International show jumper Kevin Babington endured a horrific accident on August 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. Kevin continues to make amazing progress. It comes in small but important steps. He now has more “controlled mobility” in his right hand. He has “sensation,” while inconsistent, in his legs and even feet and his middle core from time to time. This is a change from early on when none of those signs were there. His voice is stronger. All good signs. Kevin continues with Dianna’s help to work for every breakthrough. His time alternates between a hyperbaric chamber, grueling physical therapy, stretching and his stem bike.
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.
In the meantime, Dianna [Babington] continues to teach, train, ride and work with clients at all levels, rebuilding their business. Also, Babington Mills dust free bedding product, (it’s chopped straw), with the fines and dust removed, continue to gain traction with new barns and customers. Having used the bedding myself, it’s easier to keep clean, more absorbent, lighter, far more biodegradable, and in fact totally devoid of any dust, saving a ton of work.
Help us help Kevin continue his valiant and tenacious struggle to rebuild his life. These are two links, one for each of the bedding and feed products offered by Babington Mills. They are short and instructive. Please take ninety seconds and click through. Referrals to barns, your favorite feed store and orders all help Kevin immensely and improve the health, welfare and labor concerns in your barns.
Bedding
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHZqo07bJyk&feature=youtu.be
Feed
Again, please pass on your referrals, favorite feed store’s contact data, and consider helping Kevin while helping yourself and placing orders. Here is the Babington Mills website. Also, here is a GoFundMe link for the Babington family.
Thanks, and we at Silver Oak Jumper Tournament will keep you abreast.
See the love of my life, Merlin aka EuroStar relaxing on Babington Bedding. Does he look cozy or what?
Photo by Jeff Papows.
Sincerely,
