36-year-old professional rider dies in shock accident at equestrian event in Devon

May 26, 2024, 11:21 p.m. | Updated: May 26, 2024, 11:31 p.m.

Professional rider Georgie Campbell died at an equestrian event on Sunday.

Ms Campbell, 36, was immediately treated by medical staff after falling on a fence but could not be saved.

British Eventing said in a statement on Sunday: “It is with deepest regret that we announce that Georgie Campbell (GBR) was involved in a fatal accident while competing in the Bicton International Horse Trials in Devon, England on Sunday 26 May 2024.

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“After her fall at fence 5b, medical personnel were immediately on site, but unfortunately she could not be saved.

“The horse, Global Quest, was examined by veterinarians on site and brought back to the stable and is uninjured.

“To respect the family’s privacy at this extremely difficult and sad time, no further details will be released.”

A spokesman for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) said they were called to an incident near Budleigh Salterton at 3.05pm on Sunday.

A rescue aircraft, a double-crewed ambulance, an incident commander and a hazardous area response team were dispatched to the scene.

Campbell was initially a competitive rider at the highest level before turning to eventing.

She has represented Great Britain on numerous Nations Cup teams and competed in several five-star events, the highest recognized level of eventing.

In an interview with Equine America last year, she cited winning the 4* Long in 2022 at Ligniers on Global Quest as the highlight of her career.

Campbell married fellow rider Jesse Campbell, a member of New Zealand’s team for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, in December 2020.

Together, the two combined their personal and professional strengths and founded Team Campbell Eventing.

The Bicton International Horse Trials is a four-day event taking place from Thursday to Sunday.

Devon and Cornwall Police have been contacted for comment.