Tragedy struck the horseracing community on 26th May when the British event rider Georgie Campbell suffered a fatal fall.  Global Quest, Campbell’s horse, was competing at the Bicton International Horse Trials in Devon when the event happened. Georgie Campbell, a 6x champion and well-liked member of the horse world, parted ways with her husband, Jesse Campbell, a fellow professional rider.

The fall occurred while 36-year-old Campbell and her horse, Global Quest, were riding fence 5b. Campbell could not make it through and was declared dead at the scene despite receiving emergency medical assistance. After the sudden and devastating loss, winds shook the equestrian industry.

In a release, British Eventing, the governing body, confirmed, “It is with deepest regret that we announce that Georgie Campbell (GBR) suffered a fatal accident whilst competing at the Bicton International Horse Trials in Devon, England, on Sunday.” 

This tragic incident was profoundly sad, as Campbell was a passionate and celebrated horse rider. Both peers and fans respected and idolized her for her achievements and commitment to the game.

Campbell’s equestrian journey

Georgie Campbell started participating in equestrian activities at a tender age. Campbell displayed interest right away after being taught to ride by her mother Debbie, a former GB endurance rider. She was selected for the British junior squad when she was in her teens, and in 2009 she debuted as a five-star player.

Campbell participated in more than 200 competitions during her career and won six of them. In an interview with Equine America last year, she referred to her win with Global Quest in the 4* Long at Lignières as a “career highlight.” She was especially proud of this accomplishment.

She was awarded the award for the highest-placed rider under 25 in Gatcombe during the 2010 British Open. Her achievements in the sport were notable, and she played a major role in Great Britain’s international equestrian victory.

Georgie Campbell’s bonding with husband

Georgie Campbell’s husband, Jesse Campbell, had a significant influence on both her personal and professional life. In 2020, Georgie and Jesse Campbell married sharing their interest in equestrian activities. Jesse, who competed for New Zealand in the Olympics in Tokyo, has been Georgie’s reliable companion all through her career. Jesse Campbell’s involvement in equestrian activities began at a young age. Through the Pony Club, he cultivated his competitive aspirations, and at the age of fifteen, he was chosen for New Zealand’s senior talent group for eventing. He has worked with many thoroughbreds during the years, most notably turning ex-racehorses into accomplished eventers.

After receiving an invitation to train in the UK in 2009, and the following year, Jessie went to Sweden to receive instruction from the well-known duo Lisen and Pedar Frederickson. He has won 21 major New Zealand and international eventing crowns as well as numerous sports accolades owing to his hard work and talent. In 2011, Jesse set up his yard and developed his name after returning to the UK. He participated in the Nations Cup for New Zealand in 2013, and in 2014, he was a competitor at the Swedish International Eventing Grand Prix. 2015 saw a triumphant four-star debut at Luhmühlen.

Jesse manages Team Campbell, an equestrian organization situated near Lamberhurst, Kent. Their cooperation is both personal and professional because his career from a Pony Club enthusiast to a well-regarded event rider closely mirrored Georgie’s path in many respects.