by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 28, 2019
“Riding for the Team,” the new book from the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation, made its formal debut at the Washington International Horse Show over the weekend.
There was a real buzz as people lined up on the concourse of the Capital One Arena for a book-signing session featuring U.S. team show jumpers Kent Farrington, McLain Ward, Margie Engle and coach Robert Ridland. Laura Kraut, who was judging a class at the time, earlier in the day autographed books to which the other signatures were added. All of these folks are, of course, featured in the book.
Kent Farrington, McLain Ward, Robert Ridland and Margie Engle with Nancy Jaffer. (Photo by Emily Rider)
I edited “Riding for the Team” over the last two years (you may have wondered why I was so busy) and am thrilled to help tell the inside stories of medalists in eight disciplines: Show jumping, eventing, dressage, vaulting, driving, endurance, reining and para-dressage. What it took to get to the top is laid out in detail along the 292 pages of this volume published by Trafalgar Square. Although the course of the athletes’ careers was different, in each case they had the determination to overcome failure and discouragement, as well as a unique brand of persistence and aspiration in common.
This book is the third in a series. The first, “The USET Book of Riding” came out in 1976 under the guidance of the late Olympic gold medalist and USET chairman Bill Steinkraus. It marked the USET’s twenty-fifth anniversary and presented the history of the transition from Army teams to civilian equestrian squads in representing the country.
I edited the second book, “Riding for America,” published in 1990. At that time, the USET only dealt with four disciplines—show jumping, eventing, dressage and driving, so the great performers of the era between 1976 and 1990 were highlighted. For this book, 28 years later, we have expanded to include all the FEI (international) disciplines, and the people in it are those who made their mark after 1990.
I was fortunate in knowing many of those who appear in the book before I began talking with them about their stories, so that helped when deciding where to focus for their part in the volume. The themes for some were easy to decide. How could you write about Rich Fellers, for instance, and not zoom in on Flexible, the plucky little stallion who won the first FEI World Cup Show Jumping finals for the U.S. in 25 years, and then went to the London Olympics later in 2012.
Debbie McDonald talked about how the dressage scene has changed since she started out, after she had a bad fall while jumping and decided to switch disciplines. Four-in-hand driver Jimmy Fairclough spent 40 years working toward a team gold medal, and finally achieved his goal at last year’s FEI World Equestrian Games. Becky Hart started from scratch with a free horse and wound up as the only three-time endurance world champion. Gold medal vaulter Devon Maitozo explains why he stayed in his sport as an adult, when so many vaulters quit after their teens.
Robert and Margie give their signing hands a little break. (Photo by Lawrence J. Nagy
Eventer Derek di Grazia tells of his transition from rider to course designer, with an eye toward his gig laying out the cross-country route at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Vicki Garner-Sweigert relates what it was like to be a para-dressage pioneer and win gold at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics, the first to offer equestrian sport.
With the Olympics coming up next summer, it’s interesting to gain insight on those who have had past successes at the Games, while reading about the candidates pointing toward 2020. They include dressage rider Laura Graves, eventer Boyd Martin and all the show jumpers who fans met in the autograph session, as they point toward Tokyo. Para rider Becca Hart, the first U.S. rider in her discipline to medal at the world championships, is looking at making the team in Japan for her fifth Paralympics.
Of course, there are great photos to illustrate the stories, and many pieces have photos from the athletes’ early days that you won’t have seen previously. The USET Foundation’s Sara Ike worked diligently to obtain and organize the photos, which was quite a task on its own.
Nancy Jaffer with Sara Ike. (Photo by Lawrence J. Nagy)
Here is the link if you want to order the book. You can also go to the USET Foundation’s website, www.uset.org. Proceeds from sales of the book benefit the USET Foundation in its efforts to support athletes giving their all for our country in the Olympics, world championships and other major competitions around the globe.
Meanwhile, if you want to find out more about what went on at the Washington International, the only U.S. show in the heart of a major American city, click here for my story on Practical Horseman’s website.
