Photo: Contributed

A novice rider is suing a rodeo company in Vernon over a bull named Slow Poke that he alleges failed to live up to its name and caused him serious injury.

Kyle Warman says he began beginner bull-riding lessons at Coyote Creek Rodeo in July 2013 and was bucked off by Slow Poke during his second class.

Warman alleges that the facility failed to train him before putting him on Slow Poke and claims he was told the bull was compatible with inexperienced riders.

A notice of civil claim in B.C. Supreme Court in Kamloops accuses Coyote Creek Rodeo and its two owners — Ted and Wade Marchand — of negligence resulting in serious injury.

Warman claims he has suffered physical and mental issues which include a concussion, cognitive injuries, anxiety, headaches, a broken wrist, an injured neck and depression.

The company has not filed a statement of defence and none of the allegations has been proven in court.

Warman is seeking damages and health-care costs.

“Contrary to representation, Slow Poke was violent,” his claim reads.