When everything goes as planned in the Nordic sport of skijoring, a horse with a rider runs down a track, tugging a skier over obstacles and jumps.
But on Feb. 18, 2017, modern technology collided with the popular Colorado mountain past time, as the buzzing of a drone spooked a horse during a skijoring event in Silverton, causing it to trample and injure three spectators, according to a new lawsuit.
The lawsuit, , was filed by Durango attorneys James McDonough, Christopher Cowan and Margaret Foley in La Plata County District Court on Feb. 6.
Christina and Glen Hood and Sandra and James Petta sued every person they believe was responsible for the injuries suffered by three of them, including Fastforward Media, Silverton Skijoring, Matthew Crossett and Skijoring America.
They are seeking unspecified monetary damages for losses that include pain, mental anguish, medical expenses, physical impairment and disfigurement, the lawsuit says.
The lawsuit claims that Crossett, of North Hollywood, Calif., was flying a drone too close to a horse at the starting gate and the buzzing noise and sudden overhead movement spooked the animal, leading it to run into spectators Tina Hood and the Pettas.
The other defendants sponsored the event and were responsible for ensuring the safety of spectators, and failed to stop Crossett from flying too close to the horses, the lawsuit says.
