Nancy Jaffer, Author at Nancy Jaffer - Equestrian Sports

Come celebrate with the Equine Science Center Nov. 14

by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 2, 2019

One of New Jersey’s greatest assets for equestrians is the Rutgers Equine Science Center, where research and education have a home at an institution addressing horse industry issues and challenges.

To be part of the process, attend the center’s “Evening of Science & Celebration” on Thursday Nov. 14 from 6-9 p.m. at the Cook Student Center in New Brunswick. The evening is sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center.

Who goes to this annual gathering? Equine professionals, horse owners, farm owners, barn managers, educators, students, 4-H members and other equine enthusiasts. Those attending can do some social and professional networking while learning about current projects and research at a center that addresses horse industry issues and challenges through science and research.

This year’s keynote presentation will highlight research about the effects of performance-enhancing practices on the physiological responses of the equine athlete, and offer information about an alternative to Lasix for exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). That condition is seen most in racehorses, but also affects horses in other sports requiring strenuous exercise for short periods of time, such as polo, barrel racing and three-day eventing,

The talk will be presented by Dr. Kenneth McKeever, a professor in Rutgers’ Department of Animal Sciences, and associate director of research at the Equine Science Center, part of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.

His research has focused on comparative exercise and cardiovascular physiology, while looking at the effects of aging on the integration of the cardiovascular, renal and endocrine systems in controlling blood pressure and blood volume, as well as fluid and electrolyte balance.

The evening begins with dinner, followed by a presentation comparing the effectiveness of a natural homeopathic organic-style fly spray with a commercial-based pharmaceutical-style fly spray. Pasture research also will be updated.

Dr. Michael Fugaro of Mountain Pointe Equine Veterinary Services in Long Valley will receive the 2020 “Spirit of the Horse Award” for his lifelong commitment to horse care and education.

“Dr. Fugaro is most deserving of this award because of his dedication to the care and well-being of horses, the education about horse health to horse owners and his demonstrated leadership to the veterinary community,” said the center’s director, Dr. Karyn Malinowski.

“The Spirit of the Horse award represents the commitment that I have to the horse and the equine community, and I am honored to be considered alongside other dedicated professionals who have previously received this award” said Dr. Fugaro, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine. He is president of the New Jersey Association of Equine Practitioners and a member of the Rutgers University Board for Equine Advancement.

The Center will also present its annual Gold Medal Horse Farm award to Mark Mullen and Fair Winds Farm. The award, part of the New Jersey Equine Environmental Stewardship Program, gives recognition to outstanding equine farms for their dedication to environmental sustainability and management. Fair Winds is a 600-acre boarding and breeding facility in Upper Freehold Township. It maintains a broodmare band of trotting and pacing mares, whose offspring are primarily sold at the Standardbred Horse Sales Company’s annual “Harrisburg Yearling Sale” in Harrisburg, Pa.

To register for the event, go to http://bit.ly/2019Evening . The fee, which includes dinner, is $35 for adults and $15 for full-time students.

For additional information, contact the Equine Science Center at (848) 932-9419 or Kyle Hartmann at kylehart@njaes.rutgers.edu.

UPDATE: A foundation has been established for Kevin Babington–donate by showing

by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 23, 2019

The shows at Ketcham Farm in Allentown, N.J., where Kevin Babington has been based, will offer a special fundraising opportunity for Kevin’s foundation each day of everyhorse show in its series, starting with Nov. 16-17,. The judge will be on the lookout for a rider who exemplifies good horsemanship and they will be the winner of the “Ride of the day”. It will cost a $20 donation to the Babington Fund to enter. Prizes will be awarded.

The other dates for the Ketcham shows are Dec 28-29 and in 2020, Jan 11-12, Feb. 1-2, Feb. 29-March 1. The hunters will go on Saturday and jumpers on Sunday. there is a huge indoor arena with GGT footing and the same footing is in the outdoor schooling area.

The board of directors of the Kevin Babington Foundation is accepting donations for the show jumper who suffered a severe spinal injury in a fall at a show two months ago and is now in rehabilitation.

