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.

Her counsel told the court she was standing in the right place in an exercise arena watching a horse she had trained when she was knocked from behind and trampled by a horse called Miss Red which had “run out ” at a practice jump and was out of control.

Mrs Bourns, of Lisbeg Farms, Eyrecourt, Co Galway, has sued the Showjumping Association of Ireland trading as Showjumping Ireland of Osberstown, Naas, Co Kildare; Cavan Equestrian Centre Ltd, owner of Cavan Equestrian Centre, Latt, Co Cavan and horse rider Hayley Dunne, Old Graigue, Maynooth, Co Kildare.

Among the claims it is alleged there was a failure to exercise adequate supervision of shows and to ensure the presence of a safety steward at all times when a warm up arena is being used.

All the defendants deny the claims. The case continues.