2026 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant Recipient

Elle Choate

2026 Annie Goodwin Rising Star

Elle Choate

AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA: The Aiken Horse Park Foundation (AHPF) and the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant Selection Committee are pleased to announce Elle Choate as the 2026 recipient of the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant, an annual award created to honor the life, legacy, and extraordinary spirit of Annie Goodwin. Established to support promising young professionals who embody Annie’s dedication, horsemanship, and love of the sport, the grant provides financial assistance to help advance their training, competition goals, and professional development.

Choate, a year-round Aiken resident and emerging talent in the sport of eventing, represents exactly the type of rider the Rising Star Grant seeks to uplift: hardworking, determined, community-minded, and deeply committed to developing horses with care and integrity. A graduate of Clemson University with dual degrees in Bio-Engineering and Genetics, Choate has quickly built a growing training and sales program in Aiken while producing her two competition horses, Paddrick and Kilbunny Sangria, up the levels.

Her competitive résumé already reflects exceptional promise. Choate was named the 2024 Collegiate Advanced Rider of the Year, has earned multiple Area IV Young Rider titles, and is a past U25 Bromont Rising Grant recipient, finishing second in the U25 3-L*. She has ridden and trained under respected professionals including Clayton Fredericks, Leslie Law, and Caroline Pamukcu, gaining experience across eventing, show jumping, and upper-level sales programs.

In her application, Choate outlined an ambitious year ahead. Her short-term goals include advancing Paddrick toward a competitive appearance at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event following key 4* preparations at Maryland, TerraNova, Pine Top, Carolina, and Stable View. Her young mare, Kilbunny Sangria, will also progress toward FEI 2* level competition. Longer-term, Choate hopes to develop a small but successful program of upper-level horses, cultivate a supportive group of owners, and ultimately represent the United States on the world stage.

Choate shared her gratitude for the award, saying:



“I am truly honored to be selected as the recipient of the 2026 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant. Although I never had the opportunity to know Annie personally, the stories shared by friends and the Aiken community make it clear why she was such an influential presence. As a fellow eventer, I feel we share the same passion for the sport and love of our horses. It means a great deal to carry on her legacy. This grant will play a pivotal role in helping me pursue my goals at the highest levels of eventing while continuing to grow my business here. I’m excited for the year ahead—both in competition and in calling Aiken home.”

As Elle’s selection is celebrated, Annie’s legacy remains at the heart of the Rising Star program. Annie’s father, Putter Goodwin—a newly appointed member of the Aiken Horse Park Foundation Board and active participant on the grant selection committee—shared his perspective on the 2026 recipient and the lasting influence of his daughter’s vision:

"For the third year in a row, we continue to receive quality applications for this grant. Elle embodies all the characteristics of a very worthy recipient. I am confident she will be a great ambassador and excited to watch her career unfold. It is so important that we do all we can to help young aspiring professionals on their journey."

The Aiken Horse Park Foundation invites the community to join in supporting the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Fund. Established in honor of Annie’s commitment to equestrian excellence and her deep connection to Aiken, the Fund ensures that promising young professionals have access to the resources necessary to advance their training, competition schedules, and long-term careers.

Contributions to the Fund directly support the development of emerging equestrians who reflect Annie’s dedication, work ethic, and aspiration. Through the generosity of donors, the Foundation is able to continue providing meaningful financial assistance and strengthening the future of the sport.

Donations may be made online or by check. Should you prefer to mail a contribution, please send it to:

Aiken Horse Park Foundation

PO Box 1951

Aiken, SC 29802

Attn: Annie Goodwin Rising Star Fund



Checks should be made payable to the Aiken Horse Park Foundation.

Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant

Selection Committee

The selection committee is comprised of a cross section of equestrian industry professionals, a member of Annie Goodwin’s Family, members of the board of directors and staff of the Aiken Horse Park Foundation. 

