Kevin Babington Foundation Returns to Upperville for 2026 Babington Benefit Classic

Upperville Colt & Horse Show Continues Longstanding Support with the Kevin Babington Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wellington, FL – May 19, 2026

The Kevin Babington Foundation is proud to announce the return of the Babington Benefit Classic to the historic Upperville Colt & Horse Show during the 2026 show season. Upperville Colt and Horse Show dates: June 1-7, 2026.

Click Here to Learn More About Upperville Colt & Horse Show

As one of the most respected and iconic horse shows in the United States, Upperville has remained a perennial supporter of the Foundation and a powerful supporter of the mission to assist riders who have suffered spinal cord injuries while promoting safety throughout the sport of show jumping.

The featured Babington Benefit Class at Upperville will once again showcase top-level sport through the Class #628 1.40m Open Jumper, bringing together elite riders, dedicated supporters, and the broader equestrian community for a meaningful and impactful competition.

The Kevin Babington Foundation is honored to continue its partnership with Upperville and deeply grateful for the incredible support shown year after year by the show’s exhibitors, sponsors, vendors, spectators, and organizing team.

Their continued commitment reflects the very best of the equestrian community—coming together not only to celebrate the sport, but to support the riders who make it possible.

Your Class. Their Future.

Through the Babington Benefit Class initiative, horse shows dedicate a single class—or a portion of entry fees—to help provide critical financial assistance to show jumping athletes facing spinal cord injuries.

With the message “Your Class. Their Future.”, the initiative demonstrates how one class can make a lasting impact while helping strengthen the future of the sport.

Each Babington Benefit Class represents more than competition—it represents unity, compassion, and the collective strength of the equestrian community.

Supporting Riders. Strengthening Our Sport. Building Community.

Babington Benefit Classes are built around three core principles:

Support Riders. Change Lives.
Providing financial assistance and support to show jumping athletes facing spinal cord injuries.

Strengthen Our Sport.
Promoting rider safety awareness and encouraging continued conversations around protective equipment and safety initiatives.

Build a Stronger Community.
Bringing the equestrian world together through compassion, resilience, and meaningful action.

Every Class Makes a Difference. Every Round Counts.

The Kevin Babington Foundation is proud to stand alongside Upperville Colt & Horse Show once again as this important partnership continues to grow.

As more horse shows across the country join the Babington Benefit initiative, the equestrian community continues to demonstrate the incredible impact that can happen when the sport comes together for something bigger than competition.

Click Here To Learn More About Hosting A Babington Benefit Class

Silver Oak Jumper Tournament 2026

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.

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, 2026 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.

Explore KBF Merch

Official Ride For Kevin Hat White

Purchase Here

Official Ride For Kevin Hat Black

Purchase Here

Don’t Stop Believin’ Next Level Tri-Blend T-shirt

Purchase Here

Women’s: Don’t Stop Believin’ Next Level Tri-Blend T-shirt

Purchase Here

“Ride for Kevin” Handmade Leather Belt

Purchase Here

SAFEFIT Airbag Vest – Kevin Babington Foundation Edition

Purchase Here

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