What can be a better tribute than keeping their dream torch burning even after their death? Annie Goodwin‘s untimely demise caused major shockwaves in the sports industry. While the world was still mourning over Goodwin’s departure, it was his coach, Boyd Martin, who made a firm decision to carry forward her legacy with decorum.

Martin immortalized the 32-year-old eventer’s legacy by assuming responsibility for her unfulfilled aspirations and final desires. After Goodwin’s demise in 2021, Boyd Martin decided to train her baby horse, ‘Bruno’, and honor her legacy ahead of the Olympics!

Boyd and Ferdarman B’s duo to take Annie Goodwin’s bequest in the Paris Olympics!

Ferdarman B was 3 years old when Goodwin brought him. The white-faced horse has a different charisma and prowess passed on by her trainer, a late eventer, Annie. She aspired to compete with Bruno in various tournaments, especially the Rolex Grand Prix. Her dream was left unmet until Martin decided to ride Bruno at the Grand Prix in remembrance of her. He decided to take her legacy built with resilience, patience, and dedication ahead and train Ferdarman B to become the top-ranked horse. Martin and Goodwin’s family and fiancé are often in a discussion regarding Bruno’s future, as he suggested. He adds, “It really is a privilege to be riding Bruno. The first couple times I rode him, it was quite emotional, sitting on the young horse Annie had ridden for years and years and done such a sensational job training. A part of me is honored to ride him, and a part of me feels uncomfortable with the success we’re achieving together because it’s all due to her hard work.”

Martin will be competing in the Paris Olympics with Annie’s horse, Bruno, carrying on Annie’s victory and hard work. As Martin continues to carry on the late rider’s legacy, Fedarman B and Boyd are already capturing the hearts of the public with their #RideforAnnie hashtag. 

Ride for Annie: Bruno’s tribute led by Boyd!

Throwback in July 2021, Bruno lost her beloved trainer, Annie Goodwin. With thousands of training memories and unfulfilled dreams, Byod took Fedarman B under his wing and trained him. Torn by the mishap, Boyd decided not to let Annie’s efforts and time end in failure, and with a zeal to give Bruno the top-ranked position and Annie a lasting legacy, he began his journey. Within a year, Martin and Bruno met Annie’s unmet dreams of the Grand Prix, and now Boyd is participating in the Paris Olympics with Annie’s horse. The world has welcomed this decision with a trending hashtag.

Boyd mentions that his initial experience with Ferdarman B was not as he expected. He recalls calling it a “far from easy” experience. Although they eventually gelled, Martin mentions, “It’s funny, animals; they get to your emotions sometimes and this is a great horse, Bruno. He’s got a huge cheering squad in our sport, a great story and I just feel privileged and honored to be the one steering him around there in Paris.” It will be interesting to see the duo perform in the French capital. Goodwin’s father, Putter Goodwin, will also be there alongside the audience to witness this remembrance of his daughter.