To obtain bank instructions for wiring money or an address to which checks can be mailed, send an email to kevinbabingtonfoundation@gmail.com. All information will be shared through the email address in order to keep the wire information secure.

Be sure to make it clear who is making the donation when you send a check or money wire so organizers can keep track of contributions. All donations are tax deductible.

“We will continue to update everyone about our long term goals for the KBF,” organizers stated.

“Last but not least,” they said, “we’d like to extend heartfelt thanks to all who are supporting Kevin on his journey towards rehabilitation.”

The Dutta Fair Hill International shines through the sun and the rain

by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 20, 2019

I was soaked this afternoon, which was not surprising and something to which I’ve become accustomed after 31 years covering the Dutta Fair Hill International three-day event, where rain has never been a stranger.

But you come to expect that while writing about and photographing a sport where inclement weather is looked on as just another challenge among many. And my state of drenching was nothing compared to the sodden jackets and slick tack that the riders had to deal with. Besides, compared to the incredibly sunny skies and moderate temps we enjoyed for yesterday’s cross-country test at Maryland’s scenic and hilly Fair Hill Natural Resources area, I couldn’t complain. No one would have wanted it the other way around.

So when the skies opened, that became part of the event’s final show jumping test for both the 3- and 4-star L divisions, though no one had to enjoy it.

“I really, really dislike show jumping in the rain, said Erin Sylvester, adding, “I just tried to hold on.”

She had a good grip, winning the 4-Star on Paddy the Caddy, a performer who’s been waiting in the wings to a certain extent. He finally took a big bow on center stage, cashing in with a clean show jumping round when overnight leader Waylon Roberts toppled four rails with Lancaster to drop to eighth place.

“It’s been my goal to get this event done, and done well,” said Erin. “We’ve hit a few bumps in the road during the season, so it was great to kind of put that all behind us and have a good weekend.”

Eighth in the dressage phase Friday, Paddy moved up the standings after acing the cross-country segment yesterday with just 0.4 penalties, the fourth best performance over the route laid out by Derek di Grazia.

This afternoon, after finishing fault-free over designer Marc Donovan’s course in the big arena, Erin said of her mount, “He felt a little bit tired, but he has endless heart and tries to do the best every time he’s in the ring.” Before the awards presentation, she got a visit from USEF eventing performance manager Erik Duvander, who is always scouting talent for his team. He was enthusiastic about Paddy, saying with delight, “Look at that face” indicating that the horse’s lovely expression says it all.

And how nice that Paddy is a thoroughbred, the breed that used to dominate eventing in the era of the classic format, when the “L” that stands for long today really meant long, before warmbloods became the fashion.

The horse was bred in Ireland by owner Frank McEntee, but his time at the racetrack with trainer Graham Motion demonstrated he wouldn’t have a future in that sport. Erin, a professional based in Pennsylvania, happened to be teaching Frank’s daughter when a new career was sought for Paddy, and the two were able to establish a relationship.

And what about the horse’s weird name? Frank told me he had asked the guys at the racetrack to name him. They were Irish, hence the Paddy part, and they liked to play golf, so there you have the Caddy.

Erin trains with Phillip Dutton and Boyd Martin. The latter has been sidelined from the saddle by a broken pelvis, but he was on foot to help at Fair Hill as needed.

The top five in the 4-star all jumped fault-free, but Erin had a rail in hand with 34.3 penalties over BGS Firecracker (38.3) ridden by Mia Farley, a Californian who moved to Virginia to train with Karen and David O’Connor.

Kentucky-based Jenny Caras, had the biggest jump in the standings, going from 29^th after dressage to third with 40 penalties on Fernhill Fortitude. Fourth was Sydney Elliott on QC Diamantaire (40.2) while Phillip Dutton was fifth with Fernhill Singapore (42.4).

D.A. Duras, who was third after cross-country, did not appear for the horse inspection this morning. Rider Lauren Kieffer yesterday had expressed concern about horses being stung by hard ground (the area was going through a drought until Thursday) and worried the ground jury wouldn’t be lenient at the trot-up.

