New Helmet Rule at Florida Equestrian Center

A South Florida equestrian center where a competitor suffered a fatal fall now requires helmets for anyone on horseback.

The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center began enforcing the helmet rule Monday. It means grooms and people exercising horses, along with competitive riders, must wear protective helmets at all times, even in awards ceremonies.

The Palm Beach Post reports that the helmets must meet American Society for Testing and Materials testing and carry a tag from the Safety Equipment Institute.

The rule takes effect about a month after the death of equestrian Donald Little. Little was wearing a helmet when he fell during the Masters Classic at the Winter Equestrian Festival. He died three days later.

State law already requires helmets on public property for riders younger than 16.