, CA 92154
800 938-0155 

Here is an example of the SEI seal, which is found on the permanent label inside ASTM/SEI helmets. It may be printed in any color.

HELMET TESTIMONY:
As many of you know, recently we acquired a cremello MFT that was extremely overweight. We named him Snortin' Norton. Just this past weekend we went down to ride him for the first time. He's been at the trainers since June 25.

Snort is doing well. He's lost a lot of weight, and is coming along nicely. Ray (the trainer) is pleased with his quickness to learn; his sure-footedness on rocky trails, and his smooth fox-trot and lope. He's a cute horse with a winning personality.

I rode him on Friday, along with my husband. He performed beautifully for us. He stops on a dime; he trots with just a little tap of your hand on his left shoulder; and his lope is like a conveyor belt! So smooth. Thing went great.

We came back Sunday to ride and work some more. I rode Snort in a walk and trot, and also in a lope. We had been riding about 30 minutes when suddenly, in his lope, he stumbled, kinda fell, got back up, and stumbled again. This happened so quickly that I am relying on Ray and Greg's (my husband) accounts. I managed to sit the first stumble; righted myself on the recovery; but fell off on the second stumble. I slid face first and hit the ground into a gravel track. I then flipped over, and landed on my back.

For approximately 1 1/2 hours I have no idea of what I said or did during that time period. The results of the injuries are as follows: 6 stitches to the upper lip and chin; 12-15 stitches to reattach my lower lip where it was ripped off my gum (nice BIG pocket for Skoal now!); the skin on my upper right shoulder is GONE; the skin on my right breast looks like it was sandpapered; a big welt on my upper right forehead above my right eye; major swelling of my right jaw
and chin area; I pulled my left deltoid muscle severely; and I have a black eye. I did go to the hospital immediately for an exam. When they did a CAT scan, they found blood on the brain: i.e. some type of hemorrhage. So I was transferred to a neuro-trama center ICU for observation. I ended up spending the night, and was released Monday morning to travel home 4 hours to St.Louis.

OK, so far it's been kinda gross and painful to read. Here's the
preaching/soapbox part. EVERY ONE OF THE DOCTORS/AMBULANCE
DRIVERS/NURSES/XRAY TECHNICIANS, ETC. ALL SAID THAT I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE BEEN WEARING A HELMET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now, when I got my first horse I promised myself any my husband that
I would never ride without a helmet. Or a cellphone. Or a buddy. When I fell Sunday, I hit my forehead first, then when I flipped over backwards hit the back of my head. They thought that there was a possibility that I was bleeding inside my skull, and would need emergency surgery if it got worse. I did sustain a bruise with the helmet on, but what would the extend of my injuries have been without one??? In the Springfield, Missouri area, the hospitals deal with a lot of horse-related injuries. They all stated,
to the letter, than injuries where the person wore a helmet were FAR, FAR less severe than the same accident where the rider wasn't wearing a helmet.

Snort just overreached, and now has a crescent-shaped cut on his inside foreleg. So I will ride him with boots on now. He didn't buck me, or try to throw me. The poor guy kicked himself, and stumbled. He's hurt too.

If we protect our horses; why not ourselves? Let's start a thread of reasons NOT to wear a helmet. My CAT scans were close to $1,000 each, and I had 2. My helmet was $60.

Some say wearing a helmet isn't macho. There is nothing macho about
walking around a hospital wearing a gown that shows your *ss to everyone. Nothing macho about using a bedpan. Nothing macho about being a vegetable, and not being able to take care of your loved ones.
My husband was a nervous wreck. I can't imagine what it would have
been like if my injuries would have turned out to be more serious. No matter how good of a rider you are, sh*t happens, and you have no right to let your pride cause your family any amount of worry or concern. No matter how experienced of a rider you are, gravity works the same on you as it does a rookie.

Flame away. I'm high on Darvocettes, look like Rocky Balboa, and am thanking God Almightly that I am fine, except for superficial injuries that will heal within a month. I feel, and look, like h*ll. I scare small children at this point.

THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR NOT WEARING A HELMET!!! Even if you are just
doing a light workout in the arena like I was. Please wear one. Put on your saddle; your bridle, and then your helmet.

Don't let someone go through the trauma of seeing you hurt, please. Trust me, it isn't worth it. It just isn't worth it!!!!

 SAFE HORSES - SAFE RIDERS - SAFE HANDLERS
By Dru Malavase, NYSHC Safety Committee Chair

When new owners of horses, or their parents, asked for written guidelines for safer riding and handling of horses a few years ago, there was only one or two resources to recommend.