Mara DuPuy, who won the dressage with Congo Brazzaville C, took a tumble near the end of the cross-country course and was eliminated.

The 4-star standings got another shakeup yesterday when four riders were assessed 15 penalties for violating the flag rule, which involves what percentage of a horse’s body must go over a narrow fence as originally flagged in order to avoid a charge of 15 penalties. In cases where there is a question, it becomes a “let’s go to the videotape” moment to reach a conclusion. Martin Plewa, president of the grounds jury for the 4-star, said the jury had a discussion with the riders last night about the decision to penalize them, but that and watching the official videotape delayed the posting of results.

The obstacle involved for all four was the B section of the Farm House Corners, where the fence could be approached off a bending line for those taking the option of going the fast, direct way.

“It’s not the ground jury’s fault. They’re following the rule, but the rule is a stupid rule and they need to change it before the Olympics or else our sport will be in the courts for months afterwards,” said Phillip Dutton, who was second with Z after cross-country and dropped to ninth with the penalty. After producing a show jumping clear, he finished seventh.

“The course designers have to look at it so it doesn’t become more of an issue If the rule isn’t changed. They need to make it so a horse can get to them (a corner fence) on a straight line.”

Derek noted, however, “there were a lot of people who took the short way who did fine.”

Phillip benefited from the old rule on the issue at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where his horse’s entire body did not pass through the flags, but things have changed since then.

“As long as it’s very clear, I don’t think the riders would mind what kind of rule it is. At the moment you can knock down a flag and not get penalized, but then you (the judges) have to decide how much of the horse was inside the flag (ie, where the flag was posted originally). Most of the crowd left yesterday and they didn’t know who was in the lead,” pointed out Phillip. He mentioned that both Singapore and Z knocked down a flag, but the former wasn’t penalized and he latter was.

In the 3-star, Woods Baughman, who had been second in dressage with his parents’ C’est La Vie 135, won on 27.6 penalties, one penalty less than Canada’s Colleen Loach on Vermont.

Smiling broadly as he cleared the last show jumping fence, the 23-year-old noted, “I could finally breathe for the first time since yesterday.”

Woods, who lives in West Virginia where he trains with Sharon White, spent a year working with Dirk Schrade in Germany. It’s no surprise, then, when he states his ambition: “I’d like to get on a team.”

The standings for the top four did not change penalty-wise from Saturday, but a tie on 29.8 penalties for third place between Caitlin Silliman (Ally KGO) and Holly Payne Caravella of Oldwick, N.J., (Charm King) was resolved with Holly dropping to fourth because Caitlin won the tie-breaker, finishing closest to the optimum time on the cross-country course (and it was only a difference of three seconds between the two.)

This was the last time the Fair Hill event will be held on the grounds off Gallaher Road. Next fall, it will be the Maryland 5-star at Fair Hill, on property a short canter away, where new arenas and grandstands are being built. The course designer will be British Olympian Ian Stark.

“I was a little sad, thinking I’m not going to go around this track again,” said Erin, echoing a sentiment expressed by many as an era ends.

Put on a costume and give your horse some mileage

by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 16, 2019

The Readington Trail Association is offering family-friendly fun for horses and riders of all ages with an optional costume context and trail challenge Oct. 20 at the Round Valley Youth Center, 1124 Route 629, Lebanon,

The costume class starts at 10 a.m. followed by the trail challenge involving a course of eight to 10 trail obstacles, an opportunity to school horses on new challenges.
The cost is $40 per rider and includes optional costume contest and obstacle course. There are training level, open, junior (13 and under) and in-hand divisions, with prizes to third place and ribbons to sixth place.

Helmets and negatives Coggins tests are required. For more information, email ReadingtonTrailAssociation@yahoo.com or call (908) 797-9750.

It’s lucky number 13 for Zone 2 at the Pa National show

by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 12, 2019

The Zone 2 team won a record 13th gold medal in the 2019 Neue Schule/USEF Prix des States Team Championship at the 74th Pennsylvania National Horse Show Friday.