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.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 22, 2019
Carl Bessette, who died Sunday in Wellington, Fla. at the age of 89, was always the picture of equestrian elegance; tall, slender and impeccably turned out.
A horseman who emphasized the classical approach with no shortcuts, he took his last ride on Father’s Day in June, wearing his usual polished boots and spurs, according to M. Douglas (Dougie) Mutch, who noted he was still able to demonstrate the skills that made him such a wonderful horseman and teacher.
Creigh Duncan, who took lessons from him when he was based at Tewksbury Farms in Pottersville during the 1970s, remembered, “He was tough on us, yet we all adored him. He was widely known for being a very good equitation trainer.”
His dressage background was part of the fabric of his teaching.
“You did a turn on the haunches when you were asked to reverse, we did shoulder-in and shoulder-out,” she recalled. Carl’s students had to show up for lessons in polished boots, breeches and a shirt or sweater—but never a jacket, because he wanted to see his riders’ form in the saddle. He insisted on practice making perfect, “you did it until you could do it,” said Creigh.
The riders were expected to listen to what he told them. “It wasn’t a dialogue,” she pointed out.
At the same time, when something unexpected happened in the ring, “he’d end up laughing at us and with us” to defuse a situation. As an example, she remembered the time her horse ran off with her after completing the outside course at the old Junior Essex Troop Farm in West Orange, heading downhill and galloping across the brook. “The only thing that stopped my horse was the fence around the jumper ring.”
She said Carl left Tewksbury to teach at Southern Seminary in Virginia. He also taught at the Champlain Riding School in Vermont and eventually wound up in Wellington, as so many trainers do.
Dougie advised that there will be a celebration of life for Carl there next year after the Winter Equestrian Festival gets under way, and suggested that people can remember him by making a contribution in his name to the charity of their choice. “He would love that,” she said.
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.
Umbrellas and rain gear were part of the spectator dress code for those watching the awards ceremony at Fair Hill. Photo©2019 by Lawrence J. Nagy
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.”
A perfect show jumping round capped a winning weekend for Erin Sylvester and Paddy the Caddy. Photo © 2019 by Lawrence J. Nagy
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.
Erin Sylvester, winner of the 4-star with Paddy the Caddy at the “A” part of the Chesapeake water complex. Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer
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 29th 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).
Mia Farley, runner-up in the 4-star-L with Fair Hill sponsor Tim Dutta, winner Erin Sylvester and Jenny Caras, third. Photo © 2019 by Lawrence J. Nagy
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.”
“Overjoyed” is the only way to describe Woods Baughman after finishing his clean show jumping round on C’est La Vie 135. Photo©2019 by Lawrence J. Nagy
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.”
Woods Baughman, the 3-star-winner on cross-country with C’est la Vie 135. Photo©2019 by Lawrence J. Nagy
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.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 17, 2019
Bill Rube, the former funds development director for the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Foundation, is the new executive director of the Gleneayre Equestrian Program that utilized horses to help, teach and heal people in difficult situations, from at-risk youth to those taking advantage of equine-facilitated mental health care.
The Merchantville resident, who most recently was executive director of the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund, noted about GEP, “This is a very special non-profit because their mission means so much to me.”
“Simply said, if this were available to me as a teen, it could have helped change my path,” noted Bill, who successfully battled drug and alcohol addiction after suffering through it in the 1970s and ’80s.
Of GEP, he noted, “Their mission statement , ‘Bringing Children and Horses Together for the Betterment of Each Other’s Lives’ really resonates with me. I look forward to helping expand the awareness of this amazing program.”
Established in 1998, the GEP’s offerings include Equine Facilitated Learning, Equine Facilitated Mental Health and a unique Working Student Program that matches horses with youth seeking to learn about horses and caring for them. It’s “horses helping children helping horses.”
At-risk youth learn so many things from horses during the time they spend at Gleneayre. (Photo by Stephanie Enoch)
The mission statement for the GEP, which is located in Lumberton, reads in part: “We exist to provide a hands-on, experience-based learning environment for people in difficult situations, including children, families, and military personnel. We believe that the powerful connection between people and horses is transformational. Through horsemanship, we develop character, learn ethics and responsibility, grow physically and emotionally, and discover ourselves. Our own lives improve as we improve those of our horses.”
