Florida horse rider helmet law signed by Gov.

Nicole Hornstein was riding a horse when the animal stumbled and fell, tossing her, and her head slammed into the pavement. The 12-year-old girl, who wasn't wearing a helmet, died in 2006 after 20 days in a coma. But her death was not in vain, her father and state legislators said Monday, moments before Gov. Charlie Crist signed a safety bill into "Nicole's Law." About 80 people attended the signing at The Acreage's Hamlin Equestrian Park, adjacent to an equestrian ring. The signing comes three years after Nicole's accident. Her father, Gary, traveled regularly to Tallahassee to push for the law. As legislators pondered the bill, two other children were injured in horse-related accidents. Similar to the youth-helmet law for riding bicycles, Nicole's Law requires horseback riders 16 and younger to wear a helmet when riding on public roads and rights of way and while taking riding lessons. Rodeos, parades and private property are exempt...SunSentinel