by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 9, 2019
The 99th Far Hills Race Meeting, the annual day of steeplechasing at Moorland Farm in Far Hills, is set for Oct. 19–complete with pari-mutuel betting and the usual lavish tailgating scene overlooking the racetrack.
Although the race meeting is, annoyingly, called “the hunt,” by some who don’t know better, it has nothing to do with hunting anymore. Originally, the races were a thank you from the Essex Fox Hounds to farmers and landowners who let the hunt ride over their property.
Over the decades, the hunt races evolved into big-time sanctioned races drawing horses from across the country and around the world, with the largest purse structure of any steeplechase meeting. It offers $850,000, $450,000 of which is awarded for the Grand National, and all the action is live-streamed.
The race meeting, which annually draws 30,000 people, benefits Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville. According to National Steeplechase Association President Guy Torsilieri, who chairs the event with Ron Kennedy, it has donated nearly $20 million to the hospital. The facility’s Steeplechase Cancer Center was named to honor the race meeting.
The event also partners with RWJBarnabas to support five other charitable organizations, including Cancer Support Community Central New Jersey, Bonnie Brae, ARC of Somerset County, Life Camp in Pottersville, and Liberty Corner-based Community in Crisis.
Open Road Auto Group and Peapack Gladstone Bank are the races’ major sponsors, but there is plenty of other corporate backing.
Tickets can be purchased online, printed out at home and scanned at 10 different locations at Moorland. Through Oct. 18, general admission tickets can be purchased in advance for $100 and parking tickets for $30 through area vendors and online. On event day, general admission and parking tickets can only be purchased at the gate. General admission costs $200 and parking remains at $30.
Gates open at 8 a.m. and the first of seven races begins at 1 p.m. For information, call (908) 234-9115 or go to www.farhillsrace.org.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 8, 2019
This is the latest from Diana Babington, the wife of show jumper Kevin Babington, who suffered a critical spinal cord injury in August. Kevin, who is at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange, was off the ventilator for 12 hours today.
” They are keeping night support for safety. That jump was from 4 hours off and then a break then another 4 hours off. That is a huge improvement and (the) respiratory therapist said it’s shocking. Pneumonia is pretty much resolved. I have to believe the positivity from so many friends and family are largely responsible for this progress. Thank you for all the kindness, visiting, social media support and messages.”
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/
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 7, 2019
The New Jersey Equine Artists’ Association has put out a call for artist participation in its ninth Biennial “NJEAA Art of the Horse” June 7-July 5, 2020 at Prallsville Mills in Stockton,,
Needed are pieces along equine themes in any medium. The entry deadline is March 31, 2020. For information or a prospectus, contact xochitlb@comcast.net
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 7, 2019
Cassandra Kahle of Redfield Farm in Califon won the $30,000 WCHR Professional Challenge on Monday Balous at the Capital Challenge show in Maryland last week,when she topped a field of 33.
At the conclusion of the first round, Kahle and Monday Balous were tied for the lead with last year’s Professional Challenge winners, Amanda Steege and Lafitte de Muze. Both scored 90.33. Cassandra’s second-round score of 91.16, resulting in a 181.49 total, put her into the top spot.
“Going into tonight, I was nervous, but my expectations weren’t super high,” said Cassandra, 27. “I just really wanted to have a good time. I’m really lucky to get to ride this horse. He’s like nothing I’ve ever ridden before; he’s amazing. He’s got a great rhythm and canter, so I went in and picked up a good gallop. He kind of shows you the distances and the jumps.”
She nd Monday Balous, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Balou du Rouet, had to qualify for the Professional Challenge with ribbons in the High Performance division.
“I think I was just relieved to make it into the class. It was something I really wanted to do,” Kahle said. “I’ve watched this class since I was a kid. I admire the riders; they’re the top riders in the country that compete in this class. I think it’s something every hunter rider would love to do,” she said.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 6, 2019
The judges for the weekend’s Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East were serious about the mandate of the competition: a step on the pathway for athletes to represent the country in international competition.
So they made it a real test, showing the mettle of those in the starting field of 57 who aspire to ride for the U.S. team one day. The competition is a hybrid of equitation and jumpers, with knockdowns and time penalties counting in riders’ final total.
The top four—winner Ellie Ferrigno, runner-up Ava Stearns, third-place Sophee Steckbeck and fourth-place Dominic Gibbs–all raised their hands when I asked if they had international ambitions.
Sophee Steckbeck, third in the Talent Search, with Ava Stearns, second; Dominic Gibbs, fourth and Ellie Ferrigno, the winner. (Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
“The cream of the crop rose to the top and the ones that weren’t quite ready for it had their faults,” said Sue Ashe, who officiated at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation headquarters in Gladstone with her daughter, grand prix rider Molly Ashe Cawley. Molly’s daughter, Taylor, spent Saturday winning the World Champion Hunter Rider Pony Challenge at the Capital Challenge show while mom was busy judging in New Jersey.
