The benefit horse show for Kevin Babington has become an annual tradition, with the fourth edition to be held Oct. 2 at the refurbished Duncraven in Titusville, N.J. The new owners of Duncraven, the Stout family, have donated the facility for the day.
Kevin suffered a spinal cord injury in a fall at the 2019 Hampton Classic, leaving the Irish Olympic rider paralyzed. He has worked hard on recovery, but is in pain and still has little in the way of movement, though he has made some progress as a result of intensive medical treatment and his hard work in physical therapy.
Kevin and Dianna Babington. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Due to Kevin’s condition, the costs of treatment and daily living are astronomical. He is able to teach from his wheelchair, and his wife, Dianna, also works as a trainer. Daughters Gwyneth and Marielle pitch in to help, but there is still a financial shortfall.
Proceeds from the show will go to the Babington Family Trust, which gives Kevin access to funds for immediate needs in daily living. Although he also benefits from the Kevin Babington Foundation, that entity helps other people as well and tends to handle more big picture expenditures, while the Family Trust can provide money as soon as he needs something.
The benefit, run by volunteers, is seeking help for a variety of positions, from announcers who can work with volunteer lead announcer George Dahms, to in-gate staff, jump crew and people who can set up the show and clean up afterwards. Supplemental jumps are also needed for the day.
Kevin Babington was a top rider before his accident. (Photo © 2016 by Nancy Jaffer)
Nancy Wallis is managing the benefit with the assistance of Jen Cassidy. The show is recognized by the New Jersey Professional Horsemen’s Association, which will run its fall finale at Duncraven Oct. 8-9, the weekend after the benefit. That means the benefit show will be a good schooling opportunity for riders to prepare for the finale. Those competing at either show will ride in rings that have new all-weather footing.
Mary Norris remains as show secretary, while Ron Smith, Abbe Wolfe, Michelle Patience and Creigh Duncan have volunteered to serve as judges. Donations of raffle items are also being sought, as are division sponsors. Those who would like to donate should contact Julie Koveloski at 609-439-8983.
A tack sale is being held in conjunction with the show. Tack may be dropped off at Duncraven the week before the show. Those who need to drop it off before that should contact show manager Nancy Wallis at 908-256-3386.