The Goodwin family is inviting the Aiken equestrian community to a Celebration of Spirit for Annie Goodwin, a talented eventing professional who was killed in a tragic schooling accident over the summer. The gathering is scheduled for 5-8 pm on February 9, 2022 at Bruce’s Field in the Aiken Horse Park. Friends and family will share “words of remembrance, inspiration and humor” at 6 pm.
The family chose the Aiken Horse Park as the site for the celebration because of Annie’s affection for it. Tara Bostwick, who is vice president of the Aiken Horse Park Foundation, says that the foundation is honored to be the host.
“Annie was a frequent guest of Bruce’s Field since it first opened,” she wrote in an email. “She competed in hunter/jumper shows, schooling days, dressage shows and most recently made her freshman debut in the Grand Prix Eventing Showcase last March. I cannot think of a better place for friends and family to come together to remember Annie than Bruce’s Field as it played such an important role in so many of her equestrian accomplishments.”
The Aiken Horse Park has already announced another way it is honoring Annie. This is the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Fund, which was “established in Annie’s memory to foster, support, and develop Aiken’s young equestrians who embody Annie’s character and dedication in their respective sports.”
“The foundation’s goal is to raise enough funds that can support an annual grant program for many years to come, thus ensuring Annie’s legacy as a rising star in equestrian sports,” wrote Tara.
The family is asking for contributions of photos and video clips to be included in the commemorative slide show that will play at the celebration. Please email favorite photos to rafterysouth@gmail.com
If you would like to donate to the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Fund, you may do so directly on the AHP website here:
https://aikenhorsepark.charityproud.org/Donate/?cid=10365. Or send a to AHPF, PO Box 1951, Aiken SC 29802. Please make checks payable to the Aiken Horse Park Foundation and put Annie Goodwin in the bottom left corner of the check.