As usual, the Zone 2 (NY, PA, NJ) squad was expertly directed by chef d’equipe Ralph Caristo. The team included one Jerseyan, Sophee Steckbeck of Clarksburg, third last weekend in the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East. The other members of the squad–Ned Cunniffe, sisters Mimi Gochman and Sophie Gochman and Madison Rauschenback–all are from New York.

After a jump-off for second place, Zone 7 took the silver and Zone 5 got the bronze.

Meet equestrians from the NYC metro area

by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 11, 2019

The Manhattan Riding Club is holding a fall social from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 15 at Manhattan Saddlery in New York City. It’s an opportunity to learn about a good place to ride and meet other equestrians.There is 10 percent off equestrian shopping and free cocktails from Woodford Reserve. It is free to attend, but requires an RSVP to manhattanridingclub@gmail.com.

Kevin continues to improve

by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 6, 2019

Here’s the latest update from Diana Babington, the wife of show jumper Kevin Babington, who suffered a critical spinal cord injury in August. He is now at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation.

She write: “This week has been a big one. Kevin has been able to return to eating normal meals and the ventilator weaning progressed to 4 hours today of unassisted breathing.

“I am told this progress has been very dramatic. Coming into rehab he was on full support. The respiratory therapist Lori has been instrumental in his progression and I love her. These are small steps on a very long journey but they are essential to his ability to be involved in the horse community again which is very important to Kevin.
I had an opportunity to go to Princeton today and chat with Andrew H. Philbrick .

“Kevin wanted to make sure Andrew knew how thankful he is for all he was doing to support the fundraising. It was great to see so many friends. The positive energy means everything as it keeps both of us from sinking into depression. It helps us stay focused on any and all improvement.

“So many people have expressed their thanks for these updates. It makes me very happy to know how many people truly care.”

It was a perfect day in the country at the Masters’ Chase

by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 5, 2019

There really was something for everyone this afternoon during the Essex Fox Hounds Masters’ Chase at Natirar, the scenic Somerset County park in Peapack.

There were numerous opportunities to enjoy all aspects of a day dedicated to appreciating the country way of life. The schedule included races for the over-50s, the under-50s, the leadliners, riders who wanted to take it slow and those who wanted to go fast, even youngsters who chose to run stick horses rather than their four-legged counterparts.

Natirar was once a private estate. Its name is Raritan spelled backwards; the north branch of the Raritan River flows through the gorgeous property, crowned with the old mansion at the top of a hill.

“The venue is unbelievable,” said Essex Foxhounds Chairman Sally Ike.

“I’ve never been to a venue that is more suitable for something like this, where the racecourse can get laid out, and the hillside parking and the tailgate parking. To have it in this park where people are walking and seeing everything; we had fly fishing demonstrations and vendors here. We’re trying to have it more like a day in the country.”

In case you’re wondering, the name of the event refers to a race led by the Master of Foxhounds, who moves off near the end so her followers can gallop toward the finish line and see which of them is the fastest.

Now in its sixth year, the fun event run for the benefit of the Countryside Alliance is delightfully informal.

Oliver and Colton Kiess in the silks that bear the colors of their grandfather and great grandfather, pictured with parents Braun and Kelly and a toy fox that is an heirloom originally purchased for tailgating at the Far Hills races. (Photo©2019 by Lawrence J. Nagy)

Dress ranged from real jockeys’ silks to hunting attire, tweeds and green tutus. The latter was the attire for the winning team in the Foxhunter Relay Race.

Jazz Merton, the joint master of the Essex Foxhounds, had to hustle when she heard people were planning to wear themed garb for the relay.

“I went to the costume box and pulled out the green tutus. It was the only costume I could find four of in my basement,” she explained.

Jazz didn’t think it was hard to ride in the tutus; the difficult part, she observed, was stopping.

“The horses get going,” she noted, which makes it tough when you have to pass the baton. Jazz ran past her target aboard Billie, but then circled back and got it done.

She was pleased with the way the day went.

“It’s a very relaxed open, family-friendly way to enjoy countryside sport. I think the Countryside Alliance is gaining some momentum.”

