Introducing Team Shires Sponsored Riders
Jesse Campbell & Georgie Strang
A wedding postponed and olympic dreams on hold, but it isn’t all doom and gloom for equestrian power couple, Jesse Campbell & Georgie Strang.
It’s been a turbulent year for eventing’s newest power couple with COVID not only pushing pause on Jesse’s Tokyo Olympic campaign but also on their wedding, due to be held in November.
“We are still quietly hopeful that Tokyo is on the cards. We will continue to train that way and look towards it,” says Jesse.
“As for the wedding,” Georgie goes on “well we are just trying to rearrange and make a plan within the COVID guidelines. It has been disappointing – but it’s not the worst thing. Where there’s a will there’s a way!”
The change has left an opportunity to focus on building their J&G Eventing business, which means plenty of hours spent in the yard and riding school. What better time to join Team Shires as our ARMA Carbon and Shires Rugs ambassadors?
We chatted to Jesse & Georgie about their career, ambitions and horses….
Meet Georgie
Location: Wiltshire, UK
Discipline: Eventing
Beginnings: To say that Georgie has been a keen horse rider from a young age is an understatement: she started riding before she could even walk. As Georgie’s mum ran a livery yard and riding school, she would take Georgie and her sisters all around the country with their ponies competing, showing and taking part in all Pony Club activities. Georgie has particularly fond memories of the Romney Marsh Pony Club, who gave her some incredible opportunities from a young age.
Georgie talks to Shires….
Career highlight to date?
Competing at Badminton, Burghley and Pau 5*s.
What are your goals?
To produce my horses up to the highest level Eventing…and to win a 5* and an Olympic medal.
Horse Spotlight on: Red Hot Cooley (Finn)
Red Hot Colley (‘Finn’) is a 17hh, 9yo chestnut gelding by Ramiro B out of a full Thoroughbred mare. He was bought in Ireland as a just backed 4yo. He was very gangly and has big loose paces which he found hard to control as a young horse, so we’ve taken him slowly to build up his strength and balance. He is very sensitive and spooky but hates to get something wrong so building his confidence and ride-ability has been the key.
He has 3 lovely paces, is very scopey and can gallop, now everything is coming together he’s really starting to show his potential.
He’s a very sweet and kind horse but is very sensitive about anything near his ears and you have to completely undo the bridle to get it on.
Favourite Shires products:
Shires turnout rugs, of course!
Jesse Campbell
Location: Originally from New Zealand, now based in Wiltshire UK Discipline: Eventing
Beginnings: Although Jesse came from a non-horsey background, he was always fascinated with horses. He was inspired by seeing Mark Todd, Blyth Tait and Andrew Nicholson do so well in England.
Jesse talks to Shires…
Career highlight to date?
Coming second with New Zealand at the Aachen Nations Cup. Aachen is the home of equestrian sport.
What are your goals?
To win a gold medal at the Olympics.
Horse Spotlight on: Cleveland
One of my top horses is Cleveland, he is a 13yr old bay gelding who is a real character. He likes to have things done on his terms so we certainly do everything to keep him happy. He is definitely the king of the yard.
Favourite Shires products:
I love all Shires rugs, but the StormCheeta turnout rug has to be a favourite. It keeps our horses warm and dry over the winter. I’m also a fan of the whole ARMA Horse Boots Range.