The Babington Benefit Classic Returns

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Gracie Allen Sets the Early Pace at Silver Oak with Win in Windstar Cruises CSI3* 1.40m Speed

by Kevin Babington Foundation | Sep 3, 2026 | Home Page News, KBF News

***Gracie Allen Sets the Early Pace at Silver Oak with Win in Windstar Cruises CSI3* 1.40m Speed***

Allen and Hadj des Fontaines top a 28-horse field as international competition gets underway at the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wellington, FL – Sept. 3, 2026

The international action at the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament presented by the Davis McCullough Foundation wasted little time getting up to speed.

Wednesday’s opening FEI competition saw Gracie Allen and Hadj des Fontaines deliver the performance to beat in the Windstar Cruises CSI3 1.40m Speed*, topping a competitive field of 28 horse-and-rider combinations.

With speed the name of the game and rails proving costly throughout the class, just five combinations produced clear rounds.

Allen set the standard aboard Hadj des Fontaines, stopping the clock in 72.99 seconds to secure the first international victory of the week.

Kady Abrahamson and Lovely Boy P came closest to challenging the winning time, finishing clear in 75.55 seconds to take second, while Callie Schott and Popstar completed the podium with a clear round in 77.31 seconds.

“It was a fantastic first class,” said Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Chairman Jeff Papows. “I love opening with an FEI speed class because it immediately sets the tone for the week. The riders came ready to compete, and adding the Windstar Cruises Clear Round Horn gives the crowd another reason to get involved and celebrate every successful round.”

***Windstar Cruises CSI3* 1.40m Speed — Podium***

1st — Gracie Allen (USA) / Hadj des Fontaines
0 faults — 72.99 seconds

2nd — Kady Abrahamson (USA) / Lovely Boy P
0 faults — 75.55 seconds

3rd — Callie Schott (USA) / Popstar
0 faults — 77.31 seconds

Windstar Cruises Clear Round Horn

The Windstar Cruises Clear Round Horn has quickly become one of the signature sounds of the tournament, celebrating every fault-free performance with a blast of the horn as horse-and-rider combinations cross the finish line.

The opening speed class is just the beginning of a full week of international and national competition at Silver Oak, culminating in several of the tournament’s marquee classes.

Featured Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Classes

Click Here to Visit the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Website

Click Here to Explore Traverse City Horse Shows

Featured Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Classes

Agero CSI3* Grand Prix

Muny Sunk Stables 1.45m CSI 3* Open Speed Classic

Rood & Riddle 1.25m KBF Benefit Classic

Stud Tree A/O Classic

GGT-Footing CSI 3* Welcome Stakes Qualifier

The Babington Benefit Classic Returns

A highlight of this year’s tournament will be the return of the Rood & Riddle 1.25m KBF Benefit Classic, supporting the Kevin Babington Foundation and its mission to provide critical financial assistance to show jumping athletes who have suffered spinal cord injuries.

The class represents the strength, generosity and compassion of the equestrian community—and demonstrates how one competition can create a lasting impact for athletes facing life-changing circumstances.

Through its message, “Turn One Class Into a Lasting Impact,” the Kevin Babington Foundation encourages horse shows across the country to dedicate a class, or a portion of its entry fees, to supporting injured riders and advancing safety awareness throughout the sport.

This year’s class will also feature a special digital appearance by Kevin Babington himself!

And because every great ride deserves a great look, each participating horse will receive an Official Ride for Kevin Horse Bonnet before entering the ring. Together, horse-and-rider combinations will proudly demonstrate their commitment to Kevin and the Foundation’s mission.

So, find your horse, polish your boots and get ready to ride!

This meaningful—and seriously fun—1.25m Saturday class will take center stage in the International Ring. Ride for Kevin, support an extraordinary cause and give the crowd something to cheer about.