Jazz cited the work of the other Essex joint master, Karen Murphy, “to focus local attention on the importance of having countryside sport and equestrian activities in beautiful parks and places like this.”

Karen noted most of the amateurs taking part in the racing are Essex subscribers. Essex huntsman Bart Poole and the hounds made an appearance, enchanting the children.

One hound decided that she wanted to be included in the tailgating, stealing a chicken off a table and running away with it. She made a good start on consuming the bird before being apprehended.

Table settings ranged from the practical to the dramatic. Nadia Rosenfeldman had a giant candleabra on her table for a touch of luxury.

“It was a very fun day, beautiful weather,” said Nadia, who came to the event from Bucks County, Pa., to cheer on her four friends who were riding.

An innovation this year was the trotting race (you were eliminated if your horse cantered.) Lynn Jones, a member of the Essex Fox Hounds, won with her 20-year-old mare, My My My Delilah. “I thought my Delilah would be perfect in it because she doesn’t feel any need to go fast,” said Lynn.

“We keep a trot out in the hunting field, even though the other horses are galloping in front of her.”

It wasn’t just her blue ribbon that had Lynn smiling about the event.
“It’s a great family day out there. It’s been perfect weather and with the shopping tent and children’s pony rides, it’s getting better and better all the time.”

She also entered the race for riders over 50, smiling as she finished last on Delilah. The mare saw no reason to go as fast as the other horses, and Lynn saw no reason to push her. Mary Lane won on Denali “who loves to run. When he turns the motor on, he covers ground.”

We will never forget Custom Made

by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 4, 2019

Custom Made, ridden to the 2000 Olympic eventing individual gold medal by David O’Connor, has died at the age of 34.

Affectionately known as Tailor, the 17.1-hand Irish Sport Horse gelding was imported to the U.S. in 1995. In their first year together, Tailor and David won the 1995 Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI3*.

In 1996, the duo finished third in the Badminton Horse Trials CCI4* and were named to the U.S. team for the Atlanta Olympics, placing fifth individually. The following year, they won the Badminton Horse Trials CCI4*.

Their victory at Sydney in 2000 was the first Olympic individual gold in eventing in 25 years..

Custom Made ended his career in 2002 by winning the Fair Hill International Three-Day Event CCI3*.

He was formally retired at the 2004 Kentucky Three-Day Event and inducted into the United States Eventing Hall of Fame in 2009. He lived out this retirement at David and Karen O’Connor’s Stonehall Farm in The Plains, Va., and was the last member of the “Fab Four,” which also included the O’Connors’ top mounts Biko, Giltedge, and Prince Panache. He was the last to go.

“Obviously, he was the horse of a lifetime, but probably one of the greats of our time that I have ever been around, especially thinking about it in the classic format, which is where he did most of his career,” David said.

“He was the most powerful athlete that I have ever ridden. He is gone now, but will be with me forever.”

Kevin is improving

by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 1, 2019

Dianna Babington, the wife of injured show jumper Kevin Babington, posted an update on him a month after his life-changing fall at the Hampton Classic. Kevin moved from the hospital in New York to the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation last week, and is making some progress.

“What’s become clear to both of us is that this journey is going to be a long one. That’s torture for two impatient people, but both of us have accepted it. Many people ask me about the big picture…but the reality is that there are issues that must resolve before we can tackle the paralysis,” she said.

“The last four weeks, I felt that I had no footing, like I was scuttling through space. Lost and numb. I don’t pretend to know how Kevin has felt but I have an idea and he has handled it with strength, class, grace and dignity.

“The ventilator remains the focus. He has improved his strength since starting at Kessler and we are moving toward less support daily. He’s getting less concentrated oxygen and less machine-generated support. To me, that is exciting and positive. He will get off of it eventually, I know it. The pneumonia is on its way out and that will be a huge help in that process. The difference in a week has been measurable. He spends hours with no intervention from the respiratory nurses which has been a relief.”

