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Zara Buren Memorial Award 2023 recipient

The Ontario Eventing Association, in partnership with the Zara Buren Memorial Foundation, is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2023 Zara Buren Memorial Award.

The Zara Buren Memorial Award was created in honour of Zara Buren, a remarkable young rider known for her kindness, drive for excellence, passionate love of animals and dedication to her horse and the sport of Eventing. A talented rider committed to training and learning; Zara always put her horse’s needs first.

The Zara Buren Memorial Foundation was established in 2020 with the focus on helping youth with the desire, talent, and work ethic to pursue their passion. The Foundation supports the Zara Buren Memorial Award, given annually through the Ontario Eventing Association to an exceptional junior rider who exhibits a passion for Eventing, sportsmanship, and a commitment to their horse.

This year, a total of 19 junior riders applied for this award, the largest number of applicants to date. The selection committee was comprised of members of the Ontario Eventing Association Board of Directors, as well as Zara’s family.

Said Robert Buren: “Once again, our family was deeply moved by the number of strong applicants for the award created in honour of our beloved daughter, Zara. Her legacy of excellence, sportsmanship and horsemanship continues to inspire riders of all ages across the province, and for that, we are truly grateful.

The Zara Buren Memorial Foundation is proud to support five additional athletes: four with Grants of Distinction and one under a new category, Grant of Potential. It is our hope that the traits this award acknowledges will continue to grow amongst all riders, along with the memories and legacy of Zara and those who continue to #rideforzara.”

Rider walking her horse wearing her cross country colours. — 2023 Zara Buren Memorial Award recipient Addison Howarth. Photo courtesy of Tracey Howarth.

The Ontario Eventing Association is pleased to announce Addison Howarth of Bracebridge, ON, as the recipient of this year’s award, a six-thousand dollar grant, and a horse cooler and bonnet in burgundy, Zara’s show colour.

The four Grants of Distinction recipients are, whom will each receive a grant of one-thousand dollars, in alphabetical order:

Georgia Leah Bunting (Toronto, ON)
Alexa Maclaren (Vankleek Hill, ON)
Addilyn Rolph (Conn, ON)
Trinity Sachau-Sherman (Orton, ON)

The Grant of Potential of 500 dollars is awarded to Skylar Sanchez (Richmond Hill, ON)

Said Veronica Low of the OEA, “The dedication of the Buren/Haque family to these young riders is remarkable. During challenging economic times, the family has chosen to support six eventers in their pursuit of excellence, including the Grants of Distinction and the newly created Grant of Potential. These riders will continue to promote Zara’s legacy of sportsmanship, horsemanship, and friendship for years to come. May #rideforzara be in our hearts and souls forever.”

Congratulations once again to this year’s applicants and all our recipients. We look forward to following your eventing journey over the next twelve months.

Ontario Eventing Association

The Ontario Eventing Association is committed to the promotion and development of the sport of Eventing in Ontario. Our goal is to encourage participation in Eventing through sanctioned competitions and educational activities. We seek to promote and create a love of the sport, as well as a true appreciation and understanding of the horse. The OEA is a not-for-profit organization, established for its educational and promotional endeavors.

Zara Buren Memorial Foundation

The Zara Buren Memorial Foundation was created with the purpose of helping youth with the desire, talent and work ethic to pursue their passion. Zara Mathilde Buren, age 14, died on September 21, 2020 saving her beloved horse and will be forever remembered as an extraordinary child and exceptional athlete who gave love and kindness to every human and animal she encountered. She is missed beyond measure.