Silver Oak Jumper Tournament 2026

Date of Event: September 2–6, 2026

Website: Click Here

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Click Here to Join the Windstar Email List for Special Offers

Windstar Cruises Joins the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament—with an Incredible Prize on the Line

by Kevin Babington Foundation | Aug 28, 2026 | Home Page News, KBF News

Windstar Cruises Joins the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament—with an Incredible Prize on the Line

The winner of the Babington Benefit Classic will receive a complimentary Windstar cruise for two!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wellington, FL – Aug. 28, 2026

The Silver Oak Jumper Tournament, presented by the Davis McCullough Foundation, is thrilled to welcome Windstar Cruises as its 2026 Official Clear Round Sponsor as well as the Leading Lady and Male Rider to be awarded on Sunday following the Agero Grand Prix!!

This exciting sponsorship brings the spirit of Windstar’s signature small-yacht cruising to one of show jumping’s most meaningful and memorable events. Throughout the tournament, Windstar’s special clear-round horn will celebrate every fault-free performance in FEI competition and the Babington Benefit Classic.

But Windstar is bringing even more excitement to the ring.

The winner of this year’s Babington Benefit Classic will receive a complimentary Windstar cruise for two!

“If we didn’t already have enough to ride for in Kevin’s class, Windstar has certainly upped the ante with this incredible prize,” said Jeff Papows. “Between the signature clear-round horn and a cruise for two, this is shaping up to be the most exciting Silver Oak yet!”

Click Here to Request A Personalized Call to Learn More

More Than Exceptional Sport

This year’s Silver Oak Jumper Tournament promises far more than world-class competition.

Attendees can look forward to the return of beloved sponsors, the celebrated Babington Benefit Classic, special programming surrounding the newly released book Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration, and plenty of surprises throughout the week.

Traverse City guitarist Jesse Jefferson is also getting in on the fun with a special appearance and an original video created to help get everyone excited for the event.

Jesse Jefferson - Silver Oak Jumper Tournament 2026

Featured Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Classes

Click Here to Visit the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Website

Click Here to Explore Traverse City Horse Shows

Featured Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Classes

Agero CSI3* Grand Prix

Muny Sunk Stables 1.45m CSI 3* Open Speed Classic

Rood & Riddle 1.25m KBF Benefit Classic

Stud Tree A/O Classic

GGT-Footing CSI 3* Welcome Stakes Qualifier

The Babington Benefit Classic Returns

A highlight of this year’s tournament will be the return of the Rood & Riddle 1.25m KBF Benefit Classic, supporting the Kevin Babington Foundation and its mission to provide critical financial assistance to show jumping athletes who have suffered spinal cord injuries.

The class represents the strength, generosity and compassion of the equestrian community—and demonstrates how one competition can create a lasting impact for athletes facing life-changing circumstances.

Through its message, “Turn One Class Into a Lasting Impact,” the Kevin Babington Foundation encourages horse shows across the country to dedicate a class, or a portion of its entry fees, to supporting injured riders and advancing safety awareness throughout the sport.

This year’s class will also feature a special digital appearance by Kevin Babington himself!

And because every great ride deserves a great look, each participating horse will receive an Official Ride for Kevin Horse Bonnet before entering the ring. Together, horse-and-rider combinations will proudly demonstrate their commitment to Kevin and the Foundation’s mission.

So, find your horse, polish your boots and get ready to ride!

This meaningful—and seriously fun—1.25m Saturday class will take center stage in the International Ring. Ride for Kevin, support an extraordinary cause and give the crowd something to cheer about.

Silver Oak Jumper Tournament 2026

Date of Event: September 2–6, 2026

Website: Click Here

Explore KBF Merch

Click Here to Join the Windstar Email List for Special Offers

Windstar Cruises Joins the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament—with an Incredible Prize on the Line

by Kevin Babington Foundation | Aug 20, 2026 | Home Page News, KBF News

Windstar Cruises Joins the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament—with an Incredible Prize on the Line

The winner of the Babington Benefit Classic will receive a complimentary Windstar cruise for two!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wellington, FL – Aug. 20, 2026

The Silver Oak Jumper Tournament, presented by the Davis McCullough Foundation, is thrilled to welcome Windstar Cruises as its 2026 Official Clear Round Sponsor as well as the Leading Lady and Male Rider to be awarded on Sunday following the Agero Grand Prix!!

This exciting sponsorship brings the spirit of Windstar’s signature small-yacht cruising to one of show jumping’s most meaningful and memorable events. Throughout the tournament, Windstar’s special clear-round horn will celebrate every fault-free performance in FEI competition and the Babington Benefit Classic.