• Boyd Martin, Olympic Eventing Rider/Professional
• Daniel Geitner, Professional Hunter/Jumper Rider
• Eugene Kneece Jr., Professional Polo Player
• Catherine Stumberg, Amateur Hunter/Jumper Rider
• Caitlin Silliman, Professional Eventing Rider
• Putter Goodwin, Annie Goodwin’s Father 
• Robert Stevenson, FEI Judge 
• Tara Bostwick, CEO - Aiken Horse Park Foundation 
• Kate Boggan, Director of Marketing and Communications - Aiken Horse Park Foundation

Your Gifts At Work

Pictured above, the 2025 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant recipient, Taylor Bradish, being presented with a check for $20,000 by Putter Goodwin at the 2025 $100,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce's Field, presented by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

Thank you to all of Annie's friends and family who have already donated to the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Fund. To date, we have received $233,106.14.

Please continue to donate to this fund in Annie's memory so that more aspiring young professionals may experience the impact of Annie's gift.

The Annie Goodwin Rising Star Fund Donors

(12.09.2025)

Anonymous (14)

Garland Alban

Margaret Armendariz

Margaret Baker 

Amy Barton

Emily Beshear

David Bliss

The Boe Family Charitable Fund

Amy Borun

Charlie and Tara Bostwick

Louis Bosley

Jennie Brannigan

Janet Briggs

Rebecca Brown

Warren Byrne

Holly Caravella

Kelly Carter

Cary Chavis

Alison Chubb

Michael Conlon

Derrick and Amy Cooper

Max Corcoran

Chris Corley

Patrick Cox

Katie Craig

Sharer Dale

Aileen Daly

Katie Dawson

Shawna Dietrich

Jim and Nancy Dorr

Lauren Eckardt

Melissa Faught

Lindsay Forrester

Dayle Duchossois Fortino

Janie and Zach Foster

Edward Glenn

Pam Gleason

Michelle Gluck

Nancy Goodwin

Putter Goodwin

Beatrice Gordon

Gillian Grant

Alexandra Green

Krissy Greenleaf

William Gutfarb

Emily Hamel 

Kristin Hair 

Lisa Handy

Mary Carol Harsch

Andrea Hastings

Alison Head

Jimeale Hede

Jill Hunt

Hilary and Ralph Goodwin Foundation

Christine Hodde

Hester Hodde

Jane and Bobby Hottensen

Josie Irish

Jane Jennings

Jessica Johnson

Susie Johnson

Leslie and Louisa Johnston

Ann Jones

Barbara Jones

Eric and Dee Karlen

Frank and Barbara Keith

John Kelsey

Kris King

Mike Koether

Michelle and John Koppin

Daniel Kreer

Anne Laver

Amber Lee

Ray Licata

Ashley Macvaugh

Dana and Ray Massey

Emily Marsh

Steve and Theresa McConnell

Luann McElduff

Jack Meyerhoff

Heidi Mickelson

Allison Mills

Jane Mount

Risa Moon

Marguerite Munger

Michael Newland

Linda Nicks

Leslie O'Keefe

Oak Manor Saddlery LLC 

 Shelley Onderdonk

Renee Padgett

Carol Parker

Molly Pellegrini 

Peggy Penland

Beth Perkins

Whitney Pierpont

Kristy Pigeon

Ziggy Poplin

Janel Prescott

Laurie Price

Steven and Adrienne Remmer

Nancy Richter

Bernadette Riley

Shannon Riley

Margaret Russell

Nan Sammataro

Dixie Sansom

Margi Schroth

Jessica Schultz

Torney and Kris Smith

Marsha Song

Harrison Spence

Allison Springer

Spur Community Foundation

Robert Stevenson

Catherine Stumberg

Eric, Keri, & Ericson Stumberg

Louis Stumberg Jr.

