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Babington honored with Kate Nash Boone award

LAKE PLACID — Over the years, Irish Olympic veteran, Kevin Babington has been one of the most successful and most popular riders at the Lake Placid Horse Shows. Babington has competed at Lake Placid for many years and has achieved many wins.

Riding Mark Q, he was victorious in the $100,000 Woodlea Farms Grand Prix in 2013. In 2016, he won the $75,000 Lake Placid Grand Prix and continued his winning ways aboard Mark Q in 2018 by taking home the win in the $75,000 Prevost Richard M. Feldman Grand Prix. Last year, Kevin made history when he swept first, second and third place in the $100,000 Great American Insurance Group Grand Prix.

Last August, Kevin fell during a class at the Hampton Classic Horse Show and he suffered a spinal cord injury. However, this has not stopped his support for the sport or his drive to contribute any way he can such as training and teaching which he continues to do.

Recently, Kevin was presented the Kate Nash Boone award at the Winter Equestrian Festival. The award is given during the CSIO4* Nations Cup week to the international equestrian who exemplifies the best style of riding along with maintaining a sportsmanlike composure.

“I was humbled and honored to present that award to Kevin,” expressed Michael Meller who made the selection. “He is a true inspiration to all of us. There are very few times in your life that you come across someone with that much determination and that much strength. It is incredibly impressive to see what he has gone through and what he is doing to keep going. Kevin is such a kind and genuine person who is a true gift to our industry, and I am so proud to call him my friend.”

At the close of 2019, the Kevin Babington Foundation was created. It is mainly focused around supporting Kevin and his rehabilitation process. Not only does the foundation support Kevin, but the foundation also works with children in the hunters, jumpers, and equitation to provide safety education. Information on how to make a donation is available at the

kevinbabingtonfoundation@gmail.com.

Starting at $1.44/week.

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