by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 13, 2019
It has been 20 days since show jumper Kevin Babington suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury in a traumatic fall at the Hampton Classic,
His wife, Dianna, wrote on facebook that surgery Tuesday at NYU “went as well as possible.
“We are possibly heading out of trauma to rehab in the next 48 hours, which means we will no longer be at NYU. Kevin is anxious to start working with the rehab team. His breathing continues to get stronger, which is a big deal.
“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.”
Kevin Babington was fourth at the 2004 Olympics on Carling King. (Photo©2004 by Nancy Jaffer)
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.
Kevin and his family during the presentation after he won the 2016 Grand Prix of Devon. (Photo©2016 by Nancy Jaffer)
“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 that has raised nearly $550,000 was posted by Sissy Wickes to help the family with medical expenses and rehabilitation costs. She will also establish a special needs trust for Kevin.
To donate, https://www.facebook.com/donate/508000833102520/508006313101972/
If Facebook’s donation fees are an issue for you, try https://www.gofundme.com/for-kevin-babington-and-family
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. Well-A-Way Farm in Simsbury, Conn., is having a show to support Kevin Sept. 21.
Meanwhile, 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/
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 12, 2019
In 2010, Riders4Helmets hosted the first national event designed to educate equestrians on the benefits of wearing a properly fitting, secured and certified helmet. The event brought over 300 U.S.-based retailers and eight helmet manufacturers together, to help educate customers on topics such as correct helmet fit and why wearing a helmet is important.
In succeeding years, Riders4Helmets expanded the event globally. Riders4Helmets International Helmet Awareness Day 2018 received support from 19 helmet manufacturers and hundreds of equestrian retailers in twenty six countries.
The original one-day event has become a weekend, which will be held Sept. 14 and 15, when most retailers offer discounts on helmets.
For all participating retailers, visit here: https://www.riders4helmets.com/international-helmet-awareness-day-participating-retailers/
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 6, 2019
Be sure to sign your horses up for fall shots if you haven’t done it already.
Five more horses in New Jersey have been diagnosed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis during the last two weeks, bringing the total of 10 animals in New Jersey contracting the virus in 2019.
The latest cases are an 18-year-old gelding horse in Morris County, a 4-month old gelding in Salem County, a 4-year old gelding and a gelding of unknown age in Ocean County, and a yearling filly in Atlantic County. None were vaccinated for EEE and had to be put down. The 10 cases this year include nine horses and one alpaca.
“As more cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis are reported, we strongly encourage horse owners to check their records to verify that their animals are protected from this disease, or to know if vaccination is needed,” state Department of Agriculture Secretary Douglas Fisher said.
“Animals that have been vaccinated are much less likely to contract deadly diseases such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis.”
EEE affects both horses and camelids, such as alpacas. EEE causes inflammation of the brain tissue and has a significantly higher risk of death in horses and camelids than West Nile Virus infection. West Nile is a viral disease that affects horses’ and camelids’ neurological system. The disease is transmitted by a mosquito bite. The virus cycles between birds and mosquitoes, with horses, camelids and humans being incidental hosts.
EEE infections in horses and alpacas are not a significant risk factor for human infection because horses and camelids (like humans) are considered “dead-end” hosts for the virus.
For more information about EEE, visit the New Jersey Department of Agriculture web site at: http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/diseases/diseaseworksheets.html
EEE and West Nile virus, like other viral diseases affecting horses’ neurological system, must be reported to the state veterinarian at 609-671-6400 within 48 hours of diagnosis. The New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory is available to assist with EEE and WNV testing and can be reached at 609-406-6999 or via email – jerseyvetlab@ag.state.nj.us.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 3, 2019
The Somerset County Park Commission’s Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge will mark a half-century of operation Sept. 22 in the hunter pace field from noon-4 p.m.
There will be a live band, hay rides and activities for the kids, For an extra fee, children can take a “lead-line” pony ride through a designated course. Also featured for an extra fee are 30-minute guided trail rides for riders 12 and older.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 3-12. Tickets for a barbeque were sold in advance and will not be available the day of the celebration.
For more information, go to www.flss.org/50th-Anniversary.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 31, 2019
An outpouring of support for injured rider Kevin Babington has raised more than $500,000 on a Facebook donation page, while charity horse shows and merchandise sales will continue contributions to funding his medical care and rehab, following his fall last month at the Hampton Classic.
Kevin suffered spinal cord trauma when his mount, Shorapur, crashed through the last element of the triple combination and the rider hit the ground hard. Doctors have fused his vertebrae and stabilized his neck.
