A minor's traumatic experience at a horseback riding school has led to a legal battle over alleged negligence and personal injuries. On April 1, 2025, Ella Park, represented by her guardian ad litem Lucia Park, filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California for Ventura County against Foxfield Riding School, Inc., and several unnamed defendants. The lawsuit claims that the defendants' negligence during a horseback riding lesson resulted in severe injuries to the young plaintiff.
The incident occurred on July 28, 2022, at Foxfield Riding School in Westlake Village, California. According to the complaint, Ella Park was participating in a riding lesson when an employee of the school improperly saddled a horse named "Top Cop." The saddle was not securely fastened, leading to it slipping during the lesson. Despite visible distress and difficulty maintaining balance, no assistance was provided to Ella by the school's staff. Consequently, she fell from the horse and suffered a serious fracture to her right humerus among other injuries. The lawsuit alleges that this mishap was due to gross negligence on part of Foxfield Riding School and its employees.
Lucia Park was appointed as Ella's guardian ad litem prior to filing this action. The complaint details multiple failures by Foxfield Riding School: failing to properly secure the saddle, neglecting routine safety checks after mounting, and not intervening when danger became apparent. These actions are described as reckless disregard for safety protocols expected when supervising minors in such activities. The plaintiffs argue that these were not inherent risks associated with horseback riding but rather preventable human errors.
In seeking justice for Ella's injuries and suffering, the plaintiffs demand several forms of relief from the court. They request general damages within the jurisdictional limits of the court along with compensation for medical expenses incurred due to Ella's injuries. Additionally, they seek damages for lost earning capacity resulting from her injuries and prejudgment interest on these amounts as permitted by law.
The case is being handled by Barry Novack from The Law Offices of Barry Novack located in Beverly Hills. No specific attorneys or representatives have been listed for Foxfield Riding School or any other defendants involved in this matter yet. This case is registered under Case No. 2025 CL PPO41525 with Ventura County Superior Court.