Danielle van Mierlo Fractures Fibula in Trailer Accident

Dressage

The Netherlands

Dutch Grand Prix rider Danielle van Mierlo injured herself in an accident while loading her Grand Prix horse Dayano on the trailer.

"I had just had a lesson at Patrick van der Meer's and it went wrong with the loading," Van Mierlo told Eurodressage.

The 31-year old Van Mierlo got stuck between the ramp and the wall of the trailer and fell.

"Dayano was still on the ramp and spooked. He reversed and I landed underneath him and he stepped on my leg," Danielle explained.

Fractured Fibula

She went to the hospital for medical care and was diagnosed with a fractured fibula.

"In the end it turned out I had a fractured fibula," said Van Mierlo. "I can't move my arm and my foot and ankle are painful, but fortunately there are no other fractured bones there, maybe a straight muscle and bruises."

Back in the Saddle after Baby

Eight weeks ago, Van Mierlo became a first time mum, giving birth to son Lukas.

She went back to riding a week after giving birth. Her coach Patrick van der Meer had been working Dayano for four weeks, so Danielle could take over.

"I was afraid I would need a cast of my entire leg for six weeks, at least that's what they predicted initially," Van Mierlo continued. "But after carefully looking at the X-rays and knowing that I have to take care of an 8-week old baby, there is no cast and I have to go back for a check-up in two weeks."

in 2019 Danielle had been competing her now 12-year old Dutch warmblood gelding Dayano (by Jazz x Kasparow) at international Grand level with season starts in Kronenberg, Geesteren, Falsterbo and Ermelo. Her last CDI was in August.