British horse riding star Georgie Campbell, 37, dies after suffering fall at Bicton Horse Trials

British horse riding star Georgie Campbell has died aged 37 after suffering a fall at the Bicton International Horse Trials in Devon tonight.

Campbell and Global Quest were competing in the CCI4*-S event when the accident took place on the cross-country course. They fell at a log into the water at fence 5b, known as the Symonds & Sampson Splash. 

Medical professionals had immediately attended the scene, but Campbell tragically passed away. 

During her career, Campbell competed in more than 200 events, winning on six occasions, including five-star events Badminton and Burghley. In 2020, she married event rider Jesse Campbell, who had previously represented New Zealand at the Tokyo Olympics. 

A statement from Bicton International Horse Trials read: ‘It is with deepest 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. 

Campbell had suffered a fall while competing with Global Quest at the Bicton Horse Trials

Campbell had competed in more than 200 events, winning on six occasions including five-star events Badminton and Burghley

‘Medical professionals attended immediately following her fall at fence 5b however, unfortunately, she could not be saved.

‘The horse, Global Quest, was assessed by the on-site vets and walked 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 shared.’

The Bicton Horse Trials took place at the Bicton Arena in Devon between Thursday, May 23 and Sunday, May 26. 

A statement was released earlier today announcing that Campbell and Global Quest had fallen on the 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. 

Georgie had competed at five-star on other horses, completing both Badminton Horse Trials and Burghley Horse Trials

Campbell, who originally hails from Kent, was shortlisted for the British Junior Team before going on to make her five-star debut in 2009

Georgie Campbell with Global Quest during the first horse inspection at the Boekelo Horse Trials CCIO 4*-NC-L on October 4, 2023

Campbell, who originally hails from Kent, was shortlisted for the British Junior Team before going on to make her five-star debut in 2009. She had also made several Nations Cup appearances with Team GB. 

She was only 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 Osberton International Horse Trials. 

Global Quest is an 11-year-old horse who has competed with Campbell for several years. The horse had moved to four-star level in 2022, with the pair winning the CCI4*-L at Lignieres in France the same year. 

Georgie had competed at five-star on other horses, completing both Badminton Horse Trials and Burghley Horse Trials. 

Tributes to the rider poured in on social media, reading ‘Rest easy Georgie, you’ll be greatly missed’. 

Another read: ‘Rest in peace one of the best riders.’ 

One touching tribute read: ‘RIP Georgie, a remarkable rider with so much passion for the sport. She will be missed.’

‘Rest in peace, thinking of and sending love to all involved,’ said another.