by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 16, 2019
The 11th annual Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program National Training Session will include a good share of Jerseyans who qualified for the Nov. 7-10 session at The University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio.
Those who made their mark in 10 regional training sessions contested by 194 hopefuls will benefit from instruction delivered by Olympic show jumping gold medalist Peter Wylde, who is returning this year. Stable management expert Anne Thornbury also will be sharing her knowledge.
The Garden State contingent of riders includes Alyssa Simin, 21, of Ramsey; Evelyn Smith, 18, Morristown and Alicia Weismann, 19, Southampton. Stable Managers are Mara Picciochi, 20, Morristown and Christina Samouhos, 22, Pittstown.
Ranked Alternate Stable Managers are Rachel Vandemark, 22, South Brunswick, and Alexandria Willard, 20, Pittstown.
Since the program’s inception in 2009, the USHJA has reviewed more than 2,700 applications, provided more than 1,600 participants in regional training session opportunities, and each year 16 athletes vie for the title of EAP Champion while training with an Olympian at the National Training Session.
While only a small number advance to the National Training Session, each participant received invaluable education over the course of five days of mounted and unmounted instruction offered at Regional Training Sessions.
EAP finalists are closely observed and evaluated during all phases of the four-day National Training Session. They are involved with flatwork, gymnastics, related distances and course work, and an intensive stable-management curriculum.
A written test that gauges the horsemanship knowledge each finalist has gained throughout the year is part of the process. One rider will be named the overall USHJA EAP National Champion and receive a $3,000 grant to be applied toward the cost of advanced training, as well as a variety of additional products and gifts from USHJA sponsors.
Additionally, two EAP finalists will receive a riding spot at a 1.10/1.15m USHJA Gold Star Clinic of their choice, and a select number of participants in the EAP National Training Session will be chosen to serve as stable managers during the Gold Star Clinics. Three USHJA Gold Star Clinics will be held this year. Part of the USHJA Emerging Jumper Rider Program, the clinics offer horsemanship, stable management, mounted instruction and additional education from top clinicians and athletes. Sport leadership track these riders’ accomplishments as they advance through the sport and look for opportunities to support their efforts with education along the way.
The Charles “Chuck” Keller Grant for Equestrian Excellence will also be awarded to one EAP National Training Session participant for the purpose of furthering their equestrian training in pursuit of equestrian excellence. The USHJA EAP Committee will select the recipient of this $500 grant, made possible by anonymous donation, based on the care and handling of horses, treatment of horses while mounted and level of personal interaction with clinicians, peers and spectators.
The USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Nationals will be held concurrently with the EAP National Training Session. Qualified finalists will be tested in three phases, including a written exam, horsemanship/identification exam and a hands-on practicum exam. HQC Finalists have yet to be announced.
In addition to the competition, both EAP and HQC finalists will participate in joint educational seminars. Topics covered will include saddle fit, equine health, sports psychology and rider fitness.
Auditing of all mounted sessions of the EAP National Training Session is free and open to the public.
In addition to title sponsor Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund and the University of Findlay, the Emerging Athletes Program and the Horsemanship Quiz Challenge are supported in part by a grant from US Equestrian, as well as individual donors through the USHJA Foundation.
For more information on the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program National Training Session, visit ushja.org/EAP. For more information on the Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Nationals, visit ushja.org/HQC.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 15, 2019
The Pineland Riders Pony Club is planning an eventing fun day Oct. 13 at Flora Lea Farm, 20 Branin Road, Medford.
Competitors can ride as many as three dressage tests, three stadium rounds and two cross-country courses. It is a chance to try a new dressage test, a new height in stadium and a new cross-country route, all in a relaxed, non-competitive setting. Bring your trainer and enjoy the day. Feel free to mix and match the levels of the three phases in eventing.
For non-eventers, USDF and USEF dressage tests from Introductory Level through First Level will be offered. The closing date for entries is Oct. 10. Questions? Contact Pineland Riders DC Tara DiSalvo.Cell: (609) 668-9328; taramdisalvo@gmail.com
Or go to: https://www.njregionponyclub.org/eventing-fun-day—oct-13-2019.html
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 15, 2019
The most challenging of the equitation finals, the Platinum Performance/U.S. Equestrian Federation Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East, is set for Oct. 5-6 at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation.