The Talent Search has four phases, and even the opening flat segment Saturday morning was no soft touch. It was done completely without stirrups, and posting to the trot proved a bit challenging for some. The idea, Molly said, “was to put the horses together and get the right connection.”
A bigger challenge came that afternoon with the gymnastics phase, which had riders counter-cantering a loop toward the seventh fence, an oxer, and doing a serpentine at the counter-canter to the eighth obstacle, a vertical. Both fences were set at the 1.15-meter maximum for the class, and not everyone was up to the task.
A look at the difficult gymnastics phase.
“The counter-lead wound up being more of a pickle than it was meant to be,” said Molly, adding “I wish the counter-lead hadn’t been such a deal breaker,” while noting the point of the gymnastics was demonstrating “finesse to lengthen and shorten.”
Sunday morning was devoted to jumping a course, designed by the judges with the help of Olympic medalist Conrad Homfeld, a master at such tasks. The route was deemed “fabulous” by trainer Missy Clark.
The concept yielded the top four, who came back this afternoon to jump a shorter course on their mounts, with the idea of doing the same on their rivals’ horses.
With four phases, anything can happen, and it usually does. The water jump in Sunday morning’s jumping segment, for instance, often causes a bit of trouble. This time, several riders had their horses refuse out there. Included in that group was Nora Andrews, the leader after the flat phase. Then during the Final Four, Dominic was riding Sophee’s Itteville, who knocked himself on the wall obstacle. A few strides later, the horse started limping and it seemed as if he were badly injured.
“My initial reaction was shock. I didn’t know what to do,” recalled Dominic. “Then I heard everyone in the stands screaming, `Get off, get off, the horse is hurt.’”
We all feared the worst, but the chestnut eventually walked away with his groom and the show veterinarian thought perhaps he had just banged himself. He made a quick recovery, because Sophee rode him back into the ring for the awards ceremony shortly thereafter.
Sophee Steckbeck on Itteville. (Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
Everyone wondered how the situation would be resolved, since Itteville couldn’t continue in the rotation. But show manager David Distler explained that everyone’s round on their own horses would count, along with two other rounds, for a total of three scores rather than four, while only the first round (Sophee’s) on Itteville counted and the scores on him did not count for the others who rode him.
That eventually left just one point between Ellie, on Discovery-O (she had been fourth coming into the final four) and Ava (second coming into the final four), who rode Acer K, at 269 and 268 respectively. Sophee, the leader after the first three phases, wound up with 224 and Dominic—who had a knockdown and time penalty in his initial round—finished fourth on 203. He did get a championship ribbon, however, as his attractive black Belgian-bred former jumper, Cent 15, won the Grappa Trophy for best horse in the final.
Dominic Gibbs on Cent 15, Best Horse of the final. (Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
Molly wishes there were more young riders involved at the higher levels of the sport, and would like to see young people follow the big names in the jumping world and learn from them. Ellie, a 17-year-old high school senior from Newtown, Conn., who won the Region 4 Maclay title, immediately responded, “I watch every grand prix I can, because there’s always something to learn from that.”
Champion Ellie Ferrigno with judges Sue Ashe and Molly Ashe Cawley, trainer Val Renihan, Emily Smith of Platinum Performance and Daisy Farish, last year’s Talent Search winner. (Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
“We refer to her as `The Encyclopedia,’ ” said her trainer, Val Renihan, because if there’s any competitor in the world the folks at her barn want to know about, Ellie can tell them.
Ellie Ferrigno, Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East winner, on Discovery-O. (Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
Molly isn’t a fan of the 1.15-meter maximum height for Talent Search fences that is in place this year. Previously, it was 1.20 meters, but the number of riders in the final had declined because not everyone has a horse capable of jumping 1.20 meters. The difference between the two is slightly less than two inches.
“I feel like they’ve dropped it down. It’s supposed to be (for) the kids who want to take the next step to the next level,” Molly said.
“Nobody’s going to water it down from here when you make the step to the next level. You can go from 1.15 meters to 1.50 or from 1.20 to 1.50. You have to get some grit. It’s not preparing better for the future of the sport by making it smaller and easier.”
Trainer Andre Dignelli saw it differently, saying that going down to 1.15 is bringing more people to the Talent Search. At 1.20 meters, he said, “I think if they weren’t careful, this class could near extinction. There were a lot of people here, there was atmosphere, there was good riding, there was more participation.”
Even at 1.15, the Talent Search is still a challenge, and the top four were ecstatic to have finished as well as they did.
“It’s such an unbelievable opportunity that we’re able to do a class like this,” said Ellie.
“We’re being watched on the great stage to be able to go on to do bigger things. I feel so honored to be able to take the top spot.”
Ava, 18, an Auburn University pre-med freshman from Chilmark, Mass., who won the Region I Maclay title and trains with Missy and John Brennan, said, “I appreciate this class because it shows off the fundamentals and has you work on flat work and the basics that make everything you build on top of better.”
