An Irish woman is suing a Wyoming ranch, claiming her foot was 'irreversibly' shattered after a wrangler sprayed the horse she was riding with bear spray.
Lorraine Learmont filed the lawsuit against Triangle C Ranch in U.S. District Court on March 26 through her attorney, Rachel Berkness.
A copy of the complaint obtained by DailyMail.com claimed that Learmont, a self-described 'intermediate rider,' and her beginner-level husband went on a guided horseback riding excursion at the dude ranch in Dubois on July 16, 2024.
While on the trail, the lawsuit alleged that the lead wrangler carried bear spray beside her water bottle, which she frequently drank from throughout the ride.
The wrangler warned the group that horses could become agitated from walking in close proximity, according to the filing.
'Learmont's horse spooked after two horses behind her had an altercation due to close contact,' the document said.
'However, Ms. Learmont was able to quickly bring her horse back under control using her seat and hand aids.'
After the group stopped to take photographs, the lead wrangler allegedly reached into her bag for water while the horses walked, sparking the painful disaster.
'Rather than grab her water bottle, the lead wrangler engaged the bear spray into the eyes of Ms. Learmont’s horse,' said the lawsuit.
The spray caused Learmont’s horse to jerk sharply and fall with the Irish tourist still on its back.
'Ms. Learmont’s horse bucked wildly, shaking its head due to the effect of the spray. It then fell backward with Ms. Learmont,' the document said.
'The horse crushed Ms. Learmont’s foot during the ordeal, causing permanent and irreparable crush injuries to her ankle.'
While the staff rushed the couple to safety, the lawsuit alleged the lead wrangler apologized and claimed the horse would not have bucked her if it had not been in pain from the spray.
'At the hospital, Ms. Learmont learned that she had suffered a broken ankle and was placed in a boot to immobilize her foot,' the filing said.
After returning to Ireland, the tourist said she immediately went to the hospital and was forced to stay for nearly a month.
'Once she arrived at Beaumont Hospital in Ireland, Ms. Learmont was immediately admitted for surgery for the injuries to her ankle,' the lawsuit said.
Learmont filed the lawsuit against Triangle C Ranch (pictured) in U.S. District Court on March 26 for the July 16 incident
'It was determined that Ms.Learmont suffered a blunt force crushing injury to her ankle, destroying her cartilage and rendering it unrecoverable.'
'Ms. Learmont was admitted to the hospital on July 22, 2024, and ended up spending a total of 28 days in the hospital and rehabilitation facility. Ms. Learmont continues to suffer with limited mobility.'
A Facebook profile for Learmont, identified by Cowboy State Daily, showed the Irish tourist posted a photo of herself on a horse on August 3, 2024.
One commenter said, 'Fair play Lorainne, hope the leg is doing well and that you are having a wonderful holiday.'
Learmont's lawsuit seeks over $75,000 in damages and is accusing Triangle C Ranch of violating the Wyoming Recreation Safety Act, committing negligence and asserting vicarious liability.
DailyMail.com contacted Triangle C Ranch for comment.