The Babington Benefit has become a special tradition for a special person

The annual Kevin Babington Benefit is more than a fundraiser; it’s also a tribute to the inspirational show jumper whose spinal cord injury has not dimmed his spirit.

He was front and center in his wheelchair last week at Victoria McCullough’s Mida Farm in Wellington, Fla., to watch five hours of show jumping, followed by an evening reception at which he was the guest of honor. Dozens of friends came by to chat and share some laughs, enjoying a chance to see Kevin in a relaxed setting on a Tuesday, while they had a day off from the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Kevin represented his native Ireland in the 2004 Olympics, where he finished fourth. He was a fixture on the grand prix circuit until 2019, when a crashing fall at the Hampton Classic left him with an injury that made him a quadriplegic.

Jeff Papows, who put on the benefit with Victoria for the Kevin Babington Foundation he chairs, said “The thing that affects me the most is to see a frantically busy community in the middle of a 12-week circuit drop whatever they’re doing and come together for Kevin. And not just Kevin, but Jonathon Millar and Alexis (Halbert) and David (Beisel) and Kim Prince and all the other people the Foundation has been able to help.”

Jeff noted the Foundation is connected with the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and the Shepherd Center in Atlanta.

“It’s not just the financial assistance, it’s the research, the surgical interventions and the stem cells,” he explained.

“When an athlete has fallen and gotten hurt, getting them to the right place as quickly as possible makes all the difference in the world.”

Jeff added, “I just love to see the affection, particularly for Kevin. I know he looks forward to it (the benefit) all year. Even before his injury, he was probably one of the most beloved athletes on the circuit.

“I’m proud of the sport. Nobody works harder and nobody in my experience has been more giving. It’s incredibly important for Kevin’s family, because it keeps him immersed in the sport.”

Victoria also co-chairs the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament with Jeff.

“When Kevin was hurt, Jeff was like `That’s it. This is what we have to do.’ Then we realized there was no really good mechanism in show jumping to help people who could become paralyzed,” recounted Victoria.

“I am a donor at the Miami Paralysis Project and we have so much expertise. I thought, `We better share this with people, so they’re not lost when it happens.’ So the Kevin Babington Foundation to help him and anyone who’s in that position began.”

She wanted to use her beautiful grass field for jumping, and the benefit turned out to be the perfect occasion to do that for someone she respects.

“Kevin will never quit. Kevin is getting better daily,” she maintained, adding she believes he will walk again.

A total of 36 horses turned out to jump on the grass beneath the palms over a colorful course laid out by Olympic course designer Leopoldo Palacios. The announcing was done by Frank Waters, who had been sidelined with several serious medical conditions himself, but bounced back to perform the job in his inimitable style.

The benefit, held for the third time, is a special occasion for Kevin.

“It means so much, it means more than you can imagine,” he said, thanking Victoria and Jeff for all they have done to put on such a lovely show and reception, where Lugano Diamonds was a sponsor.

“I’m so grateful for such an amazing event,” he continued, noting that the interlude provides an opportunity to relax and visit with friends.

At the Winter Equestrian Festival, he pointed out, “Everyone’s so busy it’s hard to catch up with them. So it’s nice to be able to spend a little time chatting with people here.”

Fellow Irishman Shane Sweetnam turned up with a mare named Unique to let her get experience on the grass and support Kevin, who he sees occasionally at the shows while he’s on the run between classes.

“The circuit is hard for everybody, we’re going everywhere all the time,” said Shane, noting it’s tough to be able to talk for more than a minute or two under those circumstances.

“There’s time here before and after the horses, there’s no rush. It’ s a nice, relaxed environment to chat and catch up.”

Dianna, Kevin’s wife, said of the benefit, “it definitely seems to do him a world of good, getting out. I’m so appreciative of everyone’s efforts. Because I’m so overwhelmed myself, I could never spearhead any of this. I feel a lot of this unfolds for me because of the absolute generosity and goodwill of others.”

She added, “I don’t have to ask Jeff or Victoria; it’s not like, `Can you brainstorm a new fundraiser?’ It’s happening because people get it and they are ahead of me. I contribute everything I can as it’s unfolding, but I’m not really the one who’s driving the boat. I’m keeping Kevin afloat.”

Kevin looks so much better than he did even a year ago.

He enjoyed seeing daughter Marielle compete over the fences, and confided his older daughter, Gwyneth, is now riding in Europe for dealer Francois Mathy.

For his part, he said, “I’m still working on trying to get stronger and doing my PT (physical therapy) three days a week.

“I have an acupuncturist I go to who has really helped me a lot and I have a good massage therapist that I work with every week. There are a lot of new developments coming down the road that I’m signed up for. I’m working with a company in Switzerland called Onward. They have developed this chip in the brain and put another chip below where the injury was. They’re working in conjunction with the Miami Project, so I’m hopefully part of that.”

Kevin is determined to walk again.

“I have to believe,” he emphasized.

“I’m not going to give up hope. That’s for sure.”