by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 30, 2019
Sussex County Community College and the Tick Squad will have a day of education on tick-borne diseases Oct.5. Anyone who has horses knows what a hazard ticks are, which means it will be a real benefit to attend this conference offering insight into how to handle the tick problem.
The NWNJ Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Conference, a free event, will be held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in the college’s performing arts center on its main campus in Newton. The conference is geared to professionals and community members who want to learn more about tick-borne diseases and how to help identify and protect against infection.
“It’s time to start working together to take action in our backyards and neighborhoods, our parks and natural areas, so that we may regain our ability to fully enjoy this beautiful part of the world we are blessed to live in,” said Erin Collins, the college’s agricultural business and horticultural science supervisor, who will be leading a presentation about community action to manage the area’s tick population.
According to data from the state Department of Health, Sussex was ranked the fourth-highest county in New Jersey when it came to diagnosed Lyme disease cases in 2017. Neighbor Morris County took the top spot while Warren and Hunterdon counties also were among the top diagnosed counties. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that actual numbers throughout the country are under-reported. Other confirmed tick-borne illnesses in the area include the potentially fatal Powassan virus.
Among the many topics to be discussed are symptoms of tick-borne disease and how it can be treated.
The conference is free and open to the public. Registration is not required.
A light lunch will be served. For more information, contact Erin Collins at ecollins@sussex.edu.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 30, 2019
Great Britain’s Ben Maher may have won the Grand Prix at the Longines Global Champions Tour New York over the weekend, but the real star of the show turned out to be, well, the show itself.
Ben Maher on Explosion W, who jumps like his name. (Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
It was a jaw-dropper to see how the arena, grandstands, stabling, warm-up area and vendor village were laid out against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
An overview of the LGCT operation on Governors Island. (Photo©2019 by Lawrence J.. Nagy)
The setting was Governor’s Island, an 800-yard ferry ride from lower Manhattan. The island had been an outpost for the British military before the Revolutionary War and for the U.S. military after that. It eventually became a Coast Guard installation until 1996. It finally opened to the public in 2005 and is a popular respite from city life for those who come over. The only way to get there is by ferry, which complicated it as a site for a show, but the LGCT crew was up to the challenge.
Everything, including heavy equipment, tons of footing and the horses, arrived by ferry (or barges). The horses were, of course, in vans. We wouldn’t have wanted to see them walking around on deck…
LGCT is run by Jan Tops, a Dutch entrepreneur who has presented shows all over the world, from Shanghai to Paris. LGCT New York is his second show in the U.S., and its layout is reminiscent of his spring Miami Beach operation, which is located on the sand next to the ocean.
“It is important for us to be in New York,” said Jan.
“America is an important horse nation and we have a strong footprint in the States. We found a good place for the horses and riders,” he said of Governors Island, indicating the competition is likely to return to the site next year.
In addition to Ben, the big names and their horses were flown over from Europe, including Germany’s Marcus Ehning, second to Ben in the featured grand prix,, where he rode Cornado NRW.
Marcus Ehning of Germany and Cornado NRW were second in the featured grand prix, where no Americans made the seven-horse jump-off. (Photo©2019 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
European Show Jumping Champion Martin Fuchs of Switzerland was Ben’s teammate on the London Knights. They won the final for the LGCT League. Ben rates his mount, Explosion W, and Marcus’ horse, Clooney as the two best jumpers in the world.
London Knights teammates Martin Fuchs and Ben Maher with LGCT President Jan Tops. (Photo©2019 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
The Leagues involve a hodgepodge of mixed nationalities that seemed to have little to do with their names. The Cannes Stars, for instance, were represented in the team final by Margie Goldstein Engle of the U.S. and Abdel Said of Egypt. Team members wore collarless riding jackets in their team colors with appropriate logos. The Berlin Eagles, for instance, had—what else?—an eagle as their insignia.
Georgina Bloomberg has been very involved with LGCT. Her team in the LGCT League is the New York Empire and since her father, Michael Bloomberg, is the former mayor of New York City, there was speculation that she had an instrumental role in bringing the show to Gotham.
Georgina Bloomberg and Quibelle. (Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
When I asked her about that, she replied, “I wish I could take credit, but unfortunately, no. Obviously, we were excited when they decided they wanted to have a horse show in New York. I think people were a little bit concerned with the ferry ride and how that would work, but it’s definitely worth the trip. You can’t beat the location, you can’t beat the view.“
As she observed, “The ferry has been running very smoothly and it really hasn’t been any different than jumping in a taxi or having to drive. We have horse shows where you have to travel further distances to get to the horse show from the hotel and you don’t have views that compare to this when you get there.”
