Irish woman Lorraine Learmont has filed a lawsuit against Wyoming’s Triangle C Ranch after a lead wrangler mistakenly sprayed her horse with bear spray instead of water during a guided ride in July 2024. The horse reacted violently, bucking and falling backward with Learmont still mounted, resulting in a crushed foot and a severely injured ankle. Learmont underwent surgery and extensive rehabilitation, suffering lasting mobility issues and over $75,000 in damages. The ranch owner reportedly banned bear spray on rides following the incident.

Triangle C Ranch denies any wrongdoing, citing Learmont’s signed risk acknowledgment and Wyoming’s Recreational Safety Act, which holds participants responsible for inherent risks unless negligence is proven. The ranch also disputes claims about how the bear spray was carried and asserts Learmont was an experienced rider. The case hinges on whether the ranch’s actions constituted negligence, with the ranch arguing Learmont is not entitled to damages.