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

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

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.”

 

Click Here to Get the Silver Oak 10% Off Windstar Cruise Offer

 

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

Full Show Information

Explore KBF Merch

Kevin Babington Foundation Links

Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Links

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

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

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 Join the Windstar Email List for Special Offers

 

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

Full Show Information

Explore KBF Merch

Kevin Babington Foundation Links

Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Links

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

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

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 Join the Windstar Email List for Special Offers

 

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

Full Show Information

Explore KBF Merch

Kevin Babington Foundation Links

Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Links

Help Us Grow the Momentum!

Help Us Grow the Momentum!

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.

CLICK HERE TO LEAVE A REVIEW ON AMAZON

 

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.

Kevin Babington Foundation Links

Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Links

Silver Oak Jumper Tournament – Presented by the Davis McCullough Foundation Just Weeks Away

Silver Oak Jumper Tournament – Presented by the Davis McCullough Foundation Just Weeks Away

Silver Oak Jumper Tournament – Presented by the Davis McCullough Foundation Just Weeks Away

Returning Loyal Sponsors, the Babington Benefit Class, Live Music and an Unforgettable Week of Show Jumping Await in Traverse City

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wellington, FL – Aug. 11, 2026

The countdown is officially underway. From September 2–6, 2026, the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament – presented by the Davis McCullough Foundation, will return to Traverse City Horse Shows for five days of world-class competition, meaningful charitable initiatives, returning loyal sponsors making the SOJT platform a force in support of KBF’s charitable mission and special experiences designed to bring the equestrian community together.

 

The Silver Oak Jumper Tournament is proud to once again welcome the Davis McCullough Foundation as Presenting Sponsor, continuing a remarkable partnership that has now spanned 19 years. As one of the longest-running individual partnerships in the sport, the Foundation’s unwavering support and generosity have played an integral role in the growth and success of the tournament. Quite simply, Silver Oak would not be what it is today without the Davis McCullough Foundation’s extraordinary commitment to the event and to the sport.

Silver Oak Jumper Tournament 2026

This year’s tournament will offer much more than exceptional sport. Attendees can look forward to returning loyal sponsors, the return of the celebrated Babington Benefit Class, special programming surrounding the newly released book Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration, a live musical appearance by a local Traverse City guitarist and additional surprises throughout the week.

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 Class Returns

A highlight of this year’s tournament will be the return of the Babington Benefit Class, 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 and compassion of the equestrian community while demonstrating how one competition can create a lasting impact for athletes facing life-changing circumstances.

Through the message “Turn One Class Into a Lasting Impact,” the Kevin Babington Foundation continues to encourage horse shows across the country to dedicate a class—or a portion of its entry fees—to supporting injured riders and advancing safety awareness within the sport. This class will also feature a special guest (digital) appearance from Kevin Babington himself!! Lastly, every year we try to do something special to highlight this event. This year we will be featuring the Official Ride For Kevin Horse Bonnet! Every horse will be given this special bonnet prior to the class in order to illustrate their commitment to Kevin’s Foundation.

 

Find a horse for this meaningful and fun 1.25m Saturday class, center stage in the International ring – Ride for Kevin and be celebrated for it!

Celebrating the Story Behind Babington

The tournament will also celebrate the release of Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration, the powerful new book chronicling Kevin Babington’s extraordinary life, career, accident and continuing influence on the equestrian world.

Click Here to Purchase Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration

Click here to Download the Kindle Version

Click Here to Listen to the Audiobook

Written by Jeff Papows, PhD, and Michael Cruciotti, with a foreword by Tom Sullivan, the book explores Kevin’s remarkable journey through triumph, adversity, friendship and resilience. Every copy purchased also helps support the Kevin Babington Foundation and its work on behalf of injured show jumping athletes.

Special book-related moments and opportunities will take place during the tournament, giving members of the community an opportunity to experience the story that is inspiring readers throughout the sport.

Live Music and a Celebration of Traverse City

Adding to the atmosphere, the 2026 Silver Oak Jumper Tournament will feature a special musical appearance by a local Traverse City guitarist, Jesse Jefferson.

