That is so sad about Nicole :( This is a good idea, it should be like this everywhere. I must admit... I do every now and then jump bareback on my horse without a helmet, but I know it's not a good idea and would only dare on my mare.
I agree its a great idea to wear a helment, but to make law is ridiculous. Before you know you'll only be able to ride certain days, certain tmes, certain amounts of time or some other ridiculous restriction. What ever happened to using your good ol' common sense and just learn from your mistakes?
Bravo!! Now, if all states could just require EVERYONE to wear helmets, riding would become so much safer!
Why not make a law saying you have to wear pants and boots to ride in public? SO SICK OF SEEING STUPID PEOPLE PUT LITTLE CHILDREN ON 17 HH HORSES IN FLIP FLOPS AND SHORTS AND SAY THEY'RE SAFE BECAUSE THEY'RE WEARING A HELMET...