News

Health, horses and hair-cuts……Kevin Babington

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June 2, 2020

By Staff Writers

By Louise Parkes

Ireland's Kevin Babington and Carling King competing at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece where they placed joint-fourth individually. (FEI/Dirk Caremans)Kevin Babington had just had his hair cut when I spoke with him last week, and in these strange times that’s a cause for major celebration.

Around the globe people have been prevented from keeping their curls under control due to pandemic lockdowns.

But as the US-based Irish Olympian and 2001 European Jumping team gold medallist explained, the situation in Florida (USA) has recently returned to some kind of normality and it’s boom-time for hairdressers - “mine is booked solid for the next three weeks!”, he said with a laugh.

I had called to ask him about the sustainable bedding his company, Babington Mills, has been producing, and was reminded of his passion for animals, farming and the countryside.

Kevin and his wife and family have been dealing with the aftermath of a life-changing fall sustained while competing last summer which has left him wheelchair-bound.

But in a conversation just nine months later, you find that the man who hails from County Tipperary has his eyes firmly fixed on the future of his business, his rehab and his sport.

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Middleburg & Gold Cup will have video, Saratoga, Princeton H.S. & Essex Horse Trials updates

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June 1, 2020

By SARA CAVANAGH

MIDDLEBURG, Va.--The National Steeplechase Association’s spring race meets, the Middleburg Spring Races on June 13 and the Virginia Gold Cup on June 27, will be conducted under health and safety best practices mandated by the Virginia Department of Health to control the spread of the new coronavirus and the disease that it causes, COVID-19.

Middleburg races at Glenwood Park The Department of Health detailed the standards for outdoor racetracks as part of its Phase 1 reopening under the Forward Virginia program.

Attendance will be limited to trainers with horses in the races, handlers, jockeys, essential race-meet officials and personnel, veterinarians, and meet physicians.

Owners will not be permitted to attend the races.

Video coverage of the races will be provided on race days through the generosity of an NSA member who wishes to remain anonymous.

THE NEW York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced that the Oklahoma Training Track at Saratoga Race Course will open for training on Thursday, June 4.

The barn area at Oklahoma will open to horsemen beginning Tuesday, June 2.

The Oklahoma Training Track and Whitney Viewing Stand will be closed to owners and the public.

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Kevin Babington continues to make slow but sure improvements

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June 1, 2020

By SARA CAVANAGH

Kathy Gilbert, Organizer, has sent out another update fromDianna Babington on Kevin's progress.

Dianna and Kevin Babington flanked by their daughtersHere is an update on Kevin from his wife Dianna.

It is nice to have a bit of positive news, albeit small, amid this pandemic and unrest.

Things continue to progress slowly.

It’s been difficult and frustrating because the physical therapy center has been closed for a long time due to the virus.

We have been trying to keep things moving at home with the help of the bike and many tools we have acquired to assist with recovery but it’s no substitute for the program he was in prior to the outbreak of the pandemic.

He has also been without essential body workers and physical therapists who were coming to the house which was a great loss.

However, Kevin has gotten three fingers on his right hand moving.

He’s reported tingling (pins and needles) in his left arm.

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Update on Kevin Babington

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May 28, 2020

By Staff Writers

Jeff Papows sent an update on Kevin Babington.

Kevin Babington on Shorapur before his accident (Photo by The Book)International show jumper Kevin Babington endured a horrific accident on Aug. 30, 2019 due to a fall at the Hampton Classic Horse Show.

He underwent intensive surgery to stabilize his neck vertebrae and suffered paralysis.

He continues intensive therapy and is paralyzed from the chest down.

Numerous members of the equestrian community have rallied around Kevin to provide both moral support and monetary support for his medical bills.

Jeff Papows, chairman and founder of the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament, shares an update on Kevin’s progress, and how else we can help.

I’ve gotten so many messages asking for any new information on Kevin’s progress, I’m sending out a new update.

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