Aiken Showcase: Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant Special with Putter and Elle

As the countdown begins to one of the moments that really signals the start of the season, this episode turns its focus to the $100,000 Grand Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce's Field and the wider impact it continues to have on the sport. Central to that is the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant, created in Annie's memory to support developing professionals across all disciplines as they take meaningful steps forward in their careers.

Nicole Brown is joined by Annie's father, Putter Goodwin, and this year's grant recipient, Elle Choate, to talk about what the grant was built to do and why it matters. Ellie shares where she's at right now, coming back from a serious injury, getting horses back into work, and trying to build something sustainable in a sport that isn't easy to break into. Putter reflects on Annie's connection to Aiken, the kind of people the grant is meant to support, and how the idea has grown into something that's already making a difference.

Highlights

• Why the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant was created and what it's meant to support
• Annie's connection to Aiken and the community that shaped her career
• Elle on recovering from injury and getting back in the saddle
• The realities of turning riding into a sustainable profession

Guests

• Putter Goodwin - Annie Goodwin's father and a driving force behind the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant, created to honour Annie's legacy and support developing professionals across disciplines.
• Elle Choate - 2026 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant recipient, developing professional based in Aiken.

Find out more about the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant and the $100,000 Grand Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce's Field presented by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

👉 Learn more about the grant, the event, and how to get involved.

EquiRatings Eventing Podcast
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