The Nechako Valley Exhibition says it did no wrong, in a response to a lawsuit filed against the it for an incident at the 2015 fall fair which saw a spooked horse knock over a set of bleachers.
In the original claim, Susan Barrio says she has suffered health problems since being knocked unconscious while watching the light horse driving event.
But the Society says the horse’s owner, Serine Merino, had signed an “Acknowledgement of Risk and Release of Liability” document, releasing the fair of all liability.
The Exhibition also filed a notice against the horse owner claiming she is liable for any damages. The response states Ms. Forino failed to “properly or adequately” supervise, control and keep hold of the horse. It also claims Forino knew the horse had a history of erratic behaviour.
Forino has yet to file a response, and none of the allegations have been tested in court.