British event rider, 36, was killed when she was thrown from her horse and it flipped on top of her, inquest hears

The investigation stated that a British race rider died when he fell from his horse and fell on himself.

Georgie Campbell was riding Global Quest when the animal somersaulted in the air after failing to clear a cross-country water obstacle.

The 36-year-old was competing in an equestrian event at the Bicton International Horse Trials at the Bicton Arena in Devon in May 2024.

The inquest at Devon Coroner’s Court heard from witnesses that the 12-year-old horse jumped over the first of three elements of the fence.

But at the second element – ​​a log fence jutting into the water on the other side – the animal took a short step and came too close to the springboard, crashing into it.

Medical professionals immediately rushed to the scene, but Campbell tragically lost his life.

A fence judge witness said there was ‘nothing to frighten’ the horse and that it was ‘a simple accident’.

Her husband, fellow professional event rider Jesse Campbell, told the inquest he was about a mile away but saw what happened and “knew it was a really bad fall.”

Mrs Campbell (on her wedding day to husband Jesse) tragically died in a fall at the Bicton International Horse Trials in Devon

He said Global Quest, who weighed 610kg and 16.3 hands, was an experienced horse and had performed ‘fantastic’ over the first four fences.

Mr Campbell, of Lamberhurst, Kent, said: ‘There was nothing to distract him. ‘He has an impeccable cross-country record.’

He said his wife, who was strong and fit, was ‘a dedicated professional, incredibly meticulous in her preparation for Bicton’ and had walked the course four times, having successfully led another horse on the six-minute long route earlier in the day.

The inquest heard the woman was wearing a riding helmet and back protector.

Saying that the sport has ‘inherent risks’, track experts said that the horse tried to take an extra step in the water obstacle but hit its chest and front legs when jumping from the log.

This caused Ms Campbell to fall to the ground, and the Global Quest’s momentum meant that she alternately fell and landed on top of him.

A spin fall occurs when a horse strikes a solid fence with its front legs, causing its forward momentum to suddenly change into a spinning motion, causing it to somersault through the air and land on its back.

Forensic pathologist Dr Deborah Cook performed the autopsy and said Ms Campbell died from a ‘basal subarachnoid haemorrhage’, a catastrophic head injury.

The investigation stated that Ms Campbell suffered heavy bleeding from her head, suffered multiple broken ribs and died at the scene after paramedics rushed to her side.

Devon District coroner Deborah Archer was told Ms Campbell would quickly lose consciousness and it would be a ‘quick death’.

Miss Campbell had a fall while racing Global Quest at the Bicton Horse Trials.

Jessie and Georgie

Miss Campbell has competed in more than 200 events throughout her career, winning six times, including the five-star Badminton and Burghley events.

In 2020, she married event rider Jesse, who previously represented New Zealand at the Tokyo Olympics.

Miss Campbell was shortlisted for the British Junior Team before making her five-star debut in 2009.

He also made several Nations Cup appearances with Team GB.

Global Quest had been competing with Ms. Campbell for several years. The horse was promoted to four-star level in 2022 and the pair won the CCI4*-L award at France’s Lignieres the same year.

He had competed with five stars on other horses, completing both the Badminton Horse Trials and the Burghley Horse Trials.

The coroner recorded the result of accidental death as follows: ‘It was a completely tragic accident for a much-loved 36-year-old woman to take part in the sport she loved.’

Ms Archer said Ms Campbell was ‘talented, happily married and dedicated to her sport and her chosen career’.

Bicton International Horse Trials released a statement following his death.

It read: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce that Georgie Campbell (Great Britain) suffered a fatal accident while competing at the Bicton International Horse Trials in Devon, England on Sunday 26 May 2024.

‘After he fell into the 5b fence, healthcare professionals immediately intervened, but unfortunately he could not be saved.

‘The horse, named Global Quest, was assessed by on-site vets and returned to the stable and sustained no injuries.

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