The Nine-Month Ban: What Happened To Show Jumper Kaitlin Campbell And Castlefield Cornelious?
The equestrian world was recently rocked by the final decision of the FEI Tribunal involving top American show jumper Kaitlin Campbell, concluding a high-profile equine anti-doping case. The ruling, finalized on November 11, 2025, imposed a significant nine-month ineligibility period on Campbell, stemming from an adverse analytical finding on her horse, Castlefield Cornelious.
This case highlights the strict liability inherent in the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCM), where the Person Responsible (PR)—the athlete—is held accountable for any prohibited substances found in their horse. The incident centers on a competition in late 2024, raising critical questions about medication management and compliance at the elite level of show jumping.
Kaitlin Campbell: A Profile of the American Show Jumper
Kaitlin Campbell is a well-known figure in the American show jumping circuit, recognized for her competitive spirit and successful partnerships with numerous high-level horses. Her career has seen her rise through the ranks from a promising junior rider to a consistent competitor in major international events.
- Full Name: Kaitlin Campbell
- FEI ID: 10060519
- Origin: Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania
- Career Highlights: Notable wins include the 2011 Ariat Congressional Cup at the Capital Challenge Horse Show. She has also been a consistent presence in Longines Rankings.
- Training/Affiliations: Campbell began riding with Patty Miller Stables in Pennsylvania and later trained with respected figures like Tim and Kelly Goguen and Shane Sweetnam. She is also associated with SWS Training & Sales.
- Key Horse in Case: Castlefield Cornelious (FEI ID: 105KI20/USA)
The CSI5* MLSJ Thermal Incident and Prohibited Substances
The anti-doping violation originated from a sample taken from Kaitlin Campbell’s horse, Castlefield Cornelious, during the CSI5* Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) event in Thermal, California. The competition, held at the Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) in December 2024, is one of the most significant events on the North American circuit, featuring the $1 million MLSJ Coachella Cup.
The Adverse Analytical Finding
The subsequent analysis of the sample from Castlefield Cornelious revealed the presence of two different prohibited substances:
- Octopamine: Classified as a Banned Substance under the FEI Equine Anti-Doping Rules (EADRs). This category includes substances that are prohibited at all times due to their potential to affect performance or welfare.
- Dexamethasone: Classified as a Controlled Medication Substance (CMS) under the FEI Controlled Medication Rules (ECMRs). This is a potent corticosteroid used to manage inflammation, but its use is restricted during competition periods.
The presence of both a Banned Substance and a Controlled Medication Substance made the case particularly serious under the FEI's regulatory framework. The rider, Kaitlin Campbell, was notified of the adverse finding on December 16, 2024, and the horse was placed under provisional suspension.
FEI Tribunal’s Final Decision: Nine Months and a CHF 5,000 Fine
Following the notification and the subsequent legal process, Kaitlin Campbell admitted to the rule violation and accepted the consequences, leading to the case being resolved through a Consent Award. This is a common procedure where the athlete and the FEI agree on the facts and sanctions without a full, contested hearing.
The Sanctions Imposed
The final decision rendered by the FEI Tribunal on November 11, 2025, included a definitive set of sanctions against the athlete and the horse-and-rider combination.
- Ineligibility Period: Kaitlin Campbell was handed a nine-month ineligibility period.
- Time Served Credit: The period of ineligibility was credited for the time Campbell had already served under a provisional suspension, which began on September 3, 2024. This means the actual time she was unable to compete was nine months from that initial date, concluding in mid-2025.
- Fine: The athlete was also ordered to pay a fine of CHF 5,000 (Swiss Francs).
- Disqualification: The combination of Kaitlin Campbell and Castlefield Cornelious was disqualified from the CSI5* MLSJ Thermal event where the positive test occurred, and all results from that competition were nullified.
It is important to note that the provisional suspension of the horse, Castlefield Cornelious, was lifted on September 8, 2025, after the resolution process was underway. The final decision marks the official closure of the case, emphasizing the FEI’s zero-tolerance policy for Banned Substances and stringent control over Controlled Medications.
The Implications for Show Jumping and Athlete Responsibility
The case of Kaitlin Campbell and Castlefield Cornelious serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and unforgiving nature of the FEI’s Equine Anti-Doping Rules. The principle of strict liability places the entire burden of responsibility on the athlete, regardless of how the prohibited substance entered the horse’s system.
For a Banned Substance like Octopamine, the standard sanction can be up to two years, while Controlled Medication violations like Dexamethasone can result in shorter periods. The final nine-month sanction, agreed upon through the Consent Award, reflects a resolution that considered the specific circumstances of the case, though the full details of the mitigating factors are not always public.
This incident has prompted discussions across the equestrian community regarding the need for meticulous stable management, cross-contamination prevention, and comprehensive veterinary documentation. Riders at the highest level, competing in prestigious events like the MLSJ circuit, must maintain flawless records and protocols to avoid these career-altering consequences. The finalization of this decision in late 2025 closes the chapter on a challenging period for Kaitlin Campbell, allowing her to look toward a full return to international competition after serving her ineligibility period.
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