The judges are Sue Ashe and Molly Ashe-Cawley, the first mother-daughter combination to officiate in the Talent Search. They will test the 59 riders on the flat at 8 a.m. Oct. 5, with competitors going over a gymnastics route at 1 p.m. The next day, everyone rides a jumper-style course, starting at 8 a.m. The top four come back at 1:30 p.m. to jump a shorter course and switch horses with the other competitors, in a format borrowed from the way the World Show Jumping Championships decided the individual title until 2018.
Those 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 | Sep 13, 2019
It has been 20 days since show jumper Kevin Babington suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury in a traumatic fall at the Hampton Classic,
His wife, Dianna, wrote on facebook that surgery Tuesday at NYU “went as well as possible.
“We are possibly heading out of trauma to rehab in the next 48 hours, which means we will no longer be at NYU. Kevin is anxious to start working with the rehab team. His breathing continues to get stronger, which is a big deal.
“We are still hopeful some improvement will come as spinal shock and swelling subside. Whatever happens, we will make sure he lives his best life. A life which still involves me, his children, his extended family, horses, students, and friends. We have the best of him still.”
She added thanks to Elizabeth Sponseller and Hayley Poinelli Carlson for all the night shifts they pulled at the hospital.
“Kevin has not been alone one minute since his accident. They, along with my daughters, stayed overnight on shifts so I could research, deal with decisions and doctors during the day and be here for procedures. I don’t know how I would have survived the trauma phase of this without all of their support. That is not to mitigate the other friends who have been here, flying in, taking me to dinner, helping the girls, working on finances, and keeping me sane or letting me not be when I couldn’t. I will post when we have departed for rehab and where you can visit once it is confirmed. Please keep us in you prayers.”
Kevin Babington was fourth at the 2004 Olympics on Carling King. (Photo©2004 by Nancy Jaffer)
Previously she has noted that what she has learned since the accident is that “I have to slow down. I need to be patient. For those who know me, it’s not my forte. I am controlling and everyone knows that but it has always worked for me. I want to fix this and move on. The doctors tell me it’s up to Kevin.
Kevin and his family during the presentation after he won the 2016 Grand Prix of Devon. (Photo©2016 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I get good news from one and bad from another on a daily basis. It’s maddening. Like being strapped to a roller coaster you want to exit. It depends on the severity of the injury when it all shakes out. It’s the worst kind of unknown. One that affects someone you love and one you can’t control.
“It is an insurmountable task to pick the next phase when you are thrown into medicine without prior knowledge. I feel like I am walking through a dark tunnel. Nothing prepares you for this.”
But regardless of his condition, Kevin is still Kevin.
“He has impressed me my whole life,” Dianna posted.
“I am watching this remarkable person handle this with dignity, kindness to his nurses and all that are helping him, and despite difficulty speaking he is constantly trying to make sure visitors who don’t know each-other are introduced and have a place to sit.”
She advises that Facebook messages, cards and videos all help.
“It makes a difference and it is appreciated more than you will ever know. He is definitely trying to get the most out of every day, he is pushing himself, and with your continued support I know he will keep fighting.”
Of course he will.
A big issue is how to pay for the enormous expense involved in this situation, since insurance never covers everything.
A medical fundraising page on Facebook that has raised nearly $550,000 was posted by Sissy Wickes to help the family with medical expenses and rehabilitation costs. She will also establish a special needs trust for Kevin.
To donate, https://www.facebook.com/donate/508000833102520/508006313101972/
If Facebook’s donation fees are an issue for you, try https://www.gofundme.com/for-kevin-babington-and-family
Meanwhile, there will be a Jump for Kevin benefit 1-meter class every Saturday of the Princeton Fall Equestrian Festival in Skillman (princetonshowjumping.com), with all entry fees being donated The entry fee is a minimum $50, but riders can donate more if they want. Every competitor also can donate a portion or all of their prize money if they let the show secretary know. Each rider who participates will be given an Irish green arm sash to wear in the competition ring.
