Horse riding world is stunned by British rider Georgie Campbell’s death at 37 after falling in a cross-country race, as friends pay tribute to ‘mentor, queen and supportive wife’
The horse world has paid tribute to Georgie Campbell after the British rider tragically died following a fall at the Bicton International Horse Trials in Devon on Sunday.
Campbell and Global Quest were competing in the CCI4*-S event when the accident occurred on the cross-country course. They fell near a log in the water at gate 5b, known as the Symonds & Sampson Splash.
Medical professionals responded immediately, but Campbell tragically died.
After the devastating news was announced, several figures from the sport and many friends paid tribute to Campbell.
One person shared a heartfelt tribute, writing: ‘We all miss you so much, angel. #restinpeace #sosorryforyourloss #loveyourself #rideforgeorgie. I am so sorry for the loss of the Campbell.β
The horse world has paid tribute to Georgie Campbell (left, with partner Jesse) after she tragically died following a fall at the Bicton International Horse Trials in Devon on Sunday
Campbell had fallen while competing with Global Quest at the Bicton Horse Trials
Campbell and Global Quest were racing in the CCI4*-S event when the accident occurred
In 2020, Georgie married Jesse Campbell, who had represented New Zealand at the Olympics
Several people from around the riding world paid tribute to Campbell after her death
Another added: ‘We all know the risks we take when we get on a horse, but when something like this happens we are still shocked. Can happen to the best of us. RIP @mrsgeorgiecampbell. Thoughts and prayers go out to all connections as this devastating time.β
Other figures from the riding world also shared heartfelt messages in tribute to the 37-year-old, including one that said: ‘@mrsgeorgiecampbell you were my mentor, my friend, my coach, the one who bumped into me to get my act together and to ride.
βIt was with great sadness that I received the dreaded call that you were taken from us far too soon, may your legacy live on.β
Another heartbroken person posted a photo of Campbell, accompanied by the message: ‘Devastated to hear that Georgie Campbell passed away today in a tragic driving accident.
‘Rest in peace Georgie, you were an inspiration to many riders.’
Other Campbell fans took time to pay their respects as a touching tribute read: ‘RIP Georgie. You will be greatly missed in the eventing and equestrian world and I send lots of love to your family, friends and horses.β
Meanwhile, some took the time to comment on Campbell’s most recent Instagram post, which appeared fourteen weeks ago.
“Rest in peace Georgie – you will be greatly missed,” read one supportive message, while another said: “Rip Georgie, you were an incredible woman and rider, my love Xx my thoughts are with your family and friends.”
Several other supportive posts praised the impact the beloved rider had on the riding world
Jesse (right) had previously praised Georgie, who was just 37 years old, as a ‘supportive woman’
Another heartwarming tribute read: ‘RIP Georgie, a remarkable rider with so much passion for the sport. She will be missed.β
Others joined in to offer their condolences, highlighting how highly regarded and popular Campbell was.
Another message said: ‘Rip Georgie. You are loved by so many, you will be missed,β an additional message read: βRest in peace Georgie β greatly missed by a huge community. Forever in all our hearts.’
During her career, Campbell competed in more than 200 events, winning six times, including the five-star Badminton and Burghley events. In 2020, she married event rider Jesse Campbell, who previously represented New Zealand at the Tokyo Olympics.
A statement from Bicton International Horse Trials on Sunday said: ‘It is with great regret that we have to announce that Georgie Campbell (GBR) has suffered a fatal accident whilst competing at the Bicton International Horse Trials in Devon, England on Sunday 26 May 2024.
‘Medical professionals attended immediately after her fall at gate 5b, but unfortunately she could not be saved.
‘The horse, Global Quest, was assessed by the vets on site and walked back to the stable unharmed.
“To respect the family’s privacy at this extremely difficult and sad time, no further details will be shared.”
The Bicton Horse Trials took place from Thursday 23 May to Sunday 26 May at the Bicton Arena in Devon.
Earlier on Sunday, a statement was released announcing that Campbell and Global Quest had fallen on the course and that there would be a delay of about an hour.
The CCI4*-S event was subsequently halted following news that Campbell had suffered a fatal fall.
Campbell, who is originally from Kent, was shortlisted for the British junior team before making her five-star debut in 2009. She had also made several Nations Cup appearances with Team GB.
During her career, Campbell competed in more than 200 events and won six times
Campbell, who is originally from Kent and learned to ride from her mother at the age of two, was shortlisted for the British junior team before making her five-star debut in 2009.
Campbell (right) had also made several Nations Cup appearances with Team GB during her career
She was just two years old when she was taught to ride by her mother Debbie, a former GB endurance rider, in Kent.
Earlier in May, Campbell and Global Quest had finished third in the CCI3*-S at the Osberton International Horse Trials.
Global Quest is an 11-year-old horse that has been under Campbell for several years. The horse had moved up to four-star level in 2022, with the pair winning the CCI4*-L at Lignieres in France that same year.
Georgie had achieved five-star status with other horses, completing both the Badminton Horse Trials and the Burghley Horse Trials.