Even though her father is no longer mayor, I thought perhaps she might have been able to exert influence as necessary. Apparently not.
“There’s very little, obviously, we can do in the city, we don’t have the pull that we used to,” she offered with a smile.
“Jan is so talented at forming those connections with the different cities, he hasn’t really needed my help. Little touches I can add, but as far as the logistics and the actual organizing, that was all the Global Champions team.”
The Statue of Liberty had a good view of the action and all the riders, including Kent Farrington on Creedance, winner of the show’s final 150,000 Euro competition. (Photo©2019 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
For the team final and the 300,000 Euro Grand Prix on Saturday, the stands were filled with fascinated spectators, many of whom had just been visiting Governors Island when they learned about the competition. Others had made the show their destination, and the fact that there was no admission charge undoubtedly helped boost attendance.
Reagan Nunnally, a resident of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, said she had heard about the show from friends who had been going to LGCT shows elsewhere in the world.
“They let us know it was going to be in New York, so we came on out,” said Reagan, who has been a fan of Governors Island.
“Isn’t it beautiful?” she asked. “Such a special enclave that few people know about.”
After the success of LGCT New York, that may no longer be the case.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 29, 2019
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/
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 26, 2019
Three-time Kentucky 4-star winner Winsome Adante has died at the age of 26. He and rider Kim Severson won individual silver and team bronze at the 2004 Olympics, during a career in which he earned many more accolades. He was U.S. Eventing Horse of the Year, was inducted into the USEA Hall of Fame and was the USEA’s All Time High Point Horse Leader for more than 10 years.
Kim Severson and Winsome Adante during the horse inspection at Rolex Kentucky. (Photo©2005 by Nancy Jaffer)
As Kim posted on Facebook, “Every man gets an opportunity once in a lifetime.” – Will Rogers.
“My opportunity came in the form of a 16.1H bay gelding from England; his name was Winsome Adante, otherwise known as Dan, and sometimes lovingly referred to as Danimal the Wild Animal. So many of my firsts in the world of eventing came from my partnership with Dan: Badminton, Olympics, World Equestrian Games, Burghley, and more. Now, when I think back about our time together, two words come to mind: opportunity and gratitude. What an amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity to find Dan, and then be supported in our partnership by so many wonderful people.
Dan, thank you for your willingness to come to work every day, your unbelievable work ethic, incredible heart, and occasionally cheeky behavior that literally kept us all on our toes! Thank you for being my partner, friend, and making my childhood dreams and ambitions come true.
Heartfelt gratitude to Linda Wachtmeister (along with her family: Bob, Lucia, and Benita Strini) of Plain Dealing Farm, who purchased Dan and supported us along the way; thank you all for your friendship.
No partnership works alone, and ours was supported by many wonderful people in which I would like to give thanks: Molly Bull, Lili Bennett, Caroline Goldberg, the team at Plain Dealing Farm, Dan’s breeders, Janet and Chris Gooch, Dr. Keith Brady, Dr. Brendan Furlong, Butch Sclater, Todd Meister, Steve Teichman, Scott Anderson, and Jan and Craig Thompson who made that fateful call about a horse for sale in 1999.
Thank you to our sponsors, coaches, team members, event organizers, event volunteers, and fans who played an important role in our journey in their own way, and cheered Dan on from the sidelines.
“A great horse will change your life. The truly special ones define it…” – Author Unknown
Rest in peace, Dan. You were truly special, you were loved, and you will be missed.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 25, 2019
Show jumper Kevin Babington has left NYU Langone Health Care to continue his journey of recovery at a rehab center.
The move came 26 days after Kevin suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury in a traumatic fall at the Hampton Classic,
Earlier this month on Facebook, his 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/
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 24, 2019
Mental health has been a steady, yet growing, concern in the veterinary industry. The Center for Disease Control has found that male veterinarians are 2.1 times, and female veterinarians 3.5 times, more likely to die by suicide than the general U.S. population. These are alarming numbers and the way that we begin to make a change is by creating awareness.
B.W. Furlong Associates has partnered with Not One More Vet (nomv.org), an online veterinary support group, to put on a 5K race open to the public to help raise awareness throughout our community. All proceeds from the race will be donated to NOMV.
Show your support and participate Nov. 2 at 9 a.m. at River Road Park in Bedminster, Sign up at: runsignup.com/race/nj/bedminster/furlongs5k
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 21, 2019
It has been 26 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,” but plans to leave NYU for rehab are on hold for a bit.
“We’ve had a small setback, so we are delayed, but anxious to move onto rehab when the doctors clear him,” Dianna said on Facebook Friday.
