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July 9: Helmet law protects kids
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By Kathie Colgrove
For the Record |
Wednesday, July 8, 2009 4:47 PM EDT |
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| Kevin Hemming sits tall in the saddle atop his pony, Rusty, at his Callahan home June 25. The 11-year-old wears a helmet to protect his head when he rides, and is in compliance with a new state law. Photo by Kathie Colgrove
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Some cowboys wear Stetsons when they ride, but Kevin Hemming straps on a helmet.
Heeding the advice of his mother, Monica Hemming, the 11-year-old switched from wearing his cowboy hat to a wearing a helmet for safety reasons.
"I've started to wear a helmet," he said. "I like to make sure everything is on right and properly."
Kevin began riding about a year ago, when his parents gave him a pony that he named Rusty.
"Mom got me interested," he said. "I like everything about it. You can enjoy your horse."
Rusty was previously used for children's pony rides, so the pony is learning how to walk freely in the pasture without the rote guidance of a pony corral.
"He's not trained, so we're taking it step-by-step," Kevin said.
The young boy loves being around horses. He mucks stalls, grooms and feeds the pony, a mini-horse and two Tennessee Walking horses at the family's Callahan home.
Though Kevin started wearing the helmet about four months ago, he is now in compliance with a new state law requiring children under 16 years of age to wear helmets when riding horses on public roads.
Gov. Charlie Crist signed House Bill 169, also known as "Nicole's Law," into effect June 1. The bill was named after Nicole Hornstein, a 12-year-old, from Palm Beach County who died in 2006 after she fell from a horse and hit her head. She was not wearing a helmet. Under the new law, any person who allows a child to ride a horse without a helmet can be fined $500, according to information from Crist's office.
About four months ago, Monica read a story about a woman who suffered a brain injury after falling from a horse. Though she was seriously injured, wearing a helmet saved her life.
After reading the article, Monica went online and purchased a helmet for her son.
"I ordered it, like, the same day," she said. "A head injury can be permanent damage. I recommend it now to all of my friends' kids who ride."
Horse riding helmets look similar to bike helmets and cost about $75.
They come in small, medium or large sizes and are equipped with adjustable straps at the chin and neck, allowing for a child's growth. The helmets can last a couple of years for most kids. They are available online and in equestrian supply and sporting goods stores.
Monica said the extra expense of purchasing a helmet is worth it. She advises other parents to do the same.
"A lot of people won't want to get a helmet because horses are expensive," she said.
She added that if the law is going to be enforced, the state should help with the cost.
"(They could) issue a voucher to help reduce the cost," Monica said.
Meanwhile, Kevin is enjoying his summer break from school by learning to become a horseman.
He also offered a few words of advice for kids who want to take up horseback riding.
"Don't act wild and crazy around horses," he said. "If you come up to a horse, make sure they know you're there. You can clap your hands, (or) you can speak (to them)."
kcolgrove@nassaucountyrecord.com
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