The husband of British star rider Georgie Campbell, who died after a fall at a cross-country event in Devon, will make an emotional return to competition two weeks after her funeral.
Campbell, 37, died after falling from a fence at the Bicton International Horse Trials in May.
She was married to equestrian Jesse Campbell, a member of the New Zealand team for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
The duo joined their personal and professional strengths and founded Team Campbell Eventing.
Jesse confirmed on Instagram on Monday that he will be making his comeback at the Upton House Horse Trials in Banbury.
Jesse Campbell, right, confirmed he will return to competition two weeks after the funeral of his wife Georgie, left.
Georgie Campbell tragically passed away after a fall while competing with Global Quest at the Bicton Horse Trials in May
Jesse Campbell thanked the people for their support and said he will be launching his first event since Georgie’s death with his “wife in my heart”
He thanked for the messages of support he had received since Mrs Campbell’s death. He returned to Kent two weeks after her funeral on 25 June.
“Two weeks ago I laid my beautiful wife to rest. It has definitely been a tough few weeks accepting that the goodbye is final,” he wrote on Instagram.
‘Besides all the wonderful messages, cards and expressions of support, being with my horses has helped me immensely to get through this time.
‘They are incredible animals: friendly, generous and they can handle it very well when I sometimes have to cry a lot!’
‘Tomorrow at Upton is my first event since Bicton. Yes, it will feel strange not being there with George, but galloping through the countryside on the back of a horse is where I am happiest and I can’t wait to leave the start box tomorrow with my wife in my heart.’
Mr Campbell has won a total of 21 major New Zealand and international eventing titles and sporting awards.
He was aiming for a place on the New Zealand team for the Olympic Games in Paris this summer, which would be his second Games after Tokyo.
Mr Campbell was last week not selected for the New Zealand equestrian team for the Games, reportedly withdrawing after the tragic death of his wife.
Georgie Campbell (left) was married to fellow rider Jesse Campbell (right) for four years before her death
The equestrian couple were photographed on their wedding day in 2021
Ms Campbell has represented Great Britain on several Nations Cup teams and appeared at several five-star events, the highest recognised level of eventing
Following the death of Georgie Campbell in May, Jesse shared a photo of his wife on social media with the caption: ‘I love you so much.’
He added: ‘This is my favourite photo of my beautiful wife. It’s from our wedding day in 2021 and it was the best day ever. People will talk about G’s smile, which was incredible – it made you feel like you were the centre of the universe.
“But what I love about this photo is how it captures her strength. She was a strong, beautiful, phenomenal woman who just loved everything and everyone.
‘Working in equestrian sports is not an easy life; there are many setbacks and dark days. But G would overcome this by throwing so much joy and love into every situation.
‘She got just as much joy out of drinking a Greggs tea on the way home from a gallop as she did teaching a client in the pouring rain or jumping and galloping around the biggest courses in the world. It was just incredible to be by your side and feel that energy.
“I am so proud to be your husband. Rest in peace, my beautiful girl.”
Mrs Campbell was initially a top rider before turning to eventing.
She has represented Great Britain on several Nations Cup teams and competed in several five-star events, the highest recognised level in eventing.
In an interview with Equine America last year, she called winning the 2022 4* Long in Ligniers at Global Quest a career highlight.
Mr Campbell said of his wife in a tribute message in May: ‘I am so proud to be your husband’
Jesse Campbell competed at the Tokyo Olympics but will not represent New Zealand at the upcoming Games in Paris
On Sunday, Mrs Campbell and her horse, Global Quest, competed in the CCI4*-S event on the cross-country course but unfortunately fell into the water at an obstacle.
Medical professionals immediately arrived on the scene, but Mrs. Campbell died at the scene.
She has competed in over 200 events and won six times. In 2020 she married fellow eventing rider Mr Campbell.
Mr Campbell is said to have developed competitive ambitions through Pony Club. At the age of 15 he was selected for the New Zealand senior talent team.
Over the years he has worked with numerous thoroughbreds and has trained several former racehorses into advanced eventing riders.
In 2009 he was invited to train in the UK and the following year he travelled to Sweden to train under the renowned duo of Lisen and Pedar Frederickson.
After returning to the UK in 2011, Mr Campbell started his own shipyard.
Mr Campbell was a member of the New Zealand Nations Cup team in 2013 and competed in the Swedish International Eventing Grand Prix in 2014.
In 2015, a successful four-star debut followed with Luhmuhlen.