Recipient Christine Campbell Forges Ahead

 

Christine Campbell. Photo by Diane Hackett.

 

Wellington, Fla. – Oct. 16, 2017 – Christine Campbell is fearless in the face of challenge and she has led the life to prove it. An equestrian from an early age, she rode with Ronnie Mutch, earned her colors with the Smithtown Hunt and was a whipper-in for the Fairfield County Hounds. She has trained field hunters to grand prix jumpers, ridden internationally and has worked with some of the most celebrated international riders.

Not only has Campbell excelled in the horse world, but she has also had a remarkable education and career. She attended the London School of Economics and Political Science and the renowned Georgetown Institute of Comparative Political and Economic Systems program in Washington, D.C.

Her education prepared her for a career in public service in her communities on Long Island. In Southampton, she was the vice chairperson of the architectural review board, was elected to the Bridgehampton school board and served as an elected committeeperson in Water Mill, New York. Later on, Campbell became a firefighter and emergency medical technician. Through the years, she remained active in the equestrian world, riding, teaching and training.

At home, Campbell has an adult son who has Asperger’s syndrome, a type of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A single mother, she juggles care for him and her busy work life.

Her dynamic lifestyle took a drastic turn in 2016, when she experienced a series of illnesses and injuries that left her unable to work. She struggled to make ends meet.

“I’d recover from one issue, then literally get knocked down again,” Campbell said. Facing financial devastation, she applied to Equestrian Aid Foundation and was accepted as a grant recipient.

 

Christine Campbell with a student. Photo by Lee Ann Webber.

 

Equestrian Aid provided financial assistance to help Campbell get back on her feet. “Without this help, I wouldn’t be standing, let alone have a roof over my son’s and my head,” she said.

A horse person is not easily derailed, and Campbell has the determination to forge ahead. “I have to look at what is happening to me like I look at riding – the only way to get better is to sit up straight, throw your shoulders back and keep your chin up.”

Recently, Campbell joined the staff as the stable manager at Wellington Equestrian Center, a new high-end, state-of-the-art jumper facility near the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida. She looks forward to the coming season and bringing her many life experiences to the table.