But Windstar is bringing even more excitement to the ring.

The winner of this year’s Babington Benefit Classic will receive a complimentary Windstar cruise for two!

“If we didn’t already have enough to ride for in Kevin’s class, Windstar has certainly upped the ante with this incredible prize,” said Jeff Papows. “Between the signature clear-round horn and a cruise for two, this is shaping up to be the most exciting Silver Oak yet!”

Click Here to Request A Personalized Call to Learn More

More Than Exceptional Sport

This year’s Silver Oak Jumper Tournament promises far more than world-class competition.

Attendees can look forward to the return of beloved sponsors, the celebrated Babington Benefit Classic, special programming surrounding the newly released book Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration, and plenty of surprises throughout the week.

Traverse City guitarist Jesse Jefferson is also getting in on the fun with a special appearance and an original video created to help get everyone excited for the event.

Featured Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Classes

Click Here to Visit the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Website

Click Here to Explore Traverse City Horse Shows

Featured Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Classes

Agero CSI3* Grand Prix

Muny Sunk Stables 1.45m CSI 3* Open Speed Classic

Rood & Riddle 1.25m KBF Benefit Classic

Stud Tree A/O Classic

GGT-Footing CSI 3* Welcome Stakes Qualifier

The Babington Benefit Classic Returns

A highlight of this year’s tournament will be the return of the Rood & Riddle 1.25m KBF Benefit Classic, supporting the Kevin Babington Foundation and its mission to provide critical financial assistance to show jumping athletes who have suffered spinal cord injuries.

The class represents the strength, generosity and compassion of the equestrian community—and demonstrates how one competition can create a lasting impact for athletes facing life-changing circumstances.

Through its message, “Turn One Class Into a Lasting Impact,” the Kevin Babington Foundation encourages horse shows across the country to dedicate a class, or a portion of its entry fees, to supporting injured riders and advancing safety awareness throughout the sport.

This year’s class will also feature a special digital appearance by Kevin Babington himself!

And because every great ride deserves a great look, each participating horse will receive an Official Ride for Kevin Horse Bonnet before entering the ring. Together, horse-and-rider combinations will proudly demonstrate their commitment to Kevin and the Foundation’s mission.

So, find your horse, polish your boots and get ready to ride!

This meaningful—and seriously fun—1.25m Saturday class will take center stage in the International Ring. Ride for Kevin, support an extraordinary cause and give the crowd something to cheer about.

Silver Oak Jumper Tournament 2026

Date of Event: September 2–6, 2026

Website: Click Here

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CLICK HERE TO LEAVE A REVIEW ON AMAZON

Help Us Grow the Momentum!

by Kevin Babington Foundation | Aug 14, 2026 | Home Page News, KBF News

Help Us Grow the Momentum!

Thank you for your purchase of the book Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration! Now help us by leaving a review on Amazon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wellington, FL – Aug. 14, 2026

Thank you for purchasing Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration and supporting the Kevin Babington Foundation.

If you’ve had a chance to read the book, please consider leaving an honest review on Amazon. Every review helps more people discover Kevin’s story and supports the Foundation’s mission.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

The Kevin Babington Foundation

About Kevin Babington Foundation:

In late August 2019, Kevin experienced a life-altering moment when he suffered a complete spinal cord injury following a fall during the 2019 Grand Prix at the Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, NY, United States. In early September, Kevin underwent a critical surgery to stabilize the vertebrae in his neck. By mid-October of that same year, he had made significant progress, transitioning from relying on a ventilator for breathing to facing the challenge of being paralyzed from the neck down. Remarkably, just two months later, Kevin began teaching from his wheelchair. Today, he remains on a determined journey, actively participating in experimental stem cell therapy, holding onto the hope of regaining movement below the neck.

This life-altering event marked the inception of the Kevin Babington Foundation, which was established in 2019. Kevin Babington Foundation (KBF) has been created to provide funding and support for Equestrian Show Jumping Athletes who sustain spinal injuries. In addition to providing financial assistance the foundation will also strive to educate riders, trainers and show organizers about the most current safety measures designed to reduce the risk of serious injuries which can occur while riding.