Equestrian sport certainly isn’t without its rough patches and we saw a glimpse of it this year. Just two months ago, the promising young rider Georgie Campbell, 37, who had made a name for herself in over 200 events, including the prestigious Badminton and Burghley, encountered a tragic setback. At the Bicton International Horse Trials in May, while navigating the cross-country course on her horse, Global Quest, Georgie took a fall at the fence. And that turned the atmosphere there from cheers to fears and then to tears.

Fate was not on Georgie Campbell’s side this time. Despite the full medical team pulling out all the stops – an air ambulance, a double-crewed land ambulance, an operations officer, and a hazardous area response team racing to the scene, she tragically passed away on May 26th. Though the medical staff did their utmost, the outcome was heart-wrenching. But her horse was given the all-clear by on-site vets and was returned to the stables without a scratch.

Georgie Campbell’s journey from a top-level showing rider to a distinguished eventer was nothing short of a fairytale. Proudly representing Great Britain on Nations Cup teams, Campbell carved out her niche at several five-star events, clinching victories on six occasions, including the prestigious Badminton and Burghley.

Her equestrian roots ran deep; taught to ride by her mother Debbie. Georgie was in the saddle from the age of two. Initially making waves as a top-level showing rider, she switched gears to eventing, making her five-star debut in 2009 and swiftly rising through the ranks. By her teens, she was already a rising star, shortlisted for the British junior team, and in 2010, she bagged the prize for the highest-placed rider under 25 at the British Open at Gatcombe.

Though her life was tragically cut short, Georgie Campbell’s legacy continues to gallop forward. Her husband, Jesse Campbell, who represented New Zealand at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, remains dedicated to keeping her memory alive. Jesse’s ongoing efforts ensure that Georgie’s achievements and contributions to the sport are far from forgotten, proving that her impact remains as enduring as a well-loved horse.

In loving memory – Jesse Campbell celebrates Georgie Campbell as the sunshine of his life

By the end of 2020, Georgie Campbell and Jesse Campbell, who was a member of the New Zealand team for the equestrian Tokyo Olympics in 2021, tied the knot. Their union was a mix of personal and professional lives, creating a Team Campbell Eventing partnership – that truly was a match made in heaven. But following the tragic accident, Jesse Campbell paid a deeply moving tribute to his late wife.

He described her as “a strong, beautiful, phenomenal woman who just loved everything and everyone.” After she passed away in May, he shared a cherished photo from their wedding day in 2020, which he called his “favorite photo of my beautiful wife,” he reflected on her beautiful smile that could light up any room. “People will talk about G’s smile, and it was incredible – it would make you feel like you were the center of the universe. But what I love about this photo is how it captures her strength,” he said.

Jesse Campbell acknowledged that the rollercoaster of equestrian life was made infinitely brighter by Georgie’s ability to find the silver lining in every storm. Whether she was relishing a simple Greggs tea on the way home from the gallops, teaching a client in a downpour, or soaring over the world’s toughest courses, Georgie had an uncanny knack for turning challenges into triumphs. Her endless joy and energy made even the simplest moments feel like a celebration. Jesse often said Georgie’s lively spirit turned every day into an exciting adventure. He urged everyone to live life fully, with lots of laughter and love- a perfect example of how Georgie found happiness in everything.