Ava Stearns, the runner-up in the Talent Search, on Acer K. (Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
Sophee, 16, of Clarksburg, who trains with Brian Feigus and Andre, said, “It puts you on the map to go further in the sport.” A 16-year-old junior at Notre Dame High School, she was first in the Maclay at the Devon Horse Show this year.
Dominic, 16, lives in Colts Neck with his trainer, Stacia Madden. He won the 2018 Hamel Equitation Finals and was making his Talent Search debut.
He said of the Talent Search, “I think it’s a really wonderful class to have the opportunity to prepare you for the larger classes and be accurate and show your riding skills.”
A very interesting fresh face on the scene, he started riding in Colorado. His trainer there, Karen Catov-Goodell, saw such potential in him that she sent him to Katie Prudent. He did the jumpers with Katie, but she felt he needed an equitation specialist, which is how he wound up with Stacia. He won the gymnastics with an impressive 98.
Dominic had to present a case to his father, Gordon, a physician, about why he should be allowed to show in Florida. His mother, Erin, was behind him in his dream.
“Because I love horses, I get it,” she said, noting it was harder for her husband to let him move away from Colorado, but he agreed.
Dominic originally wanted to be either an astronaut or a physician, but it’s obvious to him now that he’s heading toward a career as a professional horseman.
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.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 5, 2019
Dominic Gibbs, a 16-year-old from Colorado, was in the lead half-way through the Platinum Performance/U.S. Equestrian Federation Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East today.
Dominic Gibbs leads halfway through the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East. (Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
The teen, who rides with Beacon Hill Show Stable in Colts Neck, went to the top of the 57-entry roster after the gymnastics phase. He was marked at 98 for the gymnastics, giving him a total of 238 when combined with his flat phase score. Second is Ava Stearns on 231.8. Nora Andrews, first after the flat phase, earned 88.5 in gymnastics and stands ninth on 225.8.
Gibbs will go last in Sunday morning’s show jumping, set to start at 9 a.m. at the U.S.. Equestrian Team Foundation in Gladstone.
The judges are Sue Ashe and Molly Ashe-Cawley, the first mother-daughter combination to officiate in the Talent Search. hose who are really interested in equitation can see more of the riders than they would at the ASPCA Maclay or USEF Medal finals, where the exhibitors compete on only one day. Admission is free at the facility off Pottersville Road.
The Show Jumping Talent Search program dates back to the 1950s, when it was held during the National Horse Show in New York City for nine years until 1963. The Harry T. Peters Trophy class, the predecessor of the Talent Search Program, was a combined test. It consisted of dressage, held in the old Squadron A Armory, and a jumping test in Madison Square Garden. Early winners included Wilson Dennehy, Patti Heuckeroth, and Carol Hofmann Thompson.
What became the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search was started in 1965 by the USET as its equitation class, designed to fill the gap for juniors who qualified for the Medal and Maclay early in the year and had no further incentive to keeping showing in horsemanship.
The USET Medal Classes encouraged Young Rider development through the awarding of Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals for wins earned throughout the United States. At the end of the competition year, two riders who accumulated the most wins were invited to spend a week with the team in Gladstone the following year.
In 1982, the program incorporated year-end finals as a further goal. In 1994, the USET decided to change the name of the USET Medal Program to the USET Show Jumping Talent Search Program. This change better reflected the focus of the program by asking developing riders to meet a more difficult set of standards than required in other competitions, thus helping to prepare them for future international Show Jumping Teams.
In 2003, the USET became a foundation for the purpose of raising funds for equestrian high performance programs, and the newly formed United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) emerged as the National Governing Body for equestrian sports. The Show Jumping Talent Search Program became a part of USEF’s Show Jumping High Performance Department and continues to serve as the pipeline for future stars on their way to the high performance world.
Winners have included McLain Ward, who became an Olympic double gold and silver team medalist.
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.
The stick horse race is always a highlight for kids. (Photo©2019 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
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.
Jazz Merton hands off the baton to another member of her tutu team. (Photo©2019 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
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.”
Essex Fox Hounds Joint Master Karen Murphy leads Brian Linehan on Goodloldtimes in the senior Field Master race. (Photo©2019 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
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.
Nadia Rosenfeldman knows how to make an impression while tailgating. (Photo©2019 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
“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.
Tailgating was a big part of the afternoon at the Masters’ Chase. (Photo©2019 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
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.
Lynn Jones enjoyed her triumph in the trot race. (Photo©2019 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
“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.”
Mary Lane, number 3, on Denali at the start of the senior foxhunter flat race, which she won. (Photo©2019 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
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*.
Who will ever forget David O’Connor’s triumphant ride on Custom Made after taking the eventing individual gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. It was a magic moment. (Photo©2000 by Nancy Jaffer)
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.”
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.
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)
“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.”
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, 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.”
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, 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/
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/