She added, “The swelling/spinal contusion and shock remain a time-based recovery with no guarantees, but he is optimistic. I am optimistic because I believe in making your own luck and I am looking at options here and overseas.”

Over the weekend, Kevin had a special guest to cheer him up at Kessler, jumper Mark Q.

Previously she has noted that what she has learned since the accident is that “I have to slow down. I need to be patient. For those who know me, it’s not my forte. I am controlling and everyone knows that but it has always worked for me. I want to fix this and move on. The doctors tell me it’s up to Kevin.

“It is an insurmountable task to pick the next phase when you are thrown into medicine without prior knowledge. I feel like I am walking through a dark tunnel. Nothing prepares you for this.”

But regardless of his condition, Kevin is still Kevin.

“He has impressed me my whole life,” Dianna posted.

“I am watching this remarkable person handle this with dignity, kindness to his nurses and all that are helping him, and despite difficulty speaking he is constantly trying to make sure visitors who don’t know each-other are introduced and have a place to sit.”

She advises that Facebook messages, cards and videos all help.

“It makes a difference and it is appreciated more than you will ever know. He is definitely trying to get the most out of every day, he is pushing himself, and with your continued support I know he will keep fighting.”

Of course he will.

A big issue is how to pay for the enormous expense involved in this situation, since insurance never covers everything.

A medical fundraising page on Facebook, posted by Sissy Wickes, raised nearly $550,000 to help the family with medical expenses and rehabilitation costs. The facebook link has been taken down, but those who wish to donate to the Kevin Babington Trust via GoFundMe can click on this link: https://www.gofundme.com/for-kevin-babington-and-family

Many other fundraising opportunities continue. 1984 Olympic show jumping double gold medalist, Joe Fargis, will be offering a clinic Saturday, November 2 at Ketcham Farm, 52 Hill Rd Allentown, NJ. The cost per session is $200 and all proceeds will go to support the Babington Family Trust. If there is enough interest, the clinic may be extended through Sunday, November 3. Please email Elizabeth at Elizabeth@KevinBabington.com

Meanwhile, there will be a Jump for Kevin benefit 1-meter class every Saturday of the Princeton Fall Equestrian Festival in Skillman (princetonshowjumping.com), with all entry fees being donated The entry fee is a minimum $50, but riders can donate more if they want. Every competitor also can donate a portion or all of their prize money if they let the show secretary know. Each rider who participates will be given an Irish green arm sash to wear in the competition ring.

All weekend parking proceeds also will be donated to Kevin. Volunteers are needed to help collect parking fees from spectators and donations from exhibitors who wish to do so. Contact princetonshowjumping@gmail.com to volunteer.

Plans are in the works for a benefit horse show Oct. 13 at Duncraven in Titusville, Mercer County.

Those who can are asked to buy their feed from Babington Mills (http://07d.7d2.myftpupload.com/) , which is Kevin’s company.

Ruespari has designed a limited edition belt bearing Kevin’s signature. All proceeds will go to help him and his family. https://www.ruespari.com/rideforkbabs

To learn more about Kevin, here is a link to the story I did about him in July: https://nancyjaffer.com/2019-07-09/

Show jumper Kevin Babington left NYU Langone Health Care to continue his journey of recovery at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation.

The move came 26 days after Kevin suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury in a traumatic fall at the Hampton Classic.

Today, Kevin had a special guest to cheer him up at Kessler, jumper Mark Q.

Earlier this month on Facebook, Kevin’s wife Dianna noted, “We are still hopeful some improvement will come as spinal shock and swelling subside. Whatever happens, we will make sure he lives his best life. A life which still involves me, his children, his extended family, horses, students, and friends. We have the best of him still.”

She added thanks to Elizabeth Sponseller and Hayley Poinelli Carlson for all the night shifts they pulled at the hospital.

“Kevin has not been alone one minute since his accident. They, along with my daughters, stayed overnight on shifts so I could research, deal with decisions and doctors during the day and be here for procedures. I don’t know how I would have survived the trauma phase of this without all of their support. That is not to mitigate the other friends who have been here, flying in, taking me to dinner, helping the girls, working on finances, and keeping me sane or letting me not be when I couldn’t. I will post when we have departed for rehab and where you can visit once it is confirmed. Please keep us in you prayers.”