 

The performance will bring the energy and character of Northern Michigan into the tournament experience, creating a memorable celebration of sport, community and the destination that has become one of equestrian competition’s most beloved summer settings.

 

 

Continuing a Commitment to Giving Back

The Silver Oak Jumper Tournament proudly continues its support of both the Kevin Babington Foundation and Canine Support Teams, two organizations whose missions reflect the values at the heart of the event: compassion, independence, resilience and community.

 

Canine Support Teams provides highly trained service dogs to veterans and individuals with disabilities at no cost to the recipients. These extraordinary dogs are trained in more than 70 specialized commands and help their partners experience greater independence, confidence and stability.

 

The Kevin Babington Foundation provides essential support to show jumping athletes who have suffered spinal cord injuries while promoting rider safety, education and awareness throughout the sport.

 

Together, these charitable partnerships ensure that the impact of the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament reaches far beyond the competition arena.

Silver Oak Jumper Tournament 2026

Date of Event: September 2–6, 2026

Website: Click Here

Full Show Information

Explore KBF Merch

Kevin Babington Foundation Links

Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Links

Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration Sparks Conversation Across the Equestrian Community

Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration Sparks Conversation Across the Equestrian Community

Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration Sparks Conversation Across the Equestrian Community

As Readers Discover Kevin Babington’s More Complete Story, a Book Becomes a Source of Inspiration—and a Powerful Force for the Kevin Babington Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wellington, FL – Aug. 4, 2026

 

Something interesting is happening throughout the equestrian community. A bit surprising really. Just weeks after its release, Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration has quickly become more than a new book—it has become a conversation. From riders and trainers to horse owners, industry leaders, and lifelong supporters, readers are not only embracing Kevin Babington’s more complete and in large part untold story elements, but sharing it with friends, families, and fellow equestrians.

 

We are also pleased to announce that Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration is now available on Kindle!! Click below to download the Kindle version on your Kindle or on your tablet. 

Click Here to Order Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration

Click Here to Download On Kindle

With a large and growing collection of five-star reviews, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing what so many have always known: Kevin’s story reaches far beyond the show ring.

 

While the reviews speak for themselves, the true impact of the book lies in the conversations it has inspired.

 

Readers have described Babington as a story of perseverance, friendship, humility, and hope. It is a reminder that while championships may define a career, it is character that defines a legacy.

 

For the Kevin Babington Foundation, that message carries even greater significance.

 

Every copy purchased is 100% contributed, aka every penny, to the Foundation’s mission of providing financial assistance and critical resources to show jumping athletes recovering from spinal cord injuries. The book has become more than a fundraiser—it has become another way the equestrian community is rallying around one of its own while helping future athletes facing unimaginable challenges.

 

Kevin’s journey—from a young rider in Ireland to Olympian, international champion, devastating spinal cord injury, and unwavering advocate for others—continues to inspire people both inside and outside of equestrian sport.

Written by Jeff Papows, PhD and Michael Cruciotti, with a foreword by author and motivational speaker Tom Sullivan, Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration tells a story that transcends sport. It is a testament to resilience, the strength of family and friendship, and the extraordinary power of a community that refuses to let one of its own stand alone.

As more readers discover Kevin’s story, one message continues to emerge:

This is not simply a book about an Olympic rider.

It is a book about overcoming life’s greatest obstacles with courage, grace, and unwavering determination.

The Kevin Babington Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has purchased the book, shared a review, recommended it to a friend, or helped spread Kevin’s story. Together, the equestrian community is ensuring that this message of resilience continues to reach new audiences while directly supporting athletes who need it most.

Order your copy of Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration today and become part of a story that continues to inspire the entire equestrian community.

Click Here to Order Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration

Click Here to Order Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration 

About the Kevin Babington Foundation

The Kevin Babington Foundation is dedicated to providing critical support, resources, and financial assistance to show jumping athletes who have suffered spinal cord injuries. Through the generosity of the equestrian community, the Foundation continues to create meaningful pathways forward for injured riders while advocating for safety and recovery within the sport.

Kevin Babington Foundation Links

Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Links