Earlier in the week, she 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 that has raised nearly $550,000 was posted by Sissy Wickes 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
The 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. Well-A-Way Farm in Simsbury, Conn., is having a show to support Kevin Sept. 21.
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 20, 2019
The Global Champions Tour is making it first stop in New York Sept. 27-29 at a unique venue, Governor’s Island against a backdrop of Manhattan skyscrapers.
The island is accessible only by ferry, but the fee is just $3 and admission to the show is free. It’s another in GCT’s series of unusual settings worldwide, which also include an arena set up by the Eiffel Tower and an oceanside ring on the sand in Miami Beach.
As expected, the lineup of riders includes Georgina Bloomberg (who always loves to show in New York, even when her father isn’t mayor), and other top Americans such as Jessie Springsteen, who won at St. Tropez last weekend; McLain Ward and Kent Farrington.
But there will also be a chance to see some European imports. Marcus Fuchs of Switzerland, the new European champion is coming, along with British stars Ben Maher and Scott Brash; German team regulars Daniel Deusser and Marcus Ehning, and Peter Fredericson of Sweden.
In addition to the competition, a visit to the island also offers a vendor village and a chance to walk around the 172-acre island, just 800 yards from the lower tip of Manhattan. An arts center is one of the go-to spots on the property.
Highlights of the show include the Global Champions League competition on the Friday afternoon at 3:45 p.m. , the 300,000 Euro grand prix for 1.60 meter horses at 4 p.m. the next day and a 150,000 Euro grand prix for 1.50-meter horses at 4 p.m. on the final afternoon.
For more information: https://www.gcglobalchampions.com/news/show-jumping-a-list-heads-for-lgct-new-york-finals
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 18, 2019
Desire and dedication are key qualities in Alanna Flax-Clark’s pursuit of para-dressage excellence, but pure determination—along with a super horse–is equally important, as she demonstrated during the Adequan®/USEF Para Dressage CPEDI3* National Championship last weekend.
Alanna Flax-Clark and Taco. (Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
The former special education teacher had her career in education come to an abrupt end in 2008 when she suffered a life-threatening infection with a temperature spiking at 106 degrees. Afterward, she couldn’t sit up unsupported, experienced trouble breathing, was unable to talk and walk, and couldn’t use her hands.
She was frustrated with unsuccessful efforts at rehabilitation.
“Nothing was really helping me,” she remembered. Then she turned to horses, even though she had no equestrian background.
“I knew about hippotherapy (equine-assisted therapy) from being a special ed teacher. It was always the best time of the week for my students,” she said.
“For me, not having my voice was really difficult. Trying to work in a clinical setting, I couldn’t communicate with the therapists. Getting on a horse, you don’t need to verbalize.”
Her riding experience “opened up a whole different world to me,” she said, and eventually found she was able to talk again.
At first, Alanna could only stay aboard the horse for five minutes, with people holding her on. But she progressed, noting the movement of the horse, which most closely matches the human gait, is therapeutic. “When you’re sitting on a horse, it sends those signals to your brain and your spinal cord,” she observed.
Wanting to do more, Alanna went on to para-dressage. Eventually, she was able to regain her independence, leaving her California home and her family as she struck out on her own. Alanna moved across the country so she could train with Sara Schmitt in Califon.
Sara Schmitt adjusts Taco’s bridle. (Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
Now she’s seeking a berth on the U.S. team for next year’s Paralympics in Tokyo. Alanna is ranked 11th in the world in para Grade II, a designation for those who walk and trot in competition.
So her first national championship at the Tryon, N.C., International Equestrian Center was a big deal for the 36-year-old Glen Gardner resident, who has been competing only since mid-2017. The show started out well. She finished third in her first test, earning 67.778 percent with her cute chestnut Dutch riding pony El Paso, affectionately known as Taco.
“He was nice and forward, the gaits were the best I’ve ever gotten out of him,” she recalled, adding U.S. para coach Michel Assouline and others watching noticed that she and Taco had come a long way.
But trouble struck the next day.
Alanna, whose condition means she can’t close her fingers to hold the reins in the usual fashion, puts her hands through loops on the reins to guide her horse. She was well into the test and doing the stretch walk when the left loop of her reins came off the buckle and she fell forward onto Taco’s neck.
“As I tried to regain my balance, I was like, `What do I do? I have no loop and can’t really put them on myself.’”
Tuned in to his rider, Taco didn’t falter.
“The entire time, I was trying to figure out what to do, he stood still in the middle of the ring. I don’t know what I did. It was hot and humid and my glasses were steamed up and I couldn’t see.” Yet Alanna didn’t think about leaving the arena.
Somehow, “I was able to figure out a way to kind of get it (the loop) on, but only on the tightest hole. Normally, it’s on the sixth hole away from his mouth, but I could only get it on first hole, which was super tight.”
