Biography

It will be the fifth visit to Badminton for New Zealand rider Jesse Campbell (35) who last year gained his 3^rd completion with Cooley Lafitte – his entry this year also. The combination also completed Burghley (21^st)

Jesse who runs Team Campbell based near Lingfield in Surrey, 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 and padel.

In 2020 Jesse married British 5* event rider Georgie Strang who in May 2024 tragically suffered a fatal fall at Bicton horse trials.

Cooley Lafitte is a 13-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). His owner however ‘believed in him’. He has been produced by Jesse and last year completed his first 5* at Badminton and later in the year, Burghley.

2024 – Little Downham CCI4*S 1^st Sppedwell

2024 – Burghley CCI5*L 21^st Cooley Lafitte

2024 – Hartpury CCI4*S 10^th Cooley Lafitte

2024 – Alnwick CCI4*S 15^th Cooley Lafitte

2023 – Pau CCI5*L El Cooley Lafitte

2023 – Bramham CCI4*L 3^rd Gambesie17^th Cooley Lafitte

2022 – Blenheim CCI4*L 13^th Cooley Lafitte

2021 – Tokyo OG 22^nd Diachello

2021 – Lexington CCI5*L 11^th Diachello

2018 – Pau CCI4* ret Cleveland

2018 – Luhmuhlen CCI4* El Cleveland

2015 – Luhmuhlen CCI4* 16^th Kaapachino

Badminton

2024 – 15^th Cooley Lafitte

2019 – 19^th Cleveland

2017 – ret Kaapachino

2016 – 33^rd Kaapachino