Section 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.