Patrick Stumberg

Lars Swanson

Carol M Swig

Cindy Szokol

Mary Anne Taggart

Debbie Taussig-Boehner

Kathleen Taylor

The Denver Foundation

Joyce Tyrrell

Kenli Urruty

Deirdre and Michel Vaillancourt

Amanda Waddle

Sandra Wallop

Christopher Warren

Georganna Weatherholtz

Carolyn Wehle

Brian White

Lauren White

Carrie Whitmell

Sherry Williams

Addison Wilson

Gretchen and George Wintersteen

Mike Winton

Karen Yampolsky

Coming up at Bruce's Field

Aiken December Classics I & II

Equus Events

December 4 - 7 & 11 - 14, 2025

USEF National A Rated Level 2 Jumper

equusevents.com

Tuesdays in the Park

Every* Tuesday, January 13 - March 17, 2026

No Tuesday Schooling February 24

Jumper, Hunter, & Dressage schooling rounds

aikenhorsepark.org/tuesdays

World Class Grooming Aiken Equine Educational Series

Tuesdays, January 13 - Feb 17, 2026

Sign Ups Online

6 week series of lectures organized by Emma Ford

aikenhorsepark.org/equine-educational-series

Aiken Winter Premier

Equus Events

January 16 - 18, 2026

USEF National A Rated Level 2 Jumper

equusevents.com

Aiken Winter Encore

Equus Events

January 30 - February 1, 2026

USEF National A Rated Level 2 Jumper

equusevents.com

Dressage at Bruce's Field

February 14 & 15, 2026

USEF/USDF Level 3

aikenhorsepark.org/dressage

$100,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce's Field

presented by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services

February 27 & 28, 2026

aikenhorsepark.org/eventing

Dressage in the Park

March 21 & 22, 2026

USEF/USDF Level 3

aikenhorsepark.org/dressage

2026 $100,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce's Field,

presented by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services

An Event Like No Other

Want to be a part of #AnEventLikeNoOther? Perspective sponsors may contact AHPF Director of Marketing & Communications Kate Boggan for more information. 

We can't wait to see you for #GPE2026

2025 Park Sponsors

2025 Park Partners

Board of Directors

Gordon Lawson, Chair

John Stephens, Chair Emeritus

Jack Wetzel, President

Tara Bostwick, Vice President

Robert Hottensen, Treasurer

R. Scot Evans, Secretary

Amy Borun, Director

Craig J. Duchossois, Director

Shallan Duchossois Hazlewood, Director

Daniel Geitner, Director

Craig Phillips, Director

Administration

Tara Bostwick, Chief Executive Officer

John Maldonado, Director of Park Operations

Kate Boggan, Director of Marketing and Communications

Caroline Bald, Director of Finance & Business Operations

Nina Wakefield, Assistant Treasurer

Park Operations

John Maldonado, Marcos Castro, Jose Carmen Castro,

Apolonio Castro, & Joel Mendez,

The MISSION of the Aiken Horse Park Foundation is to promote Aiken’s equestrian way of life and to encourage the community’s civic, educational, and charitable endeavors.

Our VISION is to honor and preserve Bruce's legacy by maintaining and enhancing Bruce's Field as the pinnacle of equestrian excellence in the United States. We are committed to nurturing this historic property, blending state-of-the-art facilities with the cherished heritage of the land and community. Inspired by Bruce's dedication to stewardship and generosity, we partner with our community to support charitable, educational, and civic initiatives. We strive to be a vibrant, welcoming venue at the heart of Aiken, deeply rooted in respect, compassion, and the enduring spirit of our founder's dream.

Bruce's Legacy

When Bruce Duchossois acquired the field in 2000, he did so with a vision of its past, present, and future as a fixture of Aiken’s equestrian tradition. While his immediate goal was to save the land from residential development, Bruce’s dream was to grow it into South Carolina’s premier equestrian facility—maintaining its historic character, and paying forward the generosity of his predecessors.

Knowing he may not live to see his dream realized, Bruce created a Foundation to carry on his vision that “Bruce’s Field” may provide future generations with a place to hold the kinds of events that he cherished—old-fashioned venues with character and integrity; not an international horse park, but an intimate field in the center of the celebrated Horse District, where riders from the youngest lead line toddlers to the strongest Grand Prix competitors can come several times a season and compete on the best quality surfaces; not limited in its use, but a place where the City of Aiken’s many charitable and civic endeavors may be held for the benefit and enjoyment of all residents and visitors.

Bruce dearly loved Aiken and was so thankful for what it gave him. He offered this gift to the people and to the city, knowing that he would not be able to enjoy it himself, and asking nothing in return but that others enjoy it in his stead.

These shows seek to provide the kind of experience that Bruce cherished—old-fashioned venues with character and integrity, held on an intimate field in the center of the celebrated Horse District, where riders from the youngest lead line toddlers to the strongest Grand Prix competitors can compete on the best quality surfaces.