THE husband of Georgie Campbell, who tragically died while competing at Bicton Horse Trials in Devon on Sunday, has described her as “strong, beautiful, and phenomenal”.

The 36-year-old could not be saved after she and her horse Global Quest fell on the cross-country course.

“It is with deepest regret that we announce that Georgie Campbell suffered a fatal accident whilst competing at the Bicton International Horse Trials,” a British Eventing statement read.

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

Paying tribute in an emotive statement on Thursday, Campbell’s husband, New Zealand event rider Jesse Campbell, described her as “a strong, beautiful, phenomenal woman who just loved everything and everyone”.

He shared a photo of Campbell on their wedding day in 2020, which he said was his “favourite photo of my beautiful wife”.

He said: “People will talk about G’s smile, and it was incredible - it would make you feel like you were the centre of the universe. But what I love about this photo is how it captures her strength.”

Mr Campbell said the equestrian world was “not an easy life”, but said his wife would “navigate this by throwing so much joy and love at every situation”.

“She would get as much joy from having a Greggs tea on the way home from the gallops, as she would teaching a client in the pouring rain or jumping and galloping around biggest courses in the world.

“It was just incredible to be at your side and feel this energy.”

He added: “I’m so proud to be your husband. Rest in peace, my beautiful girl.”

Mr Campbell ended the statement by thanking the team at Bicton for their support, and encouraged everyone who is competing this weekend to “smile at each other don’t feel awkward about laughing, and above all, try and love everything and everyone”.

Global Quest was uninjured and was walked back to the stable after being assessed by on-site vets.

Campbell was aged two when she was taught to ride by her mother Debbie, a former endurance rider.

She was shortlisted for the British junior team in her teens and made her five-star debut in 2009. She quickly progressed, representing Great Britain numerous times on Nations Cup teams.

Campbell, who competed in more than 200 events, won the prize for the highest-placed rider under 25 in the 2010 British Open at Gatcombe.

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