Venue transfer sought in cowboy's suit over unsteady horse

Chaparral Energy is seeking greener pastures in a suit filed by Jesus Luis Rivera, who fell off his horse while trying to roundup a stray calf on the company's property.

As previously reported, on April 15 Rivera and his wife, Martina, filed suit against Chaparral Energy - the owner of the premises where the incident occurred - and the owner of the horse, George Bean, in
Jefferson County District Court.

On June 27 Chaparral filed a motion to transfer venue, arguing that the case should be transferred to Fayette County � the county where the incident took place.

The motion also states Fayette County is the location of the company's principal office.

According to the lawsuit, on July 19, 2009, a stray calf got loose on Chaparral Energy property. Rivera took off on Bean's horse to roundup the animal when he "became dislodged from the horse."

Rivera alleges Bean should have made sure he was capable of riding the horse beforehand and that Chaparral Energy also negligently failed to maintain its gates and fences.

Rivera is suing for his alleged past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain, impairment, disfigurement and lost wages, plus all court costs.

His wife is suing for loss of consortium.

Provost Umphrey attorney Paul Ferguson Jr. represents them.

Sugar Land attorney Randy Fairless of Johanson & Fairless represents Chaparral.

Judge Gary Sanderson, 6oth District Court, is assigned to the case.

Case No. B189-796