How did she do it? “When you’re in high pressure situations, you figure out how to get things done,” she responded.
Meanwhile, however, her reins were uneven, because the loop on her right rein was on the fifth hole, and it was time for the trot portion of her test.
“I wanted to have the best trot I could without falling off,” she said.
Taco soldiered on, even though “his head was completely back to the left and at the end of the test, I had to turn right to go down centerline.”
While Taco may have been confused, “he worked with me really well and was able to maintain a nice balanced trot. I was dead set on finishing the test, which I did. I was super proud of my horse for staying still while I was able to figure out how to finish the test,” she said.
“I had absolutely no reins for about a minute and a half. He could have just taken off. For me to be able to trust him and stay calm under pressure and figure out what to do–being able to handle the situation was a good test of our relationship. How we handled the situation was much more meaningful to me than the score that we got. It’s a great feeling to be able to trust your horse completely.”
Another experience tested her ability and resolve on the final day in Tryon. She had been behind the music in her new freestyle when she practiced it at home, but at the show, she got ahead of the music, so she had to do some improvisation.
Under pressure, she was forced to quickly figure out, “Do I need to do a 10-meter circle or do I have enough time to add in a 20-meter circle? I had to throw in a lot of new movements to make it all work. It was hard work but for me, to be able to do that and maintain my nerve, was a good test. I’m still brand new to this sport.”
Her relationship with Sara has been instrumental in her progress.
“She knew how to push me and get the best out of me,” explained Alanna, who mounts Taco from her wheelchair with Sara’s assistance. She also gives credit to those at Sara’s barn, who rallied around her and helped. The rider has been pleased that dressage shows in the area added para classes for her, if they weren’t originally on the schedule.
“No one has said no. It’s been really welcoming.”
Alanna usually is smiling when she rides Taco. (Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
Sara, who is both a driver and a dressage competitor, as well as a judge, has coached two world championships for para-driving and got to know Alanna through a para driver, Diane Kastama. She offered Alanna a horse to lease for the winter, and then found Taco for her, a perfect fit for the 5-foot, 2-inch rider.
“I didn’t realize how little show experience she had,” said Sara, who has brought Alanna along to gain more mileage. She also taught Taco voice commands, which are legal under the rules for Alanna to use and give her another tool in working with her horse.
Alanna is working as special projects manager for Mane Stream (manestreamnj.org) in Oldwick, which serves individuals with physical, developmental, emotional and medical challenges through equine-assisted activities, therapy services and educational initiatives. Part of her job involves collaborating with schools, groups and adaptive sports organizations. In terms of community outreach, she’s also a great example of the therapeutic benefits of working with horses.
“She is fantastic to have on staff,” said Mane Stream’s executive director, Trish Hegeman.
“Her personality is great to be around. She’s very much a doer. You give her something and she’s tenacious. She tries to find opportunities to make connections in the community. Some of that is using the resources she has and groups she’s already connected with. Some of it is just looking for places where we can do a display at a community event.”
As Trish noted, “People are curious about her, especially if she’s wearing her Mane Stream gear. It’s like a conversation opener. When they find out she rides horses and is training for the Paralympics, she becomes a little bit of a rock star and people want to know more about what she’s doing. It’s a wonderful segue to have her talk about what we do here at Mane Stream and point them in our direction for a great community resource that’s right in their backyard.”
When working on her fitness off the horse, Alanna goes to Project Walk in Mt. Laurel (projectwalknj.com), where she works with Daniella Raovfogel, who has a master’s degree in occupational therapy.
“My body gets super tight and stiff,” said Alanna, “so the first part is all stretching and massage, which is what I need. None of it is covered by insurance, which is difficult.” The number of times she can go to Project Walk each month depends on her time and budget.
In terms of her condition, she mentions, “I don’t know if it will ever improve dramatically, but working on maintaining where I am and the riding and staying active is always good. But I have to learn to find a balance of when to back off and rest, because I like to do a lot of things.”
Daniella said Alanna has function of her arms, except for her hands, but has no function of her lower extremities. She focuses on core stability “because she needs that when she rides,” explained Daniella.
“With any activity you do, you need to have a really strong core because that sets the tone for everything else.”
Workouts mimic riding where Alanna sits on a barrel and does a lot of balance exercises. To heighten awareness of her body, she closes her eyes and functions without her vision, while spotters make sure she doesn’t fall.
“She works hard and has great determination,” said Daniella, who understands Alanna’s interest in going to Tokyo.
“I think it’s an amazing goal to have in the forefront. I definitely can see her at the Paralympics.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 18, 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/