The GEP also provides a safe haven for their donated program horses to live with dignity, peace and veterinary care for the remainder of their lives. When the horses are unable to continue being ridden in the Gleneayre programs, they are transitioned to become equine ambassadors in the GEP’s non-riding activities.
“Bill is a wonderful partner to have, and we’re so excited to have him join us,” said GEP Founder Ellen Healey.
“We started some in-depth conversations about what horses mean and do and how they change people’s lives. I saw in Bill a very kindred spirit to the mission we have for this program. It’s a leap for us to jump from our local and regional community to be nationally known, but we’re ready for that and so confident in Bill’s guidance.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 17, 2019
For a half-century, the Somerset County Park Commission’s Lord Stirling Stable has meant a variety of things to many people. From lessons and trail rides to hunter paces, horse care workshops, educational offerings, pony parties, camp and therapeutic riding, the stable functions in ways that go well beyond an hour in the saddle. But perhaps the most important aspect of the facility in Basking Ridge is the sense of fellowship it provides.
Nancy Brown of the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable and stable manager Margie Margentino toast the facility’s 50th. Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer
As it marks its 50th anniversary this year, Lord Stirling celebrates the bonds that have grown not only between horses and riders, but also among the thousands who have enjoyed the stable for several generations.
“It’s my home away from home,” declared Libby Lux of Warren Township. “It’s a family atmosphere where you can volunteer and give back to the community and come out and have fun. There’s always something going on here. For the riders and the whole community, it’s just phenomenal.”
There are 76 horses at the stable, with 58 used for lessons, eight lead-line ponies and 10 boarders. Last year, 430 juniors and 570 adults rode in group lessons, while 1,140 private lessons were given.
Setting out on a trail ride with the stable horses. Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer
The number of places in the country where aspiring riders can be introduced to horses and riding has diminished under the pressures of development and the ever-increasing costs of horsekeeping. That makes a stable like Lord Stirling important in terms of an inexpensive opportunity to get involved with horses, while also growing equestrian sport.
If people aren’t able to locate a barn where they can start riding affordably, they will give up and find something else to do. Weakness in the base of the spot means there will be little chance to expand the equine business or develop potential equestrian stars among any but the very wealthy, affecting the vitality of the horse industry.
Abby Luther of Basking Ridge takes her third pony ride of the day at the Lord Stirling 50th anniversary celebration, with volunteer Tim Ryan leading Max. Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer
“Riding horses is an experience like no other, and not everyone has the wherewithal to have that experience,” observed Somerset County Freeholder Brian Gallagher.
“So what the park commission, in concert with Somerset County does, is provide for everybody to have that experience. Having the equestrian component adds an element to our park commission that not a lot of counties can provide.”
Those who have found their way to Lord Stirling treasure the time they spend there.
Rutgers student Dana Carron of Green Brook shares a special moment with Lord Stirling school horse Toby. Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer
“It’s my life,” said Bonnie Deo of Warren Township, who started riding with Lord Stirling’s original manager, Harry Case, in 1981. Bonnie, her husband and their daughter all rode there. She’s gone out on the trails practically every day for nearly four decades, noting “it relaxes you.”
“I’ve been coming here for so many years, I don’t think my car would know anywhere else to go,” laughed Bonnie, noting how much more is being offered now than when she first came to Lord Stirling. “Things change, but everybody’s attitude is always the same.”
The stable is located on a former cattle farm started in the 1890s by Dr. Charles Frederick Baker, a Newark physician. The property was purchased in the 1940s by John Jacob Astor VI, a survivor of the Titanic disaster (his mother was pregnant with him when she escaped the sinking ship.) The land east of Maple Avenue included a barn complex where he raised prize cattle; stables, paddocks, riding trails and extensive wetlands along the Passaic River.
