CLOSE to $900,000 has been raised to help Irish Olympic show jumper Kevin Babington recover from the catastrophic injuries he sustained during a fall at the Hampton Classic Horse Show on August 30th.

Babington underwent a second surgery this week, which his wife Dianna reported “went as well as possible”, while more fundraisers were held worldwide to help with his rehabilitation.

A total of $581,409 has been raised between two online fundraisers – Sissy’s Medical Fundraiser and a Go Fund Me page organised by Kathy Gilbert – while a horse auctioned at the prestigious The Ten auction in America raised a further $120,000, plus donations mounting to $257,000.

On Irish soil, Coolmore Stud offered a nomination to the Galileo-sired Gleneagles, which was eventually purchased by USA show jumping and thoroughbred owner Ira Gumberg for €42,000. Gumberg owns Skara Glen Stables, where many of his horses are ridden by Paul O’Shea.

Writing on her social media on Wednesday, Dianna said: “Today marks 20 days [since the accident].

“Yesterday’s surgery went as well as possible. We are possibly heading out of trauma to rehab in the next 48 hours which means we will no longer be at NYU.

“Kevin is anxious to start working with the rehab team. His breathing continues to get stronger which is a big deal. We are still hopeful some improvement will come as spinal shock and swelling subsides. Whatever happens, we will make sure he lives his best life. A life which still involves me, his children, his extended family, horses, students, and friends. We have the best of him still.”

Last night (Friday) at Cavan Indoor Championships, the latest Irish fundraiser in aid of the Kevin Babington was held with an auction after the Cavan Indoor Derby.

Kind character

Shane Sweetnam and Cian O’Connor spoke about the support for Kevin on The Placid Horse podcast this week. “He really fitted into this country [America], he is very well liked, as everyone has seen in the last couple of weeks. The whole of America got behind him, not just the Irish but the entire equestrian community,” said Sweetnam, who got his very first senior cap for Ireland alongside Kevin in Wellington.

Asked how riders can put a life-changing accident like this in perspective, Sweetnam added: “Obviously when something like this happens to someone so close to us, it really hits home. I was there at the Hamptons and as soon as I saw he wasn’t getting up, I knew there was definitely something wrong, because Kevin is tough as nails.

“In the days after, you start thinking what if it did happens to us, it’s very very difficult. But, this is what we love to do and would I change it? No. We have to get behind them and help them move forward with this, and hopefully keep improving and help Kevin enjoy and appreciate the sport.”

O’Connor has also jumped on plenty of Irish teams with the Tipperary man and said it is his good character that has encouraged the whole equestrian world to get behind him. “What struck me about the whole equestrian community is how united we are as a community, how everyone felt touched by Kevin’s kindness.

“All the stories we heard about him teaching the kids who couldn’t afford the lesson or helping the dead animal at the side of the road; that is the kind of guy he is. What they are going through must be extraordinary.

“You wonder why these things happened to the good guys, that’s what you’d ask. Life is strange and we all have to play the cards we are dealt. Because of his kindness and because of the decent person he is, that support is there in spades,” added O’Connor.