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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wellington, FL – Sept. 28, 2026
The Kevin Babington Foundation is proud to announce that longtime equestrian, breeder and owner Christine Vanneck has been elected to its Board of Directors.
Since its founding in 2019, the Kevin Babington Foundation has been guided by a dedicated group of equestrians, supporters, volunteers and industry leaders who have helped shape the organization’s mission and expand its reach. From those who rallied around Kevin Babington and his family in the Foundation’s earliest days to the board members and volunteers who continue to provide strategic vision, relationships and hands-on support today, the strength of the Foundation has always come from its community.
That commitment extends to the way the Foundation operates. The Kevin Babington Foundation is led by volunteers, with board members receiving no salaries or financial benefits for their service. The organization has worked diligently to keep administrative overhead exceptionally low, allowing the vast majority of its resources to remain focused on its mission of supporting show jumping athletes suffering from spinal injuries and their families. The Foundation currently maintains administrative overhead of approximately 6%, reflecting its commitment to directing resources toward its mission and the athletes and families it serves.
Vanneck joins current board members Jeff Papows, PhD, Carol Coleman, Michael Doherty and Victoria McCullough, bringing with her decades of experience and an extensive network throughout the equestrian industry.
Through her breeding endeavors both domestically and internationally, Vanneck has developed deep ties across the sport and has been a strong advocate for equestrian safety, including increased awareness and adoption of safety vests in both the United States and Europe.
Equestrian sport is also deeply rooted in the Vanneck family. Her daughter, Sarah, managing the family’s breeding operation, Muny Sunk Stables, while her husband, Mark, works with Brook Ledge Horse Transportation. Both Mark and Brook Ledge have also been longtime supporters of the Kevin Babington Foundation, assisting with the transportation of Foundation jumps and equipment to events across the country and helping support the continued growth of the Foundation’s Babington Benefit Classes.
“I am thrilled that Christine is joining our board,” said Kevin Babington Foundation Chairman Jeff Papows. “Each member of our board brings a unique area of expertise that has helped move the Foundation forward. Victoria has helped open doors to extraordinary partnerships and medical advancements that otherwise may not have been available to us. Carol, through her extensive career in the equestrian industry, has helped strengthen our relationships with horse shows across the country and broaden the reach of our message. Michael Doherty brings invaluable financial knowledge and oversight to the management of the Foundation. Christine now adds an exceptional network within the breeding community, along with valuable international connections throughout the sport.”
Vanneck’s addition to the Board reflects the Foundation’s continued commitment to broadening its reach, strengthening industry partnerships and bringing together leaders whose experience can help advance both the Foundation’s mission and the conversation surrounding rider safety.
Board member Victoria McCullough emphasized that Vanneck’s appointment also represents an important opportunity to build stronger connections with the breeding community and those responsible for developing the next generation of equine athletes.
“As a Board member, I am incredibly proud of the people who serve this Foundation and the fact that no one accepts a salary or personal benefit for doing so,” said McCullough. “Christine’s addition reflects both the growth and the increasing diversity of our Board. The breeding community plays an essential role in developing the young horses that will go on to compete around the world, and with that development comes inherent risk for both horse and rider. It is a community that presents an important opportunity for the Foundation to advocate for safety, education and fraternity within the sport. Christine brings the experience and relationships to help us build that bridge.”
The Kevin Babington Foundation looks forward to welcoming Vanneck to the Board and benefiting from her experience, perspective and longstanding commitment to the equestrian community.
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