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 | 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 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/
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 | Aug 31, 2019
An outpouring of support for injured rider Kevin Babington has raised more than $500,000 on a Facebook donation page, while charity horse shows and merchandise sales will continue contributions to funding his medical care and rehab, following his fall last month at the Hampton Classic.
Kevin suffered spinal cord trauma when his mount, Shorapur, crashed through the last element of the triple combination and the rider hit the ground hard. Doctors have fused his vertebrae and stabilized his neck.
On Wednesday night, Kevin’s wife, Dianna, posted on Facebook: “We continue to battle pneumonia, which is affecting Kevin’s ability to get off the ventilator. Doctors seemed optimistic that we will get there. Now that he is less sedated he is easier to communicate with and even cracked a joke with the army of doctors at his bedside. I remain ever thankful that he has no head injury. I have been reading many of the posts to him and I can tell he is very moved by what he is seeing. Thank you for all the kind words and support.”
Last weekend, she stated, “I promise you he is fighting like hell.” We would expect nothing less from Kevin, who is spending more time off the ventilator but still needs some assistance breathing.
Here are more thoughts from Dianna, as she posted earlier this month on Facebook:
“Today I sit in this hospital living the darkest hour of my life. Kevin is enduring a five-hour surgery to stabilize the bones in his neck. He has suffered a complete injury to his cervical spine and today is to prevent him from living in a cervical collar.
“My hope for him is focused on quality of life and that there will be clinical trials to help him move forward. Much of these avenues are not covered by insurance and will be dependent on private funding. I am sharing this because I want people to understand that the fundraising is essential. It can mean the difference in equipment available to him, therapies, vehicles, honestly I don’t even know,” she stated.
“I am navigating in the dark focusing on breathing and literally existing as we navigate hour-by-hour the information we are receiving. What has occurred is probably the worst thing that could have happened to him. If you know him you know he is talented but humble, kind, private, and giving among all things. He was the friend that tried to donate a kidney when one was needed. He is the trainer that didn’t charge the kid he knew couldn’t afford the lesson. He is a vegetarian because he found slaughter impossible to support and is so empathetic to living things he couldn’t eat them.
“He literally helped me give shots of antibiotics to a fish… ( not joking) when our daughter’s fish was upside down. He stops to take turtles off the road. Stops to assist when a horse trailer has a flat. He ran from two rings away to help save a horse’s leg that was caught in a roll-top after a spill,” she continued.
“So many of you have more stories to retell of how he helped you than I even know. Above all things, he is a great father and life partner and as he lies here he is panicking about the three of us instead of himself. I am so thankful for all the support we have received, there are no words. Sadly, I saw some people commenting about “why should we donate to some rich guy with a $5 million dollar horse”.”
Kevin, she noted, is indeed rich–but only in “knowledge, friends, love, support, and devotion from his loved ones. He is not financially rich and has no ability to provide an income. The cold reality is we are desperately trying to raise money for medical (care) and rehabilitation, which I have been told can be staggering. It will be a long, challenging, journey ahead.”
She added, “I want to thank everyone for every prayer, kind word and thought and every dollar that has been donated so far. I remain hopeful that as the body heals his condition will improve. Please keep praying that as time passes, we will receive a miracle. I am getting messages with stories of people walking and moving after worse injuries. Hope is all I have left and I am hanging onto it with everything I have.”
Kevin Babington and daughter Gwyneth, who is also a show jumper, at the Devon Horse Show last spring. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Less than a month ago, Kevin, 51, won the Assante 3-star competition at Bromont, Quebec, on Shorapur. Based in Allentown, N.J., he has been a top international rider for years and represented his native Ireland in the Olympics. For more about him, see this story that ran on this website last month. https://nancyjaffer.com/2019-07-09/
Sissy Wickes posted a medical fundraising page on Facebook to help the family with medical expenses and rehabilitation costs. She will also establish a special needs trust for Kevin.
To donate, https://www.facebook.com/donate/508000833102520/508006313101972/
If Facebook’s donation fees are an issue for you, try https://www.gofundme.com/for-kevin-babington-and-family
Meanwhile, there will be a Jump for Kevin benefit 1-meter class every Saturday of the Princeton Fall Equestrian Festival in Skillman (princetonshowjumping.com), with all entry fees being donated The entry fee is a minimum $50, but riders can donate more if they want. Every competitor also can donate a portion or all of their prize money if they let the show secretary know. Each rider who participates will be given an Irish green arm sash to wear in the competition ring.
All weekend parking proceeds also will be donated to Kevin. Volunteers are needed to help collect parking fees from spectators and donations from exhibitors who wish to do so. Contact princetonshowjumping@gmail.com to volunteer.