On Wednesday night, Kevin’s wife, Dianna, posted on Facebook: “We continue to battle pneumonia, which is affecting Kevin’s ability to get off the ventilator. Doctors seemed optimistic that we will get there. Now that he is less sedated he is easier to communicate with and even cracked a joke with the army of doctors at his bedside. I remain ever thankful that he has no head injury. I have been reading many of the posts to him and I can tell he is very moved by what he is seeing. Thank you for all the kind words and support.”
Last weekend, she stated, “I promise you he is fighting like hell.” We would expect nothing less from Kevin, who is spending more time off the ventilator but still needs some assistance breathing.
Here are more thoughts from Dianna, as she posted earlier this month on Facebook:
“Today I sit in this hospital living the darkest hour of my life. Kevin is enduring a five-hour surgery to stabilize the bones in his neck. He has suffered a complete injury to his cervical spine and today is to prevent him from living in a cervical collar.
“My hope for him is focused on quality of life and that there will be clinical trials to help him move forward. Much of these avenues are not covered by insurance and will be dependent on private funding. I am sharing this because I want people to understand that the fundraising is essential. It can mean the difference in equipment available to him, therapies, vehicles, honestly I don’t even know,” she stated.
“I am navigating in the dark focusing on breathing and literally existing as we navigate hour-by-hour the information we are receiving. What has occurred is probably the worst thing that could have happened to him. If you know him you know he is talented but humble, kind, private, and giving among all things. He was the friend that tried to donate a kidney when one was needed. He is the trainer that didn’t charge the kid he knew couldn’t afford the lesson. He is a vegetarian because he found slaughter impossible to support and is so empathetic to living things he couldn’t eat them.
“He literally helped me give shots of antibiotics to a fish… ( not joking) when our daughter’s fish was upside down. He stops to take turtles off the road. Stops to assist when a horse trailer has a flat. He ran from two rings away to help save a horse’s leg that was caught in a roll-top after a spill,” she continued.
“So many of you have more stories to retell of how he helped you than I even know. Above all things, he is a great father and life partner and as he lies here he is panicking about the three of us instead of himself. I am so thankful for all the support we have received, there are no words. Sadly, I saw some people commenting about “why should we donate to some rich guy with a $5 million dollar horse”.”
Kevin, she noted, is indeed rich–but only in “knowledge, friends, love, support, and devotion from his loved ones. He is not financially rich and has no ability to provide an income. The cold reality is we are desperately trying to raise money for medical (care) and rehabilitation, which I have been told can be staggering. It will be a long, challenging, journey ahead.”
She added, “I want to thank everyone for every prayer, kind word and thought and every dollar that has been donated so far. I remain hopeful that as the body heals his condition will improve. Please keep praying that as time passes, we will receive a miracle. I am getting messages with stories of people walking and moving after worse injuries. Hope is all I have left and I am hanging onto it with everything I have.”
Kevin Babington and daughter Gwyneth, who is also a show jumper, at the Devon Horse Show last spring. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Less than a month ago, Kevin, 51, won the Assante 3-star competition at Bromont, Quebec, on Shorapur. Based in Allentown, N.J., he has been a top international rider for years and represented his native Ireland in the Olympics. For more about him, see this story that ran on this website last month. https://nancyjaffer.com/2019-07-09/
Sissy Wickes posted a medical fundraising page on Facebook to help the family with medical expenses and rehabilitation costs. She will also establish a special needs trust for Kevin.
To donate, https://www.facebook.com/donate/508000833102520/508006313101972/
If Facebook’s donation fees are an issue for you, try https://www.gofundme.com/for-kevin-babington-and-family
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.
Riders participating in the $500,000 grand prix at HITS last weekend also pledged part of their winnings to Kevin’s cause.
Plans are in the works for a benefit horse show Oct. 13 at Duncraven in Titusville, Mercer County. Well-A-Way Farm in Simsbury, Conn., is having a show to support Kevin Sept. 21.
Meanwhile, 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
Those who wish to send something to Kevin can reach him at: NYU Hospital, Kimmel Pavilion, 550 1st Ave., New York, NY 10016
Attn: K. Babington ICU 16th floor
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 25, 2019
(See information about the funeral, survivors and memorial donations at the end of the obituary. Shelley Howerton Page, who will be going to the funeral, would like to print out email remembrances and give them to Ann’s family. Contact her at shelleyhpage@gmail.com)
One of the horse world’s very special people, Ann Rickard Haller, 56, died today after suffering complications related to an ongoing thyroid condition. Ann was working as the press officer and cross-country controller at the Great Meadow International event in Virginia this weekend when she felt ill and went to urgent care, before being hospitalized in Haymarket and then Manassas.