After the Great Swamp was named New Jersey’s first National Natural Landmark, Helen Fenske, who led the fight to save it from becoming an airport, approached Somerset County Park Commission Secretary-Director Jack Moody in 1967 with $75,000 (worth about $573,000 today) from Sarah Mellon Scaife to help the county preserve the Astor farm. Moody obtained a matching grant from the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.
With the popularity of horses in Somerset County, Moody suggested to the park commission that it convert the Astor barns and stables to a county riding facility. He recalled, “We wanted to promote a broad appreciation of horses and the sport of riding among the general public.” The commission approved, opening the stable in 1969 with 30 horses and riding programs for adults and children.
The old dairy barn harks back to the days before Somerset County purchased the Lord Stirling propery and cows were housed in the building. Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer
Nancy Williams, who succeeded Harry Case as stable manager, has been associated with Lord Stirling for 46 years. She got involved when she worked at a hardware store in Bernardsville, where the stable’s maintenance men would come to buy supplies.
“One day they said, `Wow, they hired a girl to work in the barn.’ I’m like, ` Great, let me know when the next opening is.’ Two weeks later they came and told me, so I applied and got the job,” said Nancy. From stable worker, she became a senior stable worker, then assistant manager and finally manager in 1991. Now retired from her position, she still is a familiar face at the barn. People who come to Lord Stirling never seem to leave.
One of the most important developments in the last 20 years was the formation of the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable, a support network for the facility.
Terry Heide, the Friends’ president, notes how heartwarming it is to see “the impact horses have on people of any age; the gifts the horses give to the rider, especially lesson horses, they are incredible.” The Gilette resident noted the Friends group is able to fund things that the stable can’t afford as part of a budget-conscious public entity.
Margie Margentino, the stable’s manager since 2007, calls the Friends a key asset.
“They provide volunteers for various events, are instrumental in organizing and implementing events for the stable, such as the hunter paces, the holiday festival, fall festival, and Family Fun Day. The proceeds from the events come back to the stable in the form of capital improvements (i.e. lighting and footing for the arenas, run-in sheds, etc.) and other purchases such as specialized medical supplies, equipment, saddles, and horse purchases.
“Specific funds are designated for the School Horse Retirement Program. When a school horse retires, the Friends take care of the horse physically and financially until they can find the horse a suitable ‘forever’ home.”
Through the Friends, “over 50 horses have found new homes,” Terry reported.
School horses head back to their stalls after time in the pasture. Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer
With so much going on at the stable, Margie has her hands full, but it would seem she has been training for the task since the days when she participated in the Somerset County 4-H Horse Program in the 1960s and 70s. There were 500 kids enrolled at that time, and her father led the local 4-H horse club. An avid driver, she has competed on the local, national, and international level, predominantly with Morgans and Quarter Horses, and has been a driving judge, technical delegate and course designer.
A former board member of the Horse Park of New Jersey, she also served on the New Jersey Equine Advisory Board and the board of U,S. Driving for the Disabled, among other organizations.
The stable has been recognized as the Best of Somerset County Parks by the PATCH, and was named the Rutgers Equine Science Center’s Gold Medal Horse Farm for Environmental Stewardship.
But the best endorsements for Lord Stirling comes from those who ride there.
Friends’ Vice President Nancy Brown, who did not start riding until she was in her early 50s, was involved in organizing the September celebration of the stable’s 50th (complete with band and barbeque) that drew 300 people. She now is leasing a horse and is busy volunteering for the therapeutic riding program. The Hillsborough resident called the stable her focal point. “It means life to me,” she explained.
“It represents everything beautiful in my world.”
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.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 14, 2019
The Kevin Babington benefit show at Duncraven Sunday raised approximately $50,000 to help the show jumper, who suffered a critical spinal injury in a fall at the end of August.
Just as significant as the money itself was the fact that it came as a result of equestrians acting as a community for a special person who has become a special cause.
The competition in Titusville, Mercer County, brought horse people together in a way that is seldom seen in this era. Katie Benson, one of the show’s organizers, noted “everyone was there to lend a hand. It was a selfless day,” saying it reminded her of “the old days.” Everything was donated–the only things that had to be paid for were the portable toilets.
