Governor Donald Carcieri signed into law a bill designed to protect and inform Rhode Islanders who ride horses with equestrian instructors. The bill, introduced in the House by Representative Carol Mumford R-Scituate, mandates any person who holds themselves out to be an equestrian professional and taking compensation for lessons must be certified in first aid. It also mandates equestrian facilities to have on premises and on the trailer during events a fully operational first aid kit. The law now puts riding instructors and riding schools, as it relates to first aid certifications, at the same level mandated for all other coaches in all other sports.

This bill had hearings in House Education and Welfare, as well as Senate Commerce Housing and Municipal Government Committees. Present to testify at each of those hearings was 10-year-old Cristina Marsocci, a fourth-grader from St. Mary Academy Bay View. “I have been to barns and riding facilities that are not equipped for an emergency," she said. "It makes perfect sense to make riding instructors and horse barns practice good safety. This was a great experience to participate in my government and help make a law.”

Representative Mumford agreed that it was enlightening to see a youngster involved in the process. “Cristina’s presence and interest in making riding safer is something I and my colleagues admire about this little girl. This bill, in fact, brought many issues to light within Rhode Island’s equestrian laws. I have a feeling we may be seeing Cristina in these halls yet again. I am very proud to have been the sponsor of this legislation. I am hopeful it will help people decide where to participate in equestrian activities, based on the responsibility and certification in first aid, which is mandated in this law.”

Governor Carcieri commended Marsocci for her advocacy, and said her efforts would help to increase the safety of equestrian students across the state. "I'm very proud of Cristina's efforts to make riding lessons safer for students," Governor Carcieri said. "Cristina saw a problem and addressed it with Representative Mumford, who was able to get a solution approved by the General Assembly. This is a great example of democracy in action. As she gets older, I hope Cristina will remain active in the issues that affect her community."


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