EDMONTON - A St. Albert, Alta., woman is suing the Calgary Stampede organization for $285,000 after alleging she was badly injured when a "bucking and rearing" horse caused her to fall.

According to a statement of claim filed in Edmonton's Court of Queen's Bench on Jan. 18, Eileen Hofmann was at the Calgary Stampede on July 13, 2011, and was watching a performance by the Calgary Fiddlers.

At the same time, a horse and its handler approached where Hofmann was standing and the horse, suddenly and without warning, began "bucking and rearing," causing Hofmann to fall to the ground.

As a result, Hofmann alleges she suffered significant injuries, including whiplash, pain, neck clicking, a fractured nose, a fractured left elbow and a frozen shoulder.

As well, the cake-decorating business owner claims she suffered visual problems, headaches, chronic insomnia and emotional trauma.

Hofmann also alleges she has lost income due to being unable to continue running her business.

Hofmann and her husband are also each seeking $25,000 in damages for allegations that her injuries have caused a substantial reduction in sex.

As well as Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Limited, the lawsuit names as defendants the Rocky Mountain House owners of the horse involved and its handler.

Hofmann alleges the defendants were negligent for failing to take adequate measures to make the Calgary Stampede fairgrounds safe and for exposing her to a risk of damage or injury from animals on the fairgrounds.

A statement of defence has not yet been filed.

Statements of claim and statements of defence contain allegations which have not been proven in court.