Georgie Campbell and Elliot Patterson double tragedy devastates equestrian world

Tributes have been paid to both riders, with Shane Rose Evening posting on social media: “We are absolutely devastated to hear about the tragic loss of two beautiful people in the past few days. Our thoughts, love and condolences are with all of Elliot Patterson and Georgina Campbell’s family and friends.”

A representative for Sheridan Sport Horses wrote: “Another bright light has been dimmed, so sad. Elliot Patterson along with Georgie Campbell this weekend. Both in separate tragic accidents doing what they love.. Georgie whilst evening at Bicton and Elliot while walking his dressage horse off on a long rein, after a training session in Sydney. So very very sad and sobering. Condolences to all connected.”

Patterson was described as a talented trainer who ran a performance centre in Queensland with his fiancee Alexis Hellyer.

“Elliot had an accident at the end of a routine session,” she told Eurodressage. “Whilst cooling the horse off on a long rein at walk, the horse spooked sideways and lost its back legs and landed on the right side. Elliot was wearing a helmet.”

A regular at the Australian Young Horse Championships, after switching to dressage in his teenage years, the horseman competed on the international stage. In 2023, Patterson showed the couple’s Australian Hanoverian Del Piero ZF equine at Grand Prix level.

Campbell, who also became in interest in her sport at a young age, competed on Global Quest throughout his time in eventing. They won a CCI4*-L event at Lignières in France and had multiple national and international accolades.

Initially a top-level showing rider, Campbell represented Great Britain on Nations Cup teams and appeared at several five-star events. She was based in Kent with her husband, New Zealand horse rider Jesse Campbell – and also had links to other disciplines including horse racing.

Accompanying a picture of her leading up a horse at a point-to-point, a Facebook post from Midlands Pointing said yesterday: “We are devastated to hear of the death of Georgie Campbell (nee Strang) this afternoon at Bicton Horse Trials. Although known for her eventing Georgie also had pointing connections and will be sorely missed by many. RIP.”

British Eventing released a statement following the incident, which led to a delay and an abandonment of the Devon event.

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

“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.”