§ 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 eighteen 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 two hundred fifty dollars for each such violation.