The equestrian 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 from a log into the water at fence 5b, known as Symonds & Sampson Splash.
Medical professionals immediately responded to the scene, but Campbell tragically passed away.
After the devastating news was announced, several sports figures and many friends paid tribute to Campbell.
One person shared a heartfelt tribute that read: ‘We all miss you so much angel. #restinpeace #sosorryforyourloss #loveyourself #rideforgeorgie. I am so sorry for the loss of Campbell.
The equestrian world has paid tribute to Georgie Campbell (left, with partner Jesse) after her tragic death following a fall at the Bicton International Horse Trials in Devon on Sunday.
Campbell had suffered a fall while competing with Global Quest at the Bicton Horse Trials.
Campbell and Global Quest were participating in the CCI4*-S test when the accident occurred.
Another added: “We all know the risks we take when riding horses but when something like this happens it still shocks us all.” It can happen to all of us. RIP @mrsgeorgiecampbell. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all connections at this devastating time.”
Other figures from the equestrian world also shared heartfelt messages in honor of the 37-year-old, including one that read: ‘@mrsgeorgiecampbell you were my mentor, my friend, my coach, the one who kicked my butt to get it. my act together and ride.
“It was with great sadness that I received the dreaded phone call informing me that he had been taken from us so that his legacy would soon live on.”
Another heartbroken person posted a photo of Campbell accompanied by the message: “Devastated to learn that Georgie Campbell passed away today in a tragic horse riding accident.”
“Rest in peace Georgie, you were an inspiration to many cyclists.”
Other Campbell fans took the time to pay their respects as a touching tribute read: ‘RIP Georgie. You will be greatly missed in the equestrian and event world and I send much love to your family, friends and horses.
In 2020, Georgie married Jesse Campbell, who had represented New Zealand at the Olympics.
Several people from across the equestrian world paid tribute to Campbell following his death.
Meanwhile, some took the time to comment on Campbell’s most recent Instagram post, which came 14 weeks ago.
“Rest assured Georgie, you will be sorely missed,” read one supportive post, while another read: “Rip Georgie, you were an amazing woman and rider my love Xx, my thoughts are with your family and friends.”
Another touching tribute read: ‘RIP Georgie, an extraordinary cyclist with such a passion for the sport. We’ll miss you.’
Others joined in to express their condolences, highlighting how well-regarded and popular Campbell was.
Another post read: ‘Rip Georgie. You are so loved by so many that you will be missed,” as an additional post reads: “Rest easy Georgie – you are sorely missed by a huge community. Forever in all of our hearts.’
During his career, Campbell competed in over 200 events, winning on six occasions, including the Badminton and Burghley five-star events. In 2020, she married cyclist Jesse Campbell, who had previously represented New Zealand at the Tokyo Olympics.
While Jesse has yet to issue a public statement following his wife’s death, the Olympian previously paid tribute to their bond following his selection for the New Zealand Olympic team in 2021.
“The list of people who have helped and supported me to get to this stage is endless, but I would especially like to mention the following,” Jesse captioned an Instagram post at the time.
Several other supportive posts praised the impact the much-loved rider had on the riding world.
Jesse (right) had previously hailed Georgie, who was just 37, as a “supportive wife”.
‘My beautiful wife, Georgie, who is constantly by my side, supporting me at all times. She helps me up when I’m in a bad mood, but she also quickly puts me back in my box when I get ahead of myself.’
A statement from Bicton International Horse Trials on Sunday read: “It is with deep 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 26 May 2024.
‘Medical professionals attended immediately following her fall on fence 5b, however, unfortunately, they were unable to save her.
‘The horse, Global Quest, was assessed by local vets and returned to the stable and is 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 at the Bicton Arena in Devon between Thursday 23rd and Sunday 26th May.
A statement was issued on Sunday announcing that Campbell and Global Quest had fallen on course and that there would be a delay of approximately one hour.
The CCI4*-S event was subsequently abandoned following the news that Campbell had suffered a fatal fall.
Campbell, originally from Kent, was shortlisted for the British youth team before making her five-star debut in 2009. She had also made several Nations Cup appearances for Team GB.
During his career, Campbell competed in more than 200 events, winning six times.
Campbell, originally from Kent and taught to ride horses by her mother when she was 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 for Team GB throughout his career.
He was just two years old when his mother Debbie, a former British endurance cyclist, taught him to ride in Kent.
In early May, Campbell and Global Quest finished third in the CCI3*-S at the Osberton International Horse Trials.
Global Quest is an 11-year-old horse that has competed with Campbell for several years. The horse had moved up to four-star level in 2022, and the pair won the CCI4*-L at Lignières, France, the same year.
Georgie had competed in five stars with other horses, completing Badminton Horse Trials and Burghley Horse Trials.
