June 24, 2022 — Two weeks ago, accomplished Grand Prix rider and beloved trainer and friend Kimberly Prince experienced a serious fall while competing at the Upperville Colt Horse Show, suffering an injury to her spinal cord at C3, C4, and C5, as well as a broken nose and facial lacerations. Since the accident, Kim has begun to show signs of improvement, and the community has rallied to help jumpstart her journey towards recovering from this catastrophic accident.
Numerous people helped Kim get into one of the very best spinal cord rehabilitation programs in the country, the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, and she will be transferring from INVOVA hospital in Virginia. The equestrian community has generously come together to support Kim with donations, words of encouragement, and assistance with her clients and horses. A very significant six figure sum was raised through the Kevin Babington Foundation. These funds have been wired to Kim and are helping to supplement Kim’s insurance and are enabling her to make the move to the Shepherd Center.
Kim underwent surgery to relieve pressure on her spinal cord and is showing promising signs of improvement with feeling and movement starting to return in her upper arms, legs, and feet. With assistance, she has been able to sit on the side of the bed and even briefly stand upright. Importantly, Kim’s mind, ability to speak, and breathing were not impacted, and she is getting stronger each day.
“The road ahead will not be easy, but I am committed to getting back to the sport, the community, and the horses I love as strong as I can possibly be. To have the support and help from so many is motivating and humbling. I am deeply grateful to my friends, peers, clients, and family for standing by me,” said Kimberly Prince.
Please consider donating to the Kevin Babington Foundation and share this message as the journey to recovery for Kim has just begun and the expenses for her critical care, rehabilitation, and ongoing health needs are significant, as is the research and care of other equestrians under the Babington Foundation umbrella.
© 2022 Kevin Babington Foundation