WELLINGTON, Fla.--A 1.40m grand prix and a silent auction for a private lesson with any one of 10 top riders on Feb. 22 will benefit Kevin Babington, who is making great strides towards recovery from paralysis suffered in a fall.

Kevin Babington rehabilitating“Everything is falling into place”, said Jeff Papows, the Babington Foundation Chairman.

 Papows continued, Leopoldo Polacious, Olympic course designer, will be building an inviting 1.40m course the up-and-coming horses can really benefit from.

Leopoldo Palacios, of Venezuela is a one of the most highly respected and sought after course designers in the world.

Dalman Jump Co. is proud to be the official jump company of US Equestrian, and they are bringing their best jumps.

Thank you to Javan Dalman for all his support.

ClipMyHorse-TV will be broadcasting to thousands of desktops.

In fact, expect some of the color commentary to come from our own Kevin Babington.

Victoria McCullough, our host, will have her Champion six-horse Clydesdale hitch there to add to the festivities and will be hosting a reception in her incredible home at Mida Farm from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

We will also wrap up the Silent Auction. There is still time to bid, so please visit www.KevinBabingtonFoundation.org

 

THE BABINGTON Foundation is offering lessons with show jumping’s elite through an online auction.

Proceeds from this opportunity to have a private lesson on your own horse with top riders will help Kevin’s recovery.

Bidding ends Feb. 22.

Athletes include:

Kevin Babington, an Irish Olympian who has competed in the World Equestrian Games Athlete and is a Nations Cup Winner

Kent Farrington, an Olympic team silver medalist and Pan American Games gold medalist.

Nona Garson, who has competed at the Olympics and on Nations Cup teams.

Beezie Madden, who has two Olympic gold medals and two World Cup Championships among many other accomplishments.

Abby Michan, a three time Olympian for Israel who has ridden on Nations Cup teams.

Canadian Ian Millar, a 10 time Olympian with an Olympic silver medalist and a two time World Cup Champion.

Paul O’Shea, a Nations Cup Final gold medalist for Ireland who has competed in the World Equestrian Games.

Schuyler Riley, a member of Nation’s Cup teams who won the American Invitational twice

Shane Sweetnam, a European Championships gold medalist for Ireland and member of winning Nations Cup teams

McLain Ward, twice an Olympic gold medalist, twice an Olympic silver medalist and a World Cup Champion.

In addition to the private lesson auction, the Kevin Babington Foundation Benefit and Auction will take place at Mida Farm in Wellington, hosted by Victoria McCullough.

The event will feature:

A 1.45m Grand Prix from 10:00 – 2:00 PM on a world-class grass field. A nominal entry fee will be charged to the first 80 registrants which will go directly to the Foundation;

A silent auction with many unique items such as a guitar signed by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, and a luxury sky box with catering at a Boston Bruins game accommodating 21 guests;

Opportunities for rides on a world-class Clydesdale hitch;

A reception at Mida Farm to benefit The Foundation and allow athletes and guests to partake in the auction.

 

IN A LETTER written Dec. 1st, Babington provided an update on his progress, saying:

“I’ve been continuing with my regular physical therapy and recently added a very good acupuncturist to my program, and I also have some exciting new rehab opportunities coming up very soon.

My right arm continues to get stronger and I feel quite comfortable driving my wheelchair by myself now, using a hand control.

In addition to having some movement in my toes, I’m starting to get a lot of new sensations in my legs and hips … I’m very fortunate that I’ve had a lot of very good therapists reach out to me, and I’m really looking forward to these new opportunities.

“When I’m not doing my therapies, my days are kept busy teaching lessons.

I’m looking forward to some more of my students coming down for season and to the beginning of circuit.

I still love to follow the show jumping from around the world and spend many hours on ClipMyHorse, making sure my friends and former competitors are not making too many mistakes."