Four-star event rider Melissa Joannides literally walked away from a fall while cross-country schooling in April 2023 with just a sprained ankle. However, persistent pain and a total lack of improvement over the weeks that followed led to further investigation, revealing a significant fracture that had gone undiagnosed.
Initially diagnosed with a minor sprain, Melissa attempted to continue riding but found herself unable to bear weight on her foot. After sourcing help from the IJF thanks to her sister, a racehorse trainer, Melissa was able to undergo a private MRI scan. That’s when doctors discovered an 8mm fracture in her ankle joint and severe ligament damage, requiring immediate rehabilitation.
Melissa was referred to the Injured Jockeys Fund’s Oaksey House, where a specialist rehabilitation program was designed. With financial support from the British Eventing Support Trust, she received intensive physiotherapy and hydrotherapy that allowed her to rebuild strength while managing her competition yard.
Despite her initial lack of diagnoses, Melissa eventually made a full return to competition just 12 weeks after her accident. She went on to achieve multiple top ten placings, proving her resilience and determination.
“Without the British Eventing Support Trust, I wouldn’t have been able to afford the rehab needed to ride again.”