Edited Press Release
HARTFORD, CT – July 14, 2025 – The Kevin Babington Foundation is proud to share that its Chairman, Jeff Papows, will be a featured guest at Plaidcast in Person, tonight, Monday, July 14th at the Aetna Theater in the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, Connecticut.
A passionate advocate for equestrian safety and recovery, Papows will join a dynamic panel of professionals to discuss critical issues facing the sport—including governance, rider welfare, and the future of safety in competition. His involvement underscores the Foundation’s unwavering mission to support equestrians recovering from spinal cord injuries and to elevate safety standards across the sport.
Papows, a former Marine Corps radar intercept officer and lifelong horseman, has fused his leadership background with a deep love for show jumping to become a national voice for reform and resilience in the equestrian world.
The evening will also feature the international premiere of Inside The Ingate: Season 2 by KB Media, beginning at 6:30 PM, followed by the live taping of Plaidcast in Person—a rare opportunity to listen in on candid conversations from some of the sport’s most influential figures.
How to Tune In
Supporters of the Kevin Babington Foundation are encouraged to attend live if possible. If you are not able to attend live, the episode will be available in the next few days on the following Plaidcast podcast platforms:
- The Plaid Horse Podcast Network
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
Or wherever you get your podcasts
Want to get tickets? Click Here
“We’re honored to have Jeff represent the Foundation in such an important conversation,” said the Kevin Babington Foundation. “His voice continues to be a guiding light in advocating for both safety and support systems for equestrian athletes.”
To learn more about the Foundation’s mission or to make a contribution, please visit: www.kevinbabingtonfoundation.org
Click here to learn more.
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.