In the past two years we've been blessed with some excellent videos and reasonably priced books which touch on safety topics, or which are exclusively dedicated to safety. As a member of another organization I have been doing reviews for several years, and my first priority with any such resource is to be sure that the text matches the pictures. Often the safety advice is correct, but the video or photos show something else.

Since we all remember the incorrect photo long after we have forgotten the test, despite their otherwise good qualities and content I can't recommend such resources, and you'd be surprised at how many there are in that category. The books and videos listed here are at least 95% useful (nobody is perfect, not even experts and reviewers!). I am classifying them by intended age of content, although many older riders who are new to the sport can learn a major amount from material geared to younger riders. Many tack and feed stores stock at least a few of these, but if you can't find them locally, I have listed other places they can be found.

Website http://www.law.utexas.edu/dawson/ has a wealth of information about safety topics and horse-related lawsuits. It also features state-by-state information on requirements for fencing pastures and the text of Inherent Risk Legislation in the states which have this law.

FOR YOUNG RIDERS (9 Year reading level)

Safe Horse Safe Rider by Jessie Haas; riding and handling (1,2,3,4)

Every Time, Every Ride Helmet safety video (1,2,4) USPC Manual of Horsemanship - Basics for beginners by Susan Harris. Follows the USPC lowest three levels of ability, including handling, tacking and riding. (1,4)

FOR YOUNG TEENAGERS

USPC Manual of Horsemanship- Intermediate by Susan Harris. Builds on Manual 1 without repeating information (1,4)

Ground Handling Horses Safely - video, Washington State University (1,2)

FOR ADULTS

USPC Manual Manual of Horsemanship - Advanced by Susan Harris. Advanced level nutrition, conformation, teaching, riding, horse management, tack, etc. (1,4)

USPC Guides to Longeing and Bandaging (1,4)

Starting and running your own Horse Business - Mary A. McDonald (3) Horsekeeping on   a Small Acreage - Cherry Hill (1,3) Especially good on practical things like safe fencing.

FOR INSTRUCTORS, OR OWNERS WHO ALLOW OTHERS TO RIDE THEIR HORSES:

Teaching Safe Horsemanship - Jan Dawson (2004 2nd Edition), Stresses accident prevention and risk management. (2,3)

Equine Law and Horse Sense - Julie Fershtman. Excellent discussion of ways to reduce your liability as a horse owner in practical language. (4)

Numbers after each book title indicate where to order the books.

1.    United State Pony Clubs, Inc     4071 Iron Works Pike    Lexington, KY 40511   
Tel: 606-254-7669 Fax: 606-233-4652 Credit Card Orders.
(Ask for their excellent catalog; many other good books and videos are available.)

2.    American Association for Horsemanship Safety  Drawer 39     Fentress, TX 78622   
Tel 512-488-2128 Fax: 512-488-2319 Web:www.Law.utexas.edu/dawson

3.    Storey Communications, Inc    PO Box 445     Pownal, VT 05261   
Tel 800-441-5700 Web: www.StoreyBooks.com

4.    Knight Equestrian Books    PO Box 78     Edgecomb, ME 04556   
Tel: 207-882-5494 Fax: 207-88209826

A NYSHC Competitions Health/Safety Guideline for Facilities/Management may be ordered by email:drumalavase@hotmail.com


MANAGEMENT SAFETY GUIDELINES

REQUIREMENTS FOR ORGANIZERS OF
NYSHC SPONSORED EVENTS
(Revised 02/04/02)

The NYSHC Board of Directors, with the following list of recommendations and requirements, passed these guidelines as a mandatory rule in 1993. They were previously revised on 5/10/97.

1. The New York State Horse Council recommends that show, event and activity managers consider mandatory vaccination for influenza, rhinopneumonitis and rabies within the calendar year in which the event takes place, with a recommendation that any horse vaccinated more than three months previous to the event be boostered prior to coming on the grounds.

2. Because appropriate ventilation and vaccination rules are two of the most important things that can be done to promote a healthy environment for horses, NYSHC recommends that all events that require stabling designate a barn manager with responsibility for ventilation control and lighting during the course of the event.

3. NYSHC recommends that any event of two days or more contract with a veterinarian to be present during the hours of the activity, and on call at all other times. Many shows find that a vet is particularly needed at the time that horses are being off-loaded from their trailers. Having a vet on call is a rule or minimum requirement of most horse sports federations, and is important for the well being of the horses.

4. Supplies should be kept on hand for the vet's use, although most of them have trucks, which are well stocked. Frequently needed are extra flashlights, and gallon jugs of clean water. The barn manager should have a horse first aid kit with enough material to bandage a severely bleeding wound immediately, without having to wait for an on-call vet to arrive. A human first aid kit in the stable area, with its location marked on area signs, is also helpful.

5. Floor plan signs should be posted to help exhibitors / participants understand where manure is to be placed for collection. Management needs to ensure that manure disposal is both timely and complete.

6. Separate areas for parking, warm-up, competition, food service, and spectators must be designated, marked, fenced and /or roped off as appropriate and necessary. Areas where horses are being led or ridden should be off limits for casual spectators, who may have no knowledge of safe zones around horses.

7. Management must plan for the logistics of emergency medical and veterinary support in case of accident or illness. If the support people are on call rather than on the grounds, access to the emergency site must be kept clear and someone provided to guide them from the facility entrance to where they are needed. Guidelines for appropriate medical support can be found in the current USAEq (former AHSA) rulebook, which can be accessed on the website www.equestrian.org. When calling for help, the caller must give careful instructions to the location of the emergency, including which entrance to use if more than one is in use. Advance planning should include providing a current map of the site if support people are not familiar with the facility.
There must be a plan for spotters, fence judges, or other officials to be able to contact medical or veterinary help from every part of the grounds.

8. Fire equipment, clearly marked and currently checked and inspected (current inspection date) must be available in the stabling areas, the bedding storage area, and anywhere else where it may be appropriate. The stabling area and exhibit grounds should be checked by the local fire department or town/city codes officer to assure that all local laws and codes are observed.

9. Any temporary electrical lines must be checked and approved by a qualified electrician. Public address and other communication equipment should also be checked for safety, and should be able to be heard throughout the grounds.

10. Sufficient water must be available to serve the drinking and bathing needs of the expected number of horses. Where possible, a hose should be provided. At a minimum, a dipping bucket, from which participants fill their own buckets, must be provided for hygienic reasons. If the provided water is not intended for or safe for human use, it must be labeled that it is not for human consumption.

11. Dogs, if allowed at all on the grounds, must be restrained on leads at all times. If they are NOT allowed, signs should be posted on access roads and in parking areas to give owners adequate warning. If dogs are banned, this should be stated on any prize list or activity announcement.

12. An adult must closely supervise small children at all times. Signs to this effect should be posted at entry points and in parking areas, and particularly at all stabling entrances.

13. Motorcycles, Mopeds, All-Terrain Vehicles, Golf Carts, and Bicycles, if allowed, should be restricted on the grounds to separate them from areas where horses will be moving about, with signage to make clear where they are and are not allowed. If the organizing committee needs to use such vehicles for the running of the event, they must make certain that the drivers are thoroughly familiar with the vehicle's controls, as well as what a horse's reaction may be to the vehicle.
Children below the legal age of operation of any of these vehicles must not be allowed to access them.

14. Smoking must be banned from bedding storage and stabling areas; for show or activity areas fire and local government codes and laws must be observed.

15. Footing must be well maintained and appropriate to the horse activity being offered. All trails should be reasonably clear of obstacles. Known hazards should be clearly marked or barricaded.

16. Food concessions must meet local Department of Health standards. For sanitary reasons horses should not be allowed in their immediate vicinity. Sufficient electricity and water safe for human consumption must be provided to the concessions.

17. Trash containers must be provided, particularly in the areas of the concessions and stables. They should be emptied on a frequent and regular basis.

18. Labeled Sharps Containers (for syringes/needles) must be placed in designated areas of stabling, either near trash containers or near manure collection points, to make sure that they are not mixed into ordinary trash or placed where people may be stuck by them.

19. If horses are stabled overnight, a competent adult guard must be located in that area.

20. Toilet facilities and adequate paper supplies must be provided, with a plan for frequent portable toilet maintenance if they are used.

21. Volunteers for the event must be thoroughly briefed about the nature of their jobs, and how to provide help to participants and spectators in case of an emergency.

These guidelines were originally prepared by Ann Dwyer, DVM, and Dru Malavase, Safety Chair of the NYSHC. Additional review has been provided for the current revision by George King, Harry Stokes, and Dick London of the NYSHC Board of Directors.

Resources used have included rulebooks, organizers' guides, insurance company requirements, the events guide of the American Medical Equestrian Association, and many years of veterinary support and horse sport organizational, emergency medical and safety experience. Suggestions for ways to make this pamphlet more useful for organizers will be welcomed.

Contact: Dru Malavase, 2270 County Road 39, Bloomfield, NY 14469
Telephone: 585 657-7053, Email drumalavase@hotmail.com