Upperville Welcomes Back the Kevin Babington Foundation with New Events
- Michael Cruciotti
- May 2
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 1, 2025, WELLINGTON, FL
The Kevin Babington Foundation is proud to return to Upperville, Virginia, for the 2025 Upperville Colt & Horse Show, building on the success of last year’s partnership. In 2024, the show hosted the Babington Benefit Classic in support of the Foundation’s mission. This year, the collaboration expands to include both the Babington Benefit Classic and a new Inspirational Speaker Series.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Upperville Colt & Horse Show,” said Jeff Papows, Chairman of the Kevin Babington Foundation. “The response last year was incredible, and we are excited to return with even more meaningful programming to support the Foundation’s work and inspire the equestrian community.”
The highlight of the 2025 Inspirational Speaker Series will be keynote speaker Kenny Harlow, a nationally respected horseman and educator. Known for his Training with Trust philosophy, Harlow has earned acclaim across disciplines including dressage, hunter/jumper, eventing, and reining. A graduate of John Lyons’ inaugural certification program, Harlow has shared his methods through national television appearances and publications such as Equine Journal, Chronicle of the Horse, and Horse World Magazine. His focus on patience, clarity, and communication has helped riders and horses overcome even the most challenging obstacles.
Event Details:
Training With Trust: The Art of Connection with Kenny Harlow
Presented in partnership with the Upperville Colt & Horse Show
📅 Thursday, June 5th
🕠 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Upperville Colt & Horse Show Grounds
Tickets are limited and expected to sell out quickly. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Kevin Babington Foundation and its ongoing efforts to support spinal cord injury recovery and education within the equestrian community.
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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