Dear Friends,

As another winter season begins here in Wellington, I find myself reflecting—as I always do this time of year—on the extraordinary partnership that makes our sport unlike any other.

Kevin Babington rehabilitatingHorse and rider stepping into a new season together… hope in every stride, opportunity around every corner, and the privilege of doing what we love.

I want to take a moment to wish each of you the very best in the months ahead.

May your horses stay sound, your rides be rewarding, and your goals—whatever they may be—come within reach.

Our sport continues to grow, innovate, and inspire because of the passion and dedication of riders like you.

But I also want to speak to something even more important than winning a ribbon or finishing a round—and that is your safety.

As many of you know, my own journey took a turn that none of us ever expect.

And while I’ve faced my share of challenges, I have also witnessed firsthand the strength of this community, the kindness of strangers, and the power of preparation.

That is why the mission of the Kevin Babington Foundation, and our emphasis on safety, means so much to me.

Safety isn’t just about protecting yourself. It’s about protecting everything and everyone who depends on you—your family, your barn, your clients, your horses, and your future.

 

EVERY TIME you get on a horse, you are making a choice not just for your own well-being, but for the people who love you and the animals who trust you.

Now, speaking directly to the trainers and professionals: you are the leaders of this sport.

You are the examples young riders follow, the inspiration for aspiring professionals, and the steady guides for amateurs who trust your expertise.

As you well know, a single injury can sideline you during the most critical time of the year—impacting not only your health, but your livelihood, your clients, and the business you’ve worked so hard to build.

I urge you to be the standard-bearers of safety. Be the image and the icon that shows our community what responsibility looks like.

By choosing to protect yourselves, you help safeguard the future of our sport and set a powerful example for all who look up to you.

A safety vest is not a sign of fear.
It is a sign of responsibility.
Of leadership.
Of respect for the sport we all adore.

A vest won’t prevent every accident, but it is one of the simplest, smartest steps you can take to protect your future.

It represents the choice to ride with awareness, to ride with intention, and to show younger riders that putting safety first is a sign of strength—not hesitation.

We have the ability, right now, to push our industry forward.
To normalize protection.
To shift the culture from “optional” to “expected.”
To make safety a shared value, not an afterthought.

This season, I ask each of you to do something powerful: take the initiative.

Wear your vest. Encourage a friend. Lead by example. Each rider who chooses to ride safer helps protect not just themselves, but everyone who loves them and your livelihood.

The most courageous thing you can do in this sport happens long before the first jump.

It happens when you choose to prepare, to protect, and to honor the privilege of riding.

Thank you for your commitment, your compassion, and your belief in the mission of the Kevin Babington Foundation.

I am so proud and thankful for this community. I will be cheering you on, proud of this community and hopeful for a future where safety is simply part of who we are.

Ride safe. Ride smart. And ride with joy.

With gratitude,

Kevin Babington