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A Letter From Kevin
Winter Equestrian Season 2026
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wellington, FL – Nov. 21, 2025
Dear Friends,
As another winter season begins here in Wellington, I find myself reflecting—as I always do this time of year—on the extraordinary partnership that makes our sport unlike any other. Horse and rider stepping into a new season together… hope in every stride, opportunity around every corner, and the privilege of doing what we love.
I want to take a moment to wish each of you the very best in the months ahead. May your horses stay sound, your rides be rewarding, and your goals—whatever they may be—come within reach. Our sport continues to grow, innovate, and inspire because of the passion and dedication of riders like you.
But I also want to speak to something even more important than winning a ribbon or finishing a round—and that is your safety.
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As many of you know, my own journey took a turn that none of us ever expect. And while I’ve faced my share of challenges, I have also witnessed firsthand the strength of this community, the kindness of strangers, and the power of preparation. That is why the mission of the Kevin Babington Foundation, and our emphasis on safety, means so much to me.
Safety isn’t just about protecting yourself. It’s about protecting everything and everyone who depends on you—your family, your barn, your clients, your horses, and your future.
Every time you get on a horse, you are making a choice not just for your own well-being, but for the people who love you and the animals who trust you.
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Now, speaking directly to the trainers and professionals: you are the leaders of this sport. You are the examples young riders follow, the inspiration for aspiring professionals, and the steady guides for amateurs who trust your expertise. As you well know, a single injury can sideline you during the most critical time of the year—impacting not only your health, but your livelihood, your clients, and the business you’ve worked so hard to build.
I urge you to be the standard-bearers of safety. Be the image and the icon that shows our community what responsibility looks like. By choosing to protect yourselves, you help safeguard the future of our sport and set a powerful example for all who look up to you.
A safety vest is not a sign of fear.
It is a sign of responsibility.
Of leadership.
Of respect for the sport we all adore.
A vest won’t prevent every accident, but it is one of the simplest, smartest steps you can take to protect your future. It represents the choice to ride with awareness, to ride with intention, and to show younger riders that putting safety first is a sign of strength—not hesitation.
We have the ability, right now, to push our industry forward.
To normalize protection.
To shift the culture from “optional” to “expected.”
To make safety a shared value, not an afterthought.
This season, I ask each of you to do something powerful: take the initiative. Wear your vest. Encourage a friend. Lead by example. Each rider who chooses to ride safer helps protect not just themselves, but everyone who loves them and your livelihood.
The most courageous thing you can do in this sport happens long before the first jump. It happens when you choose to prepare, to protect, and to honor the privilege of riding.
Thank you for your commitment, your compassion, and your belief in the mission of the Kevin Babington Foundation. I am so proud and thankful for this community. I will be cheering you on, proud of this community and hopeful for a future where safety is simply part of who we are.
Ride safe. Ride smart. And ride with joy.
With gratitude,
Kevin Babington
P.S.
Don’t Forget to Get Your Tickets for the 2026 Kevin’s Rockstars Fundraiser! Last year sold out so get your tickets while you can!
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Upcoming Events
5k 10 k Run for Kevin
Race Details:
🏃♀️ 5K: Saturday, December 13 | 7:30 AM Start | 104 Datura Street, West Palm Beach
🏃 10K: Saturday, December 13 | 7:30 AM Start | 104 Datura Street, West Palm Beach
Participants can purchase tickets directly through KBFEvents.com. Following registration, entrants will receive their official Palm Beaches Marathon entry and be invited to a post-race celebration hosted by the Foundation and its supporters.
Every mile has meaning. Every finish line is a new beginning.
PLEASE MAKE SURE TO GET YOUR TICKETS BEFORE DECEMBER 1ST, 2025 IN ORDER TO PROVIDE TIME FOR US TO GET YOUR KBF HAT AND T-SHIRT!
Join the movement. Run for Kevin. Run for purpose. See you in West Palm Beach.
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Kevin’s Rockstars 2026 Tickets LIVE!!
The cost of spinal cord recovery has never been higher, and insurance rarely covers the extensive rehab, travel, equipment, and home modifications required for long-term recovery.
That’s where KBF steps in — and why fundraising efforts like Kevin’s Rockstars 2026 are more important than ever.
“The support has been incredible this year,” said Jeff Papows, Chairman of the Foundation. “But as we go into the winter season, when equestrian sport is at its peak, continued fundraising is essential. Your support helps save lives — and we need you.”
🎟️ Tickets are now live for Kevin’s Rockstars Lip Sync & Fundraiser 2026.
Last year’s event sold out — don’t wait to be part of something that changes lives.
🎟 Tickets Now Available
Don’t wait. This event WILL SELL OUT!
Reserve your spot today: Purchase Tickets Here
VIP and General Admission options available.
📅 Event Details:
Kevin’s Rockstars Lip Sync and Fundraiser
🗓 Saturday, March 8, 2026
📍 Eyecandyland Farm, Wellington, Florida
🎉 Cocktails, Cuisine, and the Best Night of the Season
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Other Ways to Donate
Your support powers our mission to protect, uplift, and empower riders through recovery assistance, safety advocacy, and education. Here’s how you can help:
💻 Donate Online
Make a secure one-time or recurring donation via our website:
👉 https://kevinbabingtonfoundation.org/donations/
✉️ Mail a Check
Checks can be made payable to:
Kevin Babington Foundation
10 Edgewood Rd.,
Westwood, MA 02090-3136 USA
💼 Corporate or Matching Gifts
Many companies will match your donation. Ask your HR department if your employer participates—or contact us and we’ll help facilitate the process.
🏅 Sponsor an Event
Become a sponsor of one of our upcoming 2026 events (MIDA Farm Classic, Kevin’s Rockstars, or Live Oak International).
To learn more, email us at: contact@kevinbabingtonfoundation.org
Benefits of Giving Before December 31st
Giving before the end of the calendar year provides significant tax advantages and directly fuels our winter programming.
✅ Tax Deduction
The Kevin Babington Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 85-2059430). All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
⏳ Timing Matters
Donations made on or before December 31st, 2025 may be claimed on your 2025 tax return—providing potential savings while supporting a great cause.
🔁 Recurring Gifts Multiply Impact
Consider making your donation a monthly recurring gift to sustain our mission year-round with less effort and greater long-term impact.
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Women’s: Don’t Stop Believin’ Next Level Tri-Blend T-shirt
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SAFEFIT Airbag Vest – Kevin Babington Foundation Edition
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| Purchase Here |
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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.
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