Six years ago, the life of the Babington family changed forever.
Top international show jumper Kevin Babington suffered a disastrous fall with his horse in a grand prix, a crash that left him with a contusion of the spinal cord as a result of hyperextending his neck in the accident. The vertebrae hit the spinal cord, causing damage; it was a stretch and concussion injury from vertebra C3 to C5, which involves the diaphragm and mobility.
The man who had been the pillar of his family, wife Dianna and daughters Gwyneth and Marielle, suddenly found himself dependent on them and others. Not only was he unable to ride and earn a living the way he always had, he couldn’t walk, use his hands or do almost anything for himself. He’s also in chronic pain.
Kevin and Dianna Babington. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
With the primary breadwinner sidelined and in need of costly care, the family faced a future burdened with constant worry. Finances were a huge concern, but Kevin’s friends offered whatever aid they could.
One of the constants in the circle of help has been the Babington Benefit Horse Show, organized every year since a few weeks after his 2019 accident. It is held at Duncraven in Titusville, a scenic section of Hopewell Township, New Jersey.
This year’s show is Sept. 7, about a month earlier than usual due to various changes in the competition calendar, but that likely will be a blessing with better weather than the usual October date often brings.
All the labor for the show is done by volunteers. The Stout family who owns Duncraven enables use of the property free of charge, a tradition started by the previous owner, Tim Fedor. Kevin once had his business at that venue.
Kevin in the 2004 Olympics. (Photo © 2004 by Nancy Jaffer)
The judges, Creigh Duncan, Abbe Wolfe, Bri Quinn and Michelle Morasky donate their time, as does secretary Mary Norris. The show is approved by the N.J. Professional Horseman’s Association, so riders can earn points toward that group’s awards.
Special classes offered include the Handy Hunter Derby with fences ranging from 2 feet to 3 feet, so everyone can choose their preferred height. There’s also a bareback ride-a-buck, a nod to Kevin’s appreciation of riding bareback. Young competitors tuck a $5 bill under their knees ($10 or $20 in the case of adults) and the winner is the last one whose “buck” hasn’t fallen. The victor gets half the money that has hit the ground, but they can donate that amount if they choose.
Entry fees and proceeds from a raffle go to the Babington Family Trust. It helps pay for the many things Kevin and his family need to live that aren’t covered by the Kevin Babington Foundation, which also aids other equestrians with spinal injuries.
Kevin on his victory lap after winning the Devon Horse Show Grand Prix in 2016 on Mark Q. (Photo © 2016 by Nancy Jaffer)
The show has three co-managers: Nancy Wallis, Jennifer Cassidy and Julie Koveloski. Entries are through horseshowing.com at https://horseshowing.com
“As soon as we start putting out notices,” said Jennifer, “everyone gets excited about this every year. It’s a lot of support from the community.”
Kevin taking a view of the course at Devon during his riding days. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
The organizers are looking for volunteers, including those who can work two days before the show for set-up and the day after for take-down, as well as for jump crew on the day of the show. Nancy is happy to hear from anyone who wants to volunteer at (908) 256-3386. Jennifer’s number is (215) 954-9062.
The show also needs raffle items, which in the past have included gift baskets, tack and gift certificates for everything from horse transportation to dinners. Julie can be reached by those offering such items at (609) 439-8983.
Kevin, who rode for Ireland and tied for fourth in the 2004 Olympics, teaches from his wheelchair on the porch of his Loxahatchee, Fla., farm, where the family also has stalls for rent. Dianna also teaches to help support the family.
Nancy said every time she calls Kevin, he tells her he’s fine and doesn’t talk about himself. He works at his physical therapy and has been involved in a number of clinical trials. Kevin has not given up hope that he will walk again on his own, and perhaps be able to ride someday.
“We keep waiting for something to break,” Dianna said about innovative therapies that could make a big difference for her husband.
“We’re hopeful something in his lifetime will be available, but there’s still nothing. I think someday something will be able to fix this, but it’s just not far enough along now.”
She and Kevin are grateful for those who help, and note the benefit show has a special place in the couple’s hearts. A former resident of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Dianna said, “I love and miss the Northeast. It’s a community I wish I’d never had to leave. The people who are there are extremely special. I never feel like they have forgotten us.”
Other fundraisers have expanded from the Foundation to include special classes dedicated to Kevin at various shows, and even sponsorship of Kevin-related jumps.
Friends haven’t forgotten Kevin Babington. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
People who can’t make it to the show but want to donate may give to the Kevin Babington Trust, which goes directly to him for a variety of expenses that are related to his condition. Checks may be sent to Kevin at 13254 Casey Road, Loxahatchee, Fla. 33470.
Those looking for a tax deduction with their contribution can donate to the Kevin Babington Foundation. The 501(c)3 provides support not only to Kevin, but also to other show jumpers who have suffered spinal injuries. It helps pay for aides, which enables Dianna and Kevin’s girls to keep working.
Its mission for those seeking help includes outfitting vehicles for transportation and remodeling to make homes suitable for the disabled, but does not contribute toward daily expenses.