One Big Thing: Deadline for 2027 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant is Approaching
Annie’s father, Putter Goodwin, presents the The 2026 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant to recipient Elle Choate at the 2026 $100,000 LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field, p/b THIS. Joining Elle and Putter (C) at the presentation were (L-R) Jim & Vickie Choate, Ashley Adams, Kim Ferguson, Cat Stumburg, Mike Koether, and Craig Duchossois.
Established in the spirit of her vision and legacy, 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. As the Grant enters its fourth year, the deadline to submit your application for the 2027 award is rapidly approaching on September 30.
The late and very much loved Annie Goodwin and Fedarman B. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.
Who can apply? This grant is not limited just to eventers! While we of course love to see eventers receive this support, any professional member in good standing with their respective national governing body, between the ages of 18-30, who resides in Aiken, SC at least three months out of the year is eligible to apply. Additional criteria do apply (view the full application and criteria here).
What can the grant funds be used for? This grant can be used exclusively for competition costs, training expenses and travel. It’s intended to be a professional development grant, and the funding should be used as such.
[Access the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant application]
[Donate to the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Fund]
[Learn more about this program]
Major International Events This Weekend
FEI Eventing Nations Cup – Lignières (France): [Website] [Timing & Scoring] [FEI Eventing Nations Cup 2026] [Live Stream – FEI YouTube] [Live Stream – ClipMyHorse.TV]
Ballindenisk CCI4*-L (Ireland): [Website] [Entries & Timing] [Scoring]
Eventing at the Parks and Canadian Eastern Eventing Championships (Ontario, Canada): [Website] [Entries & Timing] [Scoring]
U.S. Weekend Preview
Stable View Oktoberfest CCI4*-S (SC): [Website] [Entries & Timing] [Scoring] [Live Stream – H&C+] [Sept. 26 VIP Tickets] [Volunteer] [Play Eventing Manager]
Spokane Sport Horse 12th Annual Fall H.T. (WA): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Sundance Farm H.T. (WI): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring]
Jump Start H.T. (KY): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Tomora H.T. (CO): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Old Tavern H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Course Brook Farm Fall H.T. (MS): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
In the News
- The deadline to apply for a variety of USEA Foundation grants is also approaching soon. October 15 is the date you need to remember to send in an application for funding towards continuing education, high performance development, official certifications and much more. Find your funding here.
- Citing political instability, Berlin, Germany has withdrawn its “Berlin+” bid to host an upcoming Summer Olympic Games. Had Germany been selected to host the 2036, 2040 or 2044 Games, Aachen’s Soers Sports Park would have been in line to host equestrian events. Also, you can expect more infrastructure for equestrian sports and other endeavors in the coming years in the Aachen area.
- Darwinn, piloted by Phillip Dutton and owned by Caroline Moran, is the likely recipient of Holekamp/Turner Grant to compete at the FEI WBFSH Eventing World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in the 7-year-old CCI3*-L Championship at Mondial du Lion in Le Lion d’Angers, France, from Oct. 15-18. As an imported horse, Darwinn would receive $8,000 in funding for the trek to France, with an additional $10,000 in Dutta Corp. flight credit activating once he passes the First Horse Inspection. That’s an expensive trot-up.
- The defending champion of the US Equestrian Open of Eventing has sent his entries in for Morven Park. See what’s brewing.
Recommended Reading
- Joy in Every Stride: Alex Hua Tian is fresh off a second consecutive Asian Games eventing gold medal and sat down with China Daily to speak on his pursuit of success, the meaning of his partnerships with his horses, and what it is to be an ambassador of the sport for his country. Read the interview.
- Recommended listening: Gemma Stevens on the Horse & Hound Podcast to chat about her big Burghley win and what’s left to conquer. Listen here.
Coaching Corner
Sponsor Corner: All Eyes on Stable View
Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri compete at Stable View. Photo by Haley Boothe / Impulsion Media.
We’re getting underway today with Stable View Oktoberfest, and it’s all to play for in every division as the season begins to think about winding down. Stable View knows how to host an event, and there is always something to do (and eat/drink) on site for both you as well as any family or friends who come along for the ride. Here are a few things on the docket:
Graze & Gaze, sponsored by Hollywood Feed – Friday & Saturday: Join the rest of the Stable View crew and your fellow competitors from 5-7pm in Ollie’s Inn on the backside of the Pavillon for complimentary drinks and food. Each entered competitor receives two entry wristbands and two drink tickets for Graze & Gaze; additional wristbands and tickets can be purchased at the Show Trailer.
Defender Off-Roading Experience: Guided by a certified instructor, Explore the Trail System built last year in a NEW Defender! Expect steep hills, muddy terrain, and bridges made of trees — the best kind of adventure (in a vehicle, at least). Sign up by calling the office at (484) 356-3173. And if you’re interested in a Defender for yourself, keep an eye out for representatives from Jaguar Land Rover Columbia, who are on site all weekend. [Watch Boyd Martin help debut this new fixture at Stable View last year]
- Friday: Drives every hour from 9-5
- Saturday: Drives every 30 minutes from 9-5
VIP Experience – Saturday: From 11:00am – 4:00pm, ticket Holders receive picnic lunch consisting of Stable View’s signature charcuterie from the Stable View Bistro, open bar with beer + wine, access to the Pavilion upstairs and a stainless steel Stable View tumbler.
[Get your tickets – 2 for $100]
Aiken Horsepower Car Show – Saturday: The Aiken Horsepower Association’s Annual Car Show will be on site adjacent to the Pavilion Saturday from 9:00am – 2:00pm. Featuring fast cars and hot rods along with knowledgeable car owners to chat about their wheels.
And if you aren’t on-site, never fear! Horse & Country has you covered for the jumping phases of the upper-level FEI divisions. Coverage today will include the CCI3*, CCI4*, Advanced, and Intermediate divisions’ show jumping. The current schedule has the CCI4*-S kicking things off at 1:15 pm EST.
On Saturday, September 26, coverage will continue with Open Intermediate, CCI3*, CCI4*, Advanced, CCI2*, Preliminary, and CCI1* on cross country. This will be a full-day venture, starting with the Intermediate at 9:00 am EST. The CCI4*-S will begin cross country at approximately 12:29 pm EST. You can view the current orders of go and scheduling on EventEntries here.
Go Eventing Moment of the Day
After spending the last few seasons competing all over Europe, including two trips to Burghley, Sarah Clark is back in her home country of Australia and recently picked up the CCI4*-S win at Equestriad in Camden, New South Wales. Hear from Sarah after her win with Casallia S:
