Horse Serious

The equestrian community mourns the death of Annie Goodwin and uses it as a reminder that no matter how safe you feel on a horse, there is always risk. This tragedy shines light on the serious safety issues within eventing and the equestrian community as a whole. 

Annie Goodwin passed July 14th, 2021 at the young age of 32. The tragedy occurred at a cross country schooling event at Stable View Farm in Aiken South Carolina. In a statement, the equestrian facility said

“We at Stable View are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Annie Goodwin, a beloved local rider. She was an exceptional eventer. 

The tragic accident happened on Wednesday afternoon while schooling over a training level obstacle. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injury shortly after at Aiken Regional Medical Centers. The horse was not injured in the accident. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Annie’s family and loved ones. 

Please have consideration and respect for all involved during this difficult time. Stable View will be closed for the next two weeks while our community grieves.”

Skilled Eventer, Annie Goodwin Dies After Cross-Country Accident

Most skilled equestrians who get on the horse everyday, don’t envision the last time being their last. The same can be true for Annie Goodwin. She certainly didn’t get on her horse believing it would be her last. Her death comes just 15 months after Tiggy Hancocks tragic passing. Tiggy was only 15 years old and also died in an eventing schooling accident.

Annie Grew up on a cattle ranch in Wyoming. She studied at Northern Arizona University before dedicating her life to eventing in 2013.Throughout her riding career she worked alongside Will Coleman, Elizabeth Lorio, Kadi Eykamp as well as hunter-jumper rider Daniel Geitner. 

Her great accomplishments at a young age pushed her to branch out on her own and open her own business, Rafter Y South in Aiken. She focused primarily on training and selling young horses. She bought her horse, Fedarman B, at the ripe age of 3 and unbroken. Annie brought Fedarman B to the top of the sport, competing at numerous international shows. 

Together, they won the Bromont CCI2*-L in 2018, CCI3*-S at Fair Hill International in 2019 and also competed in advanced division at the Stable View Summer Horse Trials on June 25th. 

What happened to Annie Goodwin is a tragedy. At the schooling event, her horse missed a training obstacle and fell on top of her. It is unknown if Annie was wearing a body protector.

How Can We Prevent Death & Injury Through Increased Equestrian Safety Measures?

The South Carolina facility has taken it upon itself to improve the safety measures at their farm. Their staff received CPR training, emergency call boxes were installed and more security cameras were added.

However, what good are these additional precautions if the riders themselves are not protected while on their horses? These types of accidents are most often preventable. The technology to keep riders safe is available. 

Mandatory Equestrian Airbag Vests & Body Protectors

Studies show that when equestrians combine an airbag vest with a body protector they are much more likely to avoid serious injury. Wearing an airbag protects riders from not only the impact of falling off but also by crush. Body protectors have their benefits and most eventers wear them however, they do little to nothing when protecting against crush and severe chest injury. 

It is important for stables like these to advocate and even enforce the mandatory use of equestrian airbag vests. Additionally, riders should wear them in both training and when competing. Science is there to prove their efficacy.

There is a stigma within the equestrian community regarding airbag vests. Many riders say that they are uncomfortable and unstylish and that the noise of inflation will cause the horse to react. However, there are plenty of brands out there that offer a huge variety of airbags and garments that can be worn over top.

A tragic accident like this leaves a mark on the equestrian community. All equestrians whether they are just beginning their career or are well-established, never expect the last time to be their last. Enhancing safety protocols at events and during training is of the utmost importance.