All weekend parking proceeds also will be donated to Kevin. Volunteers are needed to help collect parking fees from spectators and donations from exhibitors who wish to do so. Contact princetonshowjumping@gmail.com to volunteer.
Plans are in the works for a benefit horse show Oct. 13 at Duncraven in Titusville, Mercer County. Well-A-Way Farm in Simsbury, Conn., is having a show to support Kevin Sept. 21.
Meanwhile, those who can are asked to buy their feed from Babington Mills (http://07d.7d2.myftpupload.com/) , which is Kevin’s company.
Ruespari has designed a limited edition belt bearing Kevin’s signature. All proceeds will go to help him and his family. https://www.ruespari.com/rideforkbabs
To learn more about Kevin, here is a link to the story I did about him in July: https://nancyjaffer.com/2019-07-09/
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 12, 2019
In 2010, Riders4Helmets hosted the first national event designed to educate equestrians on the benefits of wearing a properly fitting, secured and certified helmet. The event brought over 300 U.S.-based retailers and eight helmet manufacturers together, to help educate customers on topics such as correct helmet fit and why wearing a helmet is important.
In succeeding years, Riders4Helmets expanded the event globally. Riders4Helmets International Helmet Awareness Day 2018 received support from 19 helmet manufacturers and hundreds of equestrian retailers in twenty six countries.
The original one-day event has become a weekend, which will be held Sept. 14 and 15, when most retailers offer discounts on helmets.
For all participating retailers, visit here: https://www.riders4helmets.com/international-helmet-awareness-day-participating-retailers/
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 8, 2019
Amateur horse-racing, tailgating, boutiques and demonstrations of field sports are part of the Essex Fox Hounds Masters’ Chase, a highlight of the Weekend in Gladstone festivities Oct. 4-6.
The Oct. 5 chase is held at Natirar, the county park on Main Street in Peapack. Gates open for activities at noon with post time at 2 p.m. In addition to races on horseback, there’s also stick pony racing for the kids. The atmosphere is old-fashioned fun.
Tailgating spaces are $500, but parking on the hill overlooking the activities is $40 per car. No alcohol is allowed outside of tailgating spaces, however. Those who park in Natirar’s regular public lots are admitted free to the Masters’ Chase.
The weekend kicks off Friday, Oct. 4, with a 6 p.m. cocktail party at the Fox’s Den at the Essex Stables, 48 Holland Road, Peapack. On Sunday, Oct. 6, the hunt gathers at 8:40 a.m. at Spook Hollow Farm, 461 Spook Hollow Road, Far Hills (the address for GPS). Hounds move off at 9 a.m. Those who wish to ride with the hunt should contact the hunt secretary at info@essexfoxhounds.org. The capping fee is $100 for juniors and $200 for adults.
The weekend benefits the Countryside Alliance of the Somerset Hills, with a mission “to perpetuate an understanding of the country way of life, maintaining and preserving the history and traditions of hunting with hounds and horses in the Somerset Hills of New Jersey, and to educate the public on proper care and breeding of hounds and horses.”
Reserve a spot at the party or a tailgating space by Sept. 25. The Countryside Alliance is at P.O. Box 314, Gladstone NJ 07934
$50 of each party ticket and $490 of the tailgate pass are tax deductible.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 6, 2019
Be sure to sign your horses up for fall shots if you haven’t done it already.
Five more horses in New Jersey have been diagnosed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis during the last two weeks, bringing the total of 10 animals in New Jersey contracting the virus in 2019.
The latest cases are an 18-year-old gelding horse in Morris County, a 4-month old gelding in Salem County, a 4-year old gelding and a gelding of unknown age in Ocean County, and a yearling filly in Atlantic County. None were vaccinated for EEE and had to be put down. The 10 cases this year include nine horses and one alpaca.
“As more cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis are reported, we strongly encourage horse owners to check their records to verify that their animals are protected from this disease, or to know if vaccination is needed,” state Department of Agriculture Secretary Douglas Fisher said.
