The Nechako Valley Exhibition is denying responsibility for the injuries a woman suffered when a runaway horse pulling a cart ran into a bleacher last August.
In a response filed this week in B.C. Supreme Court in Prince George to a lawsuit filed in May by Susan Barrio, the NVE says in part that the horse's driver, Serine Forino, had signed a document releasing NVE from all liability.
The NVE has also filed a third party notice against Forino claiming she is liable for any damages awarded.
Forino and her horse was entered in the light horse driving event at the annual fair, held in Vanderhoof, when the incident allegedly happened.
In her statement of claim, Barrio said she was knocked off the bleacher and fell about five feet, knocking her unconscious.
She was given a serious concussion, leaving her with vision problems, headaches and an injury to her right hip, according to the claim. Along with hospitalization, she has needed numerous visits to physicians, occupational therapy assessments and medication as a result.
Barrio is suing for loss of income, treatment-related costs and for damages related to loss of mobility and pain and discomfort. No dollar figure is given.
Barrio lives in Prince George and Forino lives just outside the city.
Forino has not yet filed a response and the allegations have not yet been tested in court.
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