The ultimate worker and volunteer, Ann’s generous spirit was tirelessly devoted to the sport of eventing and brightened every competition where she was involved. If something needed to get done, she would do it, in style, efficiently and with a smile.
Ann Haller (Photo©by Nancy Jaffer)
Ann worked in the press office at many of events around the country including the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, Fair Hill International, Rebecca Farm, North American Youth Championships, the Jersey Fresh International, the FEI World Equestrian Games and the U.S. Eventing Association American Eventing Championships, among others.
While she often was the cross-country controller, wherever she was needed, there she was, lending her expertise and work ethic.
She had been married to Roger Haller, the cross-country designer for the 1978 World Championships and the 1996 Olympics, who died in 2016. They were a formidable couple in their contributions to the sport they loved.
Ann and Roger Haller (Photo©by Nancy Jaffer)
Roger and his family founded the Essex Horse Trials at Hoopstick Farm in Bedminster. It went on to become one of the most important events in the country after moving to the U.S. Equestrian Team’s Hamilton Farm in Gladstone, where it gained sponsorship from MARS Inc.
Essex was discontinued in 1998, but revived in 2017 at Moorland Farm in Far Hills, and Ann was on hand to be part of that.
Ann Haller with Ralph Jones, co-chair of the MARS Essex Horse Trials that was founded by her late husband, Roger Haller, and his family. (Photo©by Nancy Jaffer)
An “army brat,” as she described herself, Ann was the daughter of the late Col. Daniel Rickard.
She grew up in various locations around the country. She was a graduate H-A pony clubber from Hood Pony Club (Texas) and a member of more than half a dozen pony clubs. A longtime Georgia resident who had worked as a dietician before focusing on eventing full-time, she moved to Maryland recently.
A past member of the U.S. Pony Club’s board of governors who was inducted into the USPC Academy of Achievement, she continued to be involved in Pony Club for more than 25 years as an instructor, clinician, coach and in many other aspects of that organization. Those she taught stayed very close to her, even after they moved on from Pony Club.
When she was nine, Shelby Allen met Ann at Pony Club camp for the South Region. Shelby rode with Ann until she went to college.
“After that, she helped me get basically every single job I’ve had,” said Shelby, who worked for Eventing Nation and is starting nursing school this week.
“She played a lot of roles in my life, from teacher to mentor and friend. She was just a really special person,” Shelby observed, noting Ann was practically a surrogate mother for many of the Pony Clubbers with whom she worked.
“Every single person she met felt very loved by he,” said Shelby.
“She made a huge impact, even if you only saw her briefly. She gave everybody that really special personal feeling.”
A memorial service will be held at 11a.m. this Saturday, Aug. 31 at Trinity Episcopal Church, First Avenue, Columbus, Ga., with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked Ann’s friends to consider a donation to the United States Pony Club Annual Fund (https://www.ponyclub.org/giving), or to the Roger Haller Education Fund (USEAFoundation.org/donate
Ann is survived by her mother, Meta Fooks Rickard of Columbus, Ga; her brothers Paul Rickard (Brooke) of Midland Ga., and Col. Tom Rickard (Elizabeth) of Ft. Meade, Md; her aunts Mary Alice “Tuke” Shoemaker of Belton, Tex. and Mary Bolling Fooks Whittemore of Falmouth, Me; and her uncles Robert Fooks (Peggy) of Norfolk, Va and James Rickard (Kay) of Traverse City, Mi.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 22, 2019
Whether you’re an equestrian or a member of the public, there is a lot happening at the seventh Annual Devon Fall Classic, presented by Bryn Mawr Hospital Sept. 12-15 on Route 30 in Devon, Pa.
A benefit for the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Foundation, the event wasn’t held last year but is back this time with plenty to offer riders from the zone, which includes New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
Competition, which runs through the evenings, starts at 8 a.m. daily except Sept. 14, which begins at 7:30 a.m. That evening is the high point for riders, with the featured $25,000 Devon Fall Classic at a maximum height of 1.45 meters.
A fair offers carnival rides, more than 35 retail vendors, crafts, live music, food and drink, and a variety of entertaining events. They include:
● Yappy Hour: an opportunity to drink and dine with your dog in the picnic grove Sept. 13 from 5–7 p.m., featuring local beer, wine and spirits from Tattered Flag Brewery & Still Works, White Horse Winery and Thistle Finch Distillery. Bar Spoon Beverage Co.will also offer special tastings of their craft mixers.
● Live entertainment that day includes classic rock with party band Knock One Back. The ticket includes free admission and special seating in the picnic grove.
