Biography

It will be the fourth visit to Badminton for New Zealand rider Jesse Campbell (34) who last competed here in 2019 (19^th Cleveland). In 2023 with Badminton entry Cooley Lafitte Jesse contested Pau 5* but did not complete. The pair previously completed the 4*L at Bramham and Blenheim.

Jesse who runs Team Campbell based near Lamberhurst in Kent was member of the New Zealand team for the Tokyo Olympic Games (22^nd Diachello).

Jesse developed his competitive ambitions through Pony Club – aged 15 he was Champion Equitation young rider and selected to the NZ Eventing senior talent squad. He worked with thoroughbreds off the track and developed a number of ex-racehorses. He took Volitation to advanced, with who he represented NZ at the Trans-Tasman eventing championships; Former Badminton ride Kaapachino was brought through the grades from ex racehorse to advanced eventer. In 2009 he was invited to the UK to train with Mark Todd and in 2010 awarded a Prime Ministers Scholarship to travel to Sweden to train with Lisen and Pedar Fredrickson. On returning to the UK in 2011 Jesse worked under Andrew Nicholson for 18 months before establishing his own yard.

In 2013 he was a member of the NZ Nations Cup team and in 2014 competed at the Swedish international eventing grand prix. In 2015 he made a successful four-star debut at Luhmuhlen.

Outside of eventing he enjoys playing golf.

In 2020 Jesse married British 5* event rider Georgie Strang.

Cooley Lafitte is a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse registered gelding. Bred by Nigel Jackson he is by the showjumper Je T’aime Flamenco out of a mare by Scirocco D’Elle. He was acquired in 2017 from Cooley Farm ‘on his last chance’ as the horse did not show any appetite for cross country (or work in general). However his owner believed in him.