Story By: Georgina Jadikovska, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash

A German surgical nurse is suing her local horse riding school for gross negligence in giving lessons to beginners over the New Year after she was left crippled when her mare bolted after a firework was let off nearby.

Sandra D., 37, ended up in a wheelchair as a result of the horseriding accident in the German city of Munich on New Year’s Eve 2019.

The disabled woman is suing her local riding school for GBP 462,636 due to severe stress, pain and damage of motor skills caused by their alleged negligence.

The accident that left her disabled happened on New Year’s Eve 2019, when Sandra took a one-hour class at the English Garden riding school in Munich.

Due to loud fireworks outside, two horses and Sandra’s own Norwegian mare Coco, 11, bolted out of fear and the rider fell on the ground.

The Munich nurse managed to stand up despite the bad fall, but she passed out before the ambulance arrived.

Her lawyer Stefan Kursawe said: “She has never really been herself since the accident.

“It was gross negligence that riding lessons were given for beginners on New Year’s Eve. Horses have a well-developed fight-or-flight response.”

According to reports, the 16-year-old riding instructor at the time had not undergone any training.

The 37-year-old woman suffered a severe brain haemorrhage despite wearing a helmet and spent over three months in the same hospital she previously worked as a nurse.

Her father Hermann D., 63, told local media that his daughter’s condition requires an enormous amount of care.

During the trial, the riding school manager said: “I am shaken and I am so sorry from the bottom of my heart.”

However, she denied hearing any fireworks on the day of the accident but confirmed hearing gunshots in the area a few days before the accident.

The case continues.

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