“Animals that have been vaccinated are much less likely to contract deadly diseases such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis.”
EEE affects both horses and camelids, such as alpacas. EEE causes inflammation of the brain tissue and has a significantly higher risk of death in horses and camelids than West Nile Virus infection. West Nile is a viral disease that affects horses’ and camelids’ neurological system. The disease is transmitted by a mosquito bite. The virus cycles between birds and mosquitoes, with horses, camelids and humans being incidental hosts.
EEE infections in horses and alpacas are not a significant risk factor for human infection because horses and camelids (like humans) are considered “dead-end” hosts for the virus.
For more information about EEE, visit the New Jersey Department of Agriculture web site at: http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/diseases/diseaseworksheets.html
EEE and West Nile virus, like other viral diseases affecting horses’ neurological system, must be reported to the state veterinarian at 609-671-6400 within 48 hours of diagnosis. The New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory is available to assist with EEE and WNV testing and can be reached at 609-406-6999 or via email – jerseyvetlab@ag.state.nj.us.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 3, 2019
The Somerset County Park Commission’s Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge will mark a half-century of operation Sept. 22 in the hunter pace field from noon-4 p.m.
There will be a live band, hay rides and activities for the kids, For an extra fee, children can take a “lead-line” pony ride through a designated course. Also featured for an extra fee are 30-minute guided trail rides for riders 12 and older.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 3-12. Tickets for a barbeque were sold in advance and will not be available the day of the celebration.
For more information, go to www.flss.org/50th-Anniversary.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 3, 2019
Endurance rider Meg Sleeper’s barn in Hunterdon County burned down during a violent hail storm last month. Luckily, her horses were turned out and all animals are safe, but she lost most of her equipment, hay and feed.
She praised “the selfless work and caring of the fire fighters, rescue squads and troopers who were here that awful night,” saying it “was inspiring, and actually a foreshadowing of the wonderful, kind offers from countless people to help that have poured in since then.”
Meg Sleeper
The veterinarian, who has been a regular on the U.S. endurance team in international competition, doesn’t like to ask for help. Those who want to donate could contribute hay and used girths. Her address is 32 Horseshoe Bend Rd; Frenchtown, NJ 08825, but anyone who wishes to donate should contact her first to set it up. Her phone is (352) 392-2235, email is margaretmsleeper@ufl.edu .
She has little room for storage, so she can’t take a large amount of hay, but has been trying to get along on a smaller number of bales. Meg is grateful for the help she has received so far, including from Triple Crown.
“I have to say, our horse community can be crazy at times but it is pretty wonderful too!” she noted. “When things seem to be collapsing around you, it is amazing how friends (known and unknown) can do so much to put things back together.“
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 31, 2019
An outpouring of support for injured rider Kevin Babington has raised more than $500,000 on a Facebook donation page, while charity horse shows and merchandise sales will continue contributions to funding his medical care and rehab, following his fall last month at the Hampton Classic.
Kevin suffered spinal cord trauma when his mount, Shorapur, crashed through the last element of the triple combination and the rider hit the ground hard. Doctors have fused his vertebrae and stabilized his neck.
On Wednesday night, Kevin’s wife, Dianna, posted on Facebook: “We continue to battle pneumonia, which is affecting Kevin’s ability to get off the ventilator. Doctors seemed optimistic that we will get there. Now that he is less sedated he is easier to communicate with and even cracked a joke with the army of doctors at his bedside. I remain ever thankful that he has no head injury. I have been reading many of the posts to him and I can tell he is very moved by what he is seeing. Thank you for all the kind words and support.”
Last weekend, she stated, “I promise you he is fighting like hell.” We would expect nothing less from Kevin, who is spending more time off the ventilator but still needs some assistance breathing.
Here are more thoughts from Dianna, as she posted earlier this month on Facebook:
“Today I sit in this hospital living the darkest hour of my life. Kevin is enduring a five-hour surgery to stabilize the bones in his neck. He has suffered a complete injury to his cervical spine and today is to prevent him from living in a cervical collar.
