Annie Goodwin and Fedarman B. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.
After raising $135,000 in donations and support, the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant is officially open for its first round of applications. This grant was established in partnership with the Aiken Horse Park Foundation and Annie’s family. The grant will be awarded to a recipient who meets grant criteria in the amount of $20,000 for 2023. Riders who meet the following criteria are welcome to apply:
The Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant provides financial support for young professional equestrians establishing the early years of their business and wishing to continue their equestrian education and competition.
All applicants must be:
- Professional member in good standing with their respective national governing body
- US citizen or legal resident
- Demonstrate financial need
- Reside in Aiken, SC for a minimum of three (3) months annually
- Between the ages of eighteen (18) and thirty (30) years of age by January thirty-one (31) of application year
The Annie Goodwin Rising Star was founded in memory of Annie Goodwin, who passed away in a riding accident in 2022. Her memory lives on throughout the Aiken and eventing worldwide community, and in the continued career of her upper-level horse, Fedarman B. With Boyd Martin in the irons and supported by the Annie Goodwin Syndicate, Fedarman B made a successful debut at the CCI5* level at Luhmühlen in June, finishing inside the top 10.
Annie’s parents, Tina and Putter played an integral role in the development of the grant application. They spent numerous hours side by side the AHPF staff, crafting a meaningful application that was representative of Annie’s spirit and ambition. It is their desire that this grant provide eligible young professionals a leg up to establish a successful and sustainable business in their sport.
While we take this time today to remember Annie, we also pause to reflect and celebrate the life of her mother Tina McLanahan Goodwin who passed away on May 22, 2023. Thirty-five years of Rheumatoid Arthritis, fusions, surgeries and other health issues finally took its toll. She had a brilliant mind, a follower of science, respecter and lover of all animals, gardener, swimmer and sailor. In her prime, she rode fast, ran fast, skied the steep and climbed the tall. Tina was a devoted Mom, wife, sister, aunt and the best friend you could ever ask for. She is dearly missed by all that knew her.
Applications for this grant will be reviewed by a committee of individuals with close ties to Annie herself. The committee includes:
- Daniel Geitner – AHPF board member, Hunter/Jumper Professional
- Putter Goodwin – Annie’s dad
- Gene “Tiger” Kneece – Polo Professional
- Boyd Martin – Olympian, Eventing Professional
- Catherine Stumberg – Hunter/Jumper Amateur
- Caitlin Silliman – Eventing Professional
- Robert “Bobby” Stevenson – FEI Judge, Eventing Professional
Each Member of the selection committee had a strong connection to Annie that transcended sport, friendship, and family. Together with a thoughtfully crafted application, the committee is poised to successfully chose a worthy candidate.
To learn more and submit an application for the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant, click here. On that page, you can also choose to make a donation to further the Rising Star Grant’s future. Applications are due on September 30, 2023.
