If you’ve been following his progress since the fall…
Thanks for the link!!
When I read the story (great pictures!), I thought it was somewhat poorly written and clearly written by someone who had not very much knowledge of riding. But It was great to see an equestrian sport get this kind of coverage, for sure.
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Really? I could see places the reporter wasn’t super H/J savvy with the terms, etc., but I thought it was pretty nicely and sensitively done. I was pleasantly surprised with the writing.
It was a lovely portrait of their family.
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I was actually a little surprised they didn’t send the reporter who has covered other horse show related stories for the Times. But I thought the article was well done. And it’s nice to see the Babington family get some recognition for their remarkable journey. Fingers crossed for the whole family in the future.
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The last horse-related NYT story I read was so poorly researched and written that I was really disappointed. And I say that as a NYT subscriber for years. I even upgrade for the recipes and crosswords. So, my expectations for this article were low. I glanced at the byline first thing and when I saw it was a different reporter I had some hopes it might be better written and I think it really was.
It is nice for them to get recognition. I felt so sad to read that many clients left. I hope many more come to take their places. I do understand that clients who want their horses trained and campaigned would need a new trainer, but I hope riding clients come in and fill their stables again.
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If you’re referring to Sarah Maslon Nir, she is recovering from COVID-19 that she contracted while covering the outbreak in New Rochelle.
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I thought they did a nice job - in some ways having someone not super familiar with the equestrian world enables them to write in a way that non-horsey readers will understand. They also didn’t make it sound like riding is the most dangerous sport ever - I remember when I was younger people often bringing up Christopher Reeve’s accident when I told them I jump horses.
Nice to see them publish something not just focused on the expense of the sport, like their coverage of the Hampton Classic last year :sigh:
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I was very disappointed his clients were leaving. On one level, I understand it. That said, to bail on someone who sounds like he always gave 110% after such a horrific accident who, along w his entire family, needed hope is low rent in my book. When my husband was losing his battle w cancer, a student wrote him a note saying she was leaving because he couldn’t take her trail riding. He was still teaching and taught the last day he was alive. He was crushed…and I bet the Babington’s were, too. Just hurts my heart.
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I really enjoyed reading the article. While it is clear the author is not a horse person, it seems like they took steps to try and use correct terminology. I liked hearing about his girls, the family dynamic, and the love they clearly feel for each other.
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Yes, it hurt my heart, too. I feel the same way. I felt I had to say something ameliorating about people who left, but you put it better. I had the exact same reaction. Kudos to the clients who stayed and helped and are thrilled to be working with him and his lovely and talented family.
ETA: I am very sorry to hear how that student treated your husband. Such a shame people don’t think before doing that stuff. 
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I was struck by how much pain he continues to suffer. He is so lucky to be surrounded by such a loving family.
The damage to his voice from being intubated for such a long time must be so difficult to deal with . I imagine those who survive COVID-19 are experiencing the same.
The bottom line is that there’s no happy ending here. What courage and strength it must take to persevere.
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FitzE, thank you.💗
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While I agree with the second sentence, I beg to differ with the previous sentiment. There may not be a happy ending yet, but things may improve in the future. I believe the treatment at the Mayo Clinic helped a patient in a similar situation get back on his feet again, and I hope it will do the same for Kevin.
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I concur. So very sorry for your loss, and for the thoughtless behavior of the student.
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I truly hope you’re right.
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Thank you, MHM. I appreciate it. I’ll never understand mean people. And, really great news about the Mayo Clinic. It brought tears to my eyes. Whose to say he won’t get a miracle??? Some people do, and they are certainly trying. My hat is off to his wife, family, and friends.
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What trainers took those clients? Get ready for those clients to be shitty in your barn aisle, too.
Also I would have a hard fkn time pulling up to the ingate with a recently departed Babington client while Kevin’s daughters are doing lessons by cellphone but I guess some people are that hard up.
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What a great point!!!
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I too was disappointed to hear that clients had left. And I am so sorry that a client treated your husband so poorly, sounds like a very self-absorbed brat. Your husband was very courageous to teach right up until the end.
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