“My hope for him is focused on quality of life and that there will be clinical trials to help him move forward. Much of these avenues are not covered by insurance and will be dependent on private funding. I am sharing this because I want people to understand that the fundraising is essential. It can mean the difference in equipment available to him, therapies, vehicles, honestly I don’t even know,” she stated.
“I am navigating in the dark focusing on breathing and literally existing as we navigate hour-by-hour the information we are receiving. What has occurred is probably the worst thing that could have happened to him. If you know him you know he is talented but humble, kind, private, and giving among all things. He was the friend that tried to donate a kidney when one was needed. He is the trainer that didn’t charge the kid he knew couldn’t afford the lesson. He is a vegetarian because he found slaughter impossible to support and is so empathetic to living things he couldn’t eat them.
“He literally helped me give shots of antibiotics to a fish… ( not joking) when our daughter’s fish was upside down. He stops to take turtles off the road. Stops to assist when a horse trailer has a flat. He ran from two rings away to help save a horse’s leg that was caught in a roll-top after a spill,” she continued.
“So many of you have more stories to retell of how he helped you than I even know. Above all things, he is a great father and life partner and as he lies here he is panicking about the three of us instead of himself. I am so thankful for all the support we have received, there are no words. Sadly, I saw some people commenting about “why should we donate to some rich guy with a $5 million dollar horse”.”
Kevin, she noted, is indeed rich–but only in “knowledge, friends, love, support, and devotion from his loved ones. He is not financially rich and has no ability to provide an income. The cold reality is we are desperately trying to raise money for medical (care) and rehabilitation, which I have been told can be staggering. It will be a long, challenging, journey ahead.”
She added, “I want to thank everyone for every prayer, kind word and thought and every dollar that has been donated so far. I remain hopeful that as the body heals his condition will improve. Please keep praying that as time passes, we will receive a miracle. I am getting messages with stories of people walking and moving after worse injuries. Hope is all I have left and I am hanging onto it with everything I have.”
Kevin Babington and daughter Gwyneth, who is also a show jumper, at the Devon Horse Show last spring. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Less than a month ago, Kevin, 51, won the Assante 3-star competition at Bromont, Quebec, on Shorapur. Based in Allentown, N.J., he has been a top international rider for years and represented his native Ireland in the Olympics. For more about him, see this story that ran on this website last month. https://nancyjaffer.com/2019-07-09/
Sissy Wickes posted a medical fundraising page on Facebook to help the family with medical expenses and rehabilitation costs. She will also establish a special needs trust for Kevin.
To donate, https://www.facebook.com/donate/508000833102520/508006313101972/
If Facebook’s donation fees are an issue for you, try https://www.gofundme.com/for-kevin-babington-and-family
Meanwhile, there will be a Jump for Kevin benefit 1-meter class every Saturday of the Princeton Fall Equestrian Festival in Skillman (princetonshowjumping.com), with all entry fees being donated The entry fee is a minimum $50, but riders can donate more if they want. Every competitor also can donate a portion or all of their prize money if they let the show secretary know. Each rider who participates will be given an Irish green arm sash to wear in the competition ring.
All weekend parking proceeds also will be donated to Kevin. Volunteers are needed to help collect parking fees from spectators and donations from exhibitors who wish to do so. Contact princetonshowjumping@gmail.com to volunteer.
Riders participating in the $500,000 grand prix at HITS last weekend also pledged part of their winnings to Kevin’s cause.
Plans are in the works for a benefit horse show Oct. 13 at Duncraven in Titusville, Mercer County. Well-A-Way Farm in Simsbury, Conn., is having a show to support Kevin Sept. 21.
Meanwhile, those who can are asked to buy their feed from Babington Mills (http://07d.7d2.myftpupload.com/) , which is Kevin’s company.
Ruespari has designed a limited edition belt bearing Kevin’s signature. All proceeds will go to help him and his family. https://www.ruespari.com/rideforkbabs
Those who wish to send something to Kevin can reach him at: NYU Hospital, Kimmel Pavilion, 550 1st Ave., New York, NY 10016
Attn: K. Babington ICU 16th floor