Previously she has noted that what she has learned since the accident is that “I have to slow down. I need to be patient. For those who know me, it’s not my forte. I am controlling and everyone knows that but it has always worked for me. I want to fix this and move on. The doctors tell me it’s up to Kevin.

“I get good news from one and bad from another on a daily basis. It’s maddening. Like being strapped to a roller coaster you want to exit. It depends on the severity of the injury when it all shakes out. It’s the worst kind of unknown. One that affects someone you love and one you can’t control.

“It is an insurmountable task to pick the next phase when you are thrown into medicine without prior knowledge. I feel like I am walking through a dark tunnel. Nothing prepares you for this.”

But regardless of his condition, Kevin is still Kevin.

“He has impressed me my whole life,” Dianna posted.

“I am watching this remarkable person handle this with dignity, kindness to his nurses and all that are helping him, and despite difficulty speaking he is constantly trying to make sure visitors who don’t know each-other are introduced and have a place to sit.”

She advises that Facebook messages, cards and videos all help.

“It makes a difference and it is appreciated more than you will ever know. He is definitely trying to get the most out of every day, he is pushing himself, and with your continued support I know he will keep fighting.”

Of course he will.

A big issue is how to pay for the enormous expense involved in this situation, since insurance never covers everything.

A medical fundraising page on Facebook, posted by Sissy Wickes, raised nearly $550,000 to help the family with medical expenses and rehabilitation costs. The facebook link has been taken down, but those who wish to donate to the Kevin Babington Trust via GoFundMe can click on this link: https://www.gofundme.com/for-kevin-babington-and-family

Many other fundraising opportunities continue. 1984 Olympic show jumping double gold medalist, Joe Fargis, will be offering a clinic Saturday, November 2 at Ketcham Farm, 52 Hill Rd Allentown, NJ. The cost per session is $200 and all proceeds will go to support the Babington Family Trust. If there is enough interest, the clinic may be extended through Sunday, November 3. Please email Elizabeth at Elizabeth@KevinBabington.com

Meanwhile, there will be a Jump for Kevin benefit 1-meter class every Saturday of the Princeton Fall Equestrian Festival in Skillman (princetonshowjumping.com), with all entry fees being donated The entry fee is a minimum $50, but riders can donate more if they want. Every competitor also can donate a portion or all of their prize money if they let the show secretary know. Each rider who participates will be given an Irish green arm sash to wear in the competition ring.

Here is an update from Dianna Babington, wife of injured show jumper Kevin Babington.

Show jumper Kevin Babington left NYU Langone Health Care to continue his journey of recovery at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation.

The move came 26 days after Kevin suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury in a traumatic fall at the Hampton Classic.

Today, Kevin had a special guest to cheer him up at Kessler, jumper Mark Q.

Earlier this month on Facebook, Kevin’s wife Dianna noted, “We are still hopeful some improvement will come as spinal shock and swelling subside. Whatever happens, we will make sure he lives his best life. A life which still involves me, his children, his extended family, horses, students, and friends. We have the best of him still.”

She added thanks to Elizabeth Sponseller and Hayley Poinelli Carlson for all the night shifts they pulled at the hospital.

“Kevin has not been alone one minute since his accident. They, along with my daughters, stayed overnight on shifts so I could research, deal with decisions and doctors during the day and be here for procedures. I don’t know how I would have survived the trauma phase of this without all of their support. That is not to mitigate the other friends who have been here, flying in, taking me to dinner, helping the girls, working on finances, and keeping me sane or letting me not be when I couldn’t. I will post when we have departed for rehab and where you can visit once it is confirmed. Please keep us in you prayers.”

Previously she has noted that what she has learned since the accident is that “I have to slow down. I need to be patient. For those who know me, it’s not my forte. I am controlling and everyone knows that but it has always worked for me. I want to fix this and move on. The doctors tell me it’s up to Kevin.