Riders participating in the $500,000 grand prix at HITS last weekend also pledged part of their winnings to Kevin’s cause.
Plans are in the works for a benefit horse show Oct. 13 at Duncraven in Titusville, Mercer County. Well-A-Way Farm in Simsbury, Conn., is having a show to support Kevin Sept. 21.
Meanwhile, those who can are asked to buy their feed from Babington Mills (http://07d.7d2.myftpupload.com/) , which is Kevin’s company.
Ruespari has designed a limited edition belt bearing Kevin’s signature. All proceeds will go to help him and his family. https://www.ruespari.com/rideforkbabs
Those who wish to send something to Kevin can reach him at: NYU Hospital, Kimmel Pavilion, 550 1st Ave., New York, NY 10016
Attn: K. Babington ICU 16th floor
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 25, 2019
(See information about the funeral, survivors and memorial donations at the end of the obituary. Shelley Howerton Page, who will be going to the funeral, would like to print out email remembrances and give them to Ann’s family. Contact her at shelleyhpage@gmail.com)
One of the horse world’s very special people, Ann Rickard Haller, 56, died today after suffering complications related to an ongoing thyroid condition. Ann was working as the press officer and cross-country controller at the Great Meadow International event in Virginia this weekend when she felt ill and went to urgent care, before being hospitalized in Haymarket and then Manassas.
The ultimate worker and volunteer, Ann’s generous spirit was tirelessly devoted to the sport of eventing and brightened every competition where she was involved. If something needed to get done, she would do it, in style, efficiently and with a smile.
Ann Haller (Photo©by Nancy Jaffer)
Ann worked in the press office at many of events around the country including the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, Fair Hill International, Rebecca Farm, North American Youth Championships, the Jersey Fresh International, the FEI World Equestrian Games and the U.S. Eventing Association American Eventing Championships, among others.
While she often was the cross-country controller, wherever she was needed, there she was, lending her expertise and work ethic.
She had been married to Roger Haller, the cross-country designer for the 1978 World Championships and the 1996 Olympics, who died in 2016. They were a formidable couple in their contributions to the sport they loved.
Ann and Roger Haller (Photo©by Nancy Jaffer)
Roger and his family founded the Essex Horse Trials at Hoopstick Farm in Bedminster. It went on to become one of the most important events in the country after moving to the U.S. Equestrian Team’s Hamilton Farm in Gladstone, where it gained sponsorship from MARS Inc.
Essex was discontinued in 1998, but revived in 2017 at Moorland Farm in Far Hills, and Ann was on hand to be part of that.
Ann Haller with Ralph Jones, co-chair of the MARS Essex Horse Trials that was founded by her late husband, Roger Haller, and his family. (Photo©by Nancy Jaffer)
An “army brat,” as she described herself, Ann was the daughter of the late Col. Daniel Rickard.
She grew up in various locations around the country. She was a graduate H-A pony clubber from Hood Pony Club (Texas) and a member of more than half a dozen pony clubs. A longtime Georgia resident who had worked as a dietician before focusing on eventing full-time, she moved to Maryland recently.
A past member of the U.S. Pony Club’s board of governors who was inducted into the USPC Academy of Achievement, she continued to be involved in Pony Club for more than 25 years as an instructor, clinician, coach and in many other aspects of that organization. Those she taught stayed very close to her, even after they moved on from Pony Club.
When she was nine, Shelby Allen met Ann at Pony Club camp for the South Region. Shelby rode with Ann until she went to college.
“After that, she helped me get basically every single job I’ve had,” said Shelby, who worked for Eventing Nation and is starting nursing school this week.
“She played a lot of roles in my life, from teacher to mentor and friend. She was just a really special person,” Shelby observed, noting Ann was practically a surrogate mother for many of the Pony Clubbers with whom she worked.
“Every single person she met felt very loved by he,” said Shelby.
“She made a huge impact, even if you only saw her briefly. She gave everybody that really special personal feeling.”
A memorial service will be held at 11a.m. this Saturday, Aug. 31 at Trinity Episcopal Church, First Avenue, Columbus, Ga., with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked Ann’s friends to consider a donation to the United States Pony Club Annual Fund (https://www.ponyclub.org/giving), or to the Roger Haller Education Fund (USEAFoundation.org/donate
Ann is survived by her mother, Meta Fooks Rickard of Columbus, Ga; her brothers Paul Rickard (Brooke) of Midland Ga., and Col. Tom Rickard (Elizabeth) of Ft. Meade, Md; her aunts Mary Alice “Tuke” Shoemaker of Belton, Tex. and Mary Bolling Fooks Whittemore of Falmouth, Me; and her uncles Robert Fooks (Peggy) of Norfolk, Va and James Rickard (Kay) of Traverse City, Mi.