Jen Cassidy had the concept and put the volunteer staff together. Tim Fedor contributed his facility. Nancy Wallis did the course designing and building. Patty Miller offered her show date so the competition could be recognized, Karen Glover-Raach did the auction, Julie Koveloski handled the sponsorship and the raffle, and many more helped in other ways to make the show a rousing success. Decorations and flowers came from the Shannondale show and the Talent Search at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation the previous weekend.
“We had a thousand ways to contribute, and everyone did so,” said Katie. Her Briarwood team designed and built an Irish flag jump–appropriate since Kevin is a native of Ireland and has ridden on that country’s team. It went for $1,000 while a jump put together by Paul Jewell sold for $2,000.
The Irish flag jump was one of many creative ways money was raised to help Kevin Babington and his family at the Duncraven benefit show.
What made the show work was that “everybody knew Kevin, loved him and respected him. If it happened to the best of us, it can happen to the rest of us,” Katie pointed out.
“There’s a lot of sympathy there. Kevin is such a fine character through and through and everyone wants to support him in any way they can. As a rider, Kevin would share how to ride a course; it wasn’t about him, it was about your horse going well. He would do anything to make your day go right.
“We hope that financially they (Kevin’s family) can afford to keep him on the best care possible,” said Katie. Kevin is at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange and will have the need for more help once he goes home to Allentown. The healing process is lengthy.
“One thing we know from horses is that you can’t rush an injury to get back to the ring. We’d love to have Kevin right back in the game, but it’s going to take some stall rest,” said Katie.
Two days later, there was good news on that front. Dianna, Kevin’s wife and his rock, reported he was off the ventilator completely overnight, a total of 24 hours of unassisted breathing.
“This means freedom to travel when rehab is behind him.This means his diaphragm has gotten stronger. This means teaching will be well within his wheelhouse once he gets stronger! He slept well, maintained his oxygen status perfectly and is bright this morning.”
On Monday, Dianna posted on Facebook, “I don’t actually know how to express how much this means to us and how grateful we are. The expressions of love and support, offers of anything and everything to help, just the simple texts of “hang in there” has made a horrific situation livable. When we are our most distressed we think about the army of support we are so fortunate to have and know that we are not alone.”
Competitors came out in a big way, and as she noted, “many jumpers were wearing green, white and orange (the Irish colors.) Horses were braided with colored yarn or sprayed with shamrocks of green paint. It was unreal. There were jumps donated for auction that were stunning. Vendors were selling specially made items in honor of Kevin and people and horses alike were jumping jumps for Kevin Babington in the back field.
“What I noticed the most was the absolute kindness being demonstrated. There was a good will and sense of community that was palpable. It was the horse community at its best. I am so proud to be part of this special breed of people. I was hugged at least 50 times and everyone had a message for Kevin, which he will surely receive.
I want to specifically thank Tim Fedor for hosting this at Duncraven which remains a special place in our hearts. (Kevin had been based there at one point.)
“Today I came `home”’ and my head was flooded with memories everywhere I looked. I saw Kevin and I in our youth around every corner. We literally grew up at Duncraven and when I pulled up and saw no room for any more trailers, it took me a minute to get out of the car, I was so overcome with emotion. I could not have picked a more special place for this event.”
When she visited Kevin with their daughter, Marielle, and showed him all the photos and videos she took at Princeton Showjumping (which also ran benefits) and Duncraven, Dianna noted, “He was extremely moved and said, `When I get out of here, I have a lot of giving back to do.’”
She responded, “You earned this, Kevin, you are getting back right now for so much you already have given to so many.” He said “I still have lots to do.” But what he already has done is bring everyone together for something important, beyond ribbons and trophies.
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
Other fundraising opportunities continue. The 1984 Olympic show jumping double gold medalist, Joe Fargis, will be offering a clinic Saturday, November 2 at Kevin’s home base, 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
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 | 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.
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.
