Talented British rider Georgie Campbell dies after bizarre accident during horse show

A talented British rider has died in a bizarre accident during an equestrian event.

Medical personnel rushed to rescue Georgie Campbell after she fell on a fence, but unfortunately she could not be saved.

The 36-year-old took part in a competition yesterday (26 May) with her horse Global Quest in Devon, Great Britain.

Georgie was initially a top level competitive rider before turning to eventing. She represented Great Britain on numerous Nations Cup teams and competed in many five-star events, the highest recognised level of eventing.

Georgie Campbell died on Sunday. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

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

Georgie had competed in over 200 competitions during her career, including the five-star Badminton and Burghley competitions, and won six times.

The governing body of Bicton’s international horse shows, British Eventing, announced in a statement yesterday: “It is with deep regret that we have to 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.

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

Georgie recently had a bizarre accident at a horse riding event. (Instagram/@mrsgeorgiecampbell)

“The horse, Global Quest, was examined by on-site veterinarians 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 released.”

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust arrived at the scene with an air ambulance, a double-crewed ambulance, an incident commander and a hazardous area response team.

A spokesman said they were called to an incident near Budleigh Salterton at 3.05pm yesterday.

The event, which was scheduled to end with a cross-country phase on Sunday, was cancelled.

She had represented Great Britain. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

In December 2020, Georgie married fellow rider Jesse Campbell – a member of the New Zealand team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. And together they founded Team Campbell Eventing.

People have been leaving messages of condolence on Georgie’s Instagram account, with one writing: “Rest in peace Georgie, a remarkable rider with so much passion for the sport. She will be missed.”

And another said: “Rest in peace Georgie – you are sorely missed by a huge community.”

LADbible has contacted Devon and Cornwall Police for comment.

Photo credit: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images / Instagram/@mrsgeorgiecampbell

Topics: UK News, Sport