● The next day, amateur chefs are invited to enter a Classic Chili Contest. More live entertainment will be presented in the picnic grove.
● Sunday brunch is available on the final day.
Special event tickets can be purchased online at http://www.devonhorseshow.net/fall-classic/. Admission tickets start at $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and those ages 6-18. Children 5 and under are free all week, and admission is free for all on Sunday. Pre-order tickets on the website, via email at tickets@devonhorseshow.org, or by phone at (610) 688-2554. Visit the website for the full schedule of events.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 17, 2019
The Spring Valley Hounds will present the SVH Polo Cup Aug. 31 at Grayfields Farm, 80 Long Bridge Road, Allamuchy (exit 19 off Route 80), with 50 percent of the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.
Gates open at 10 a.m. so you can get a start on the tailgating, with the match set for noon. There will be a champagne toast and half-time divot stop (it’s traditional), along with a contest for the best hat and best tailgate spread.
Admission is a suggested donation of $20 for those over 12. Rain date is Sept. 1. Call (973) 300-7742 in case of inclement weather. For more info, go to www.springvalleyhounds.com.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 14, 2019
Dressage trainer Michael Barisone, charged in the shooting of a former student, will remain in custody after a Superior Court judge expressed concern during a pretrial detention hearing today about what might happen if he were allowed to go free pending resolution of his attempted murder case.
Lauren Kanarek is still in the hospital after authorities say Barisone shot her twice in the chest Aug. 7 during the culmination of an ongoing dispute that had resulted in police being called to his Long Valley farm several times in the preceding week.
Kanarek and her fiancée, Rob Goodwin, who was injured when he wrested the gun from Barisone, were at odds with the trainer, who was trying to evict them from his home on the farm.
Wearing a yellow prison jumpsuit for his hearing in Morristown, with his left arm in a sling, Barisone heard Judge Stephen Taylor say, “There are procedures in place by civil society in resolving those disputes and if Mr. Barisone had followed those procedures, we wouldn’t be here today.”
Citing a police report that stated Barisone said after his arrest, “I had a good life,” the judge commented that he thought Barisone did pose a danger and “perhaps to himself as well.”
Kanarek’s attorney, Edward David, noted in a press release, “While there may have been a civil disagreement between Lauren and Mr. Barisone, such things never justify the use of a gun.” He noted that her family “expects that he (Barisone) remain in custody pending his trial.”
Barisone’s lawyer, Jeffrey Simms, said that prior to the incident, his client had contacted another attorney about starting civil proceedings against Kanarek and Goodwin in order to evict the couple. Simms said Kanarek and Goodwin refused to obey fire marshals who came to the house and told them to leave. Calling Kanarek a “grifter,” Simms contended she is “more of a villain than a victim,” and asserted the couple was harassing his client.
He noted the altercation took place after an investigator from the state Division of Child Protection and Permanency came to investigate a call about possible abuse involving two youngsters, the children of Barisone’s girlfriend, after the agency was contacted. Simms believes that call was made by Kanarek.
As for the abuse charges, Barisone’s attorney said “there is no substantiation whatsoever to that.”
Simms said Barisone, his girlfriend, who is also a trainer, and her children were living in the house with Kanarek and Goodwin at one point. But noting Barisone felt “extraordinarily threatened” by Kanarek and Goodwin, Simms said his client moved with his girlfriend and her children into a barn office/apartment away from the house.
While investigation into the case is continuing, the next step involves referring the matter to a grand jury. Simms is planning to ask that the detention hearing be reopened within the next few weeks in an effort to get Barisone out of jail.
Kanarek is still hospitalized in serious condition recovering from her wounds. Doctors have performed several procedures to enable her to breathe, since her lungs were damaged in the assault. Her fiancé underwent surgery to repair the hand that was broken when he disarmed Barisone, who was also injured in the incident.
Barisone, who faces two counts of attempted murder and weapons offenses, was an alternate for the 2008 Olympic dressage team. He also trained Allison Brock, who was a team bronze medalist at the 2016 Olympic Games on Rosevelt.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 14, 2019
New research on nutrition, pasture management, manure and other topics will go down easy with a glass of wine Aug. 20 at the Cream Ridge Winery, 145 Route 539, Cream Ridge. Wine tasting begins at 5 p.m. followed by speakers at 6 p.m.
The program will provide research-based information on how to manage diets and pasture, along with some other environmentally friendly horse farm practices directly from experts performing the research. This will also give you a chance to network with managers and owners of New Jersey horse farms. The program is free, but wine is available for purchase.
RSVP by Friday August 16 with Carey Williams at carey.williams@rutgers.edu or Mike Westendorf at michael.westendorf@rutgers.edu.
