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AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA: The Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant Committee & the Aiken Horse Park Foundation are pleased to congratulate Isabelle Bosley on being selected as the inaugural recipient of the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant.
Isabelle Bosley has been riding her entire life, and started eventing at age eight. She has worked for 5* rider, Lillian Heard, for the last eight years and is slowly building up her own business. With Lillian's guidance, Isabelle has hopes of being at the top of the sport one day. Isabelle has competed through the 4* level and has three main competition horses, all at different levels, that she has produced with the help of Lillian.
On being informed that she was selected as the recipient for the 2023 grant, Isabelle commented:
"I am incredibly honored and grateful to receive this grant. Annie was a fantastic horsewoman in this sport, and someone I looked up to not only as a rider but also as a person. I feel very privileged to be chosen as the inaugural recipient, and am looking forward to the opportunities this grant will present in the 2024 season!"
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.
Twenty-seven applications were received for the 2023 grant. All applicants had to meet the following criteria:
- 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
This year's applicants represented four prominent disciplines in the Aiken area; Eventing, Hunter/Jumper, Driving, and Dressage. Their applications, additional responses, and letters of recommendation, were diligently reviewed, with a primary focus on the applicant's strong connections to Aiken, substantial experience in the equestrian profession, well-crafted future plans, and, most importantly, the candidate’s demonstration that they share a kindred spirit with Annie. Ultimately the candidate chosen was someone who consistently extends support and encouragement to others while simultaneously pursuing their own journey to the upper echelons of the sport.
While the grant funds will be made available to Isabelle in early 2024, we will formally celebrate her during the 2024 $100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce's Field, presented by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services. For more information on how you can attend, see the information at the bottom of this email. We hope everyone will join us!
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