Nicole Jooste is a South African event rider who is based in Dorset and works part-time as a Civil Servant alongside running her own small equestrian business. Competing at Novice level with her talented Irish horse, Nicole has her sights set on stepping up to Intermediate and working hard to gain the experience and hone the skills she needs to reach the top level of our sport.
In February 2025, while schooling a young horse, Nicole took a seemingly minor fall and landed on her feet – only to hear the sickening sound of breaking bone. X-rays later confirmed a Weber C ankle fracture involving both tibia and fibula, with significant ligament damage, requiring surgery and months of rehabilitation.
The injury left Nicole devastated, with her carefully prepared competition plans derailed. Unable to ride or manage her business fully, she knew she would need physical and emotional support to navigate the months ahead.
Because she had British Eventing competing membership, Nicole was able to reach out to the British Eventing Support Trust for help. Jane Rudd guided her through the simple application process and the board swiftly approved her request for help.
Counselling sessions through Sporting Chance helped Nicole manage the mental strain of her injury and time away from the sport. After her surgery, we also arranged for her to access physiotherapy with Faye at Injury Armour, an IJF satellite clinic located close to home. The board funded the number of sessions needed and provided an intensive home programme to aid her recovery.
Thanks to our support, Nicole made an excellent recovery. Exactly four months after her injury, she returned to competition with a double clear at West Wilts Novice, reigniting her goal to step up to Intermediate this season.
Nicole remains hugely grateful for the physical and emotional support she received:
“The months of hard work, support, guidance and positivity from the entire team around me culminated in getting me back to where I was and performing optimally. I am more determined than ever to be the best horsewoman I can.”