Tetraplegic trainer sues over horse trampling

Horse trainer and producer Deirdre Bourns, who was left tetraplegic after a horse knocked her down and trampled on her at a showjumping event, has brought a High Court action seeking more than €900,000 in damages.

The court heard that Mrs Bourns, who is in a wheelchair, was knocked down and trampled by an out-of-control four-year-old horse being warmed up before the event in September 2012 at Cavan Equestrian Centre.

The mother of showjumper Andrew Bourns, she was described in court as an “impressive lady” who has managed to get back to work despite her injuries.