Zara Buren Memorial Award: 2026 recipient announced

On behalf of Equestrian Canada (EC) and the Zara Buren Memorial Foundation (the Foundation), the Ontario Eventing Association (OEA) is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2026 Zara Buren Memorial Award.

Congratulations to this year’s recipient:  Alexis Edwards of Wasaga Beach, ON!

The Zara Buren Memorial Award (the Award} was created in

2021 by the Haque-Buren Family through the Zara Buren Memorial Foundation (the Foundation} to honour the legacy of Zara Mathilde Buren who died at age 14 on September 21, 2020, trying to save her beloved horse.

Zara will be remembered as an extraordinary child and exceptional athlete who gave love and kindness to every human and animal she encountered and she is missed beyond measure.

The Award is offered to Ontario's young riders with the goal of helping exceptional juniors who exhibit a passion for Eventing, sportsmanship and a commitment to their horse.

It is made possible through donations by the Foundation to Equestrian Canada (EC} withthe ongoing support of the Ontario Eventing Association (OEA).

“We started the Zara Buren Memorial Award to honour Zara’s memory in a meaningful way after losing her in 2020. This is the sixth year of the Award, and we are so proud of the impact we’re making. This year’s applicants once again impressed us by demonstrating Zara’s values of kindness, dedication and horsemanship. Congratulations to our 2026 Award and Grant recipients.”

- Sabrina Haque (Director, Zara Buren Memorial Foundation & Zara’s Mom)

"Alexis Edwards has distinguished herself as an accomplished young Eventer over the past five years. Through dedication, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, she has made steady progress, culminating progress culminating in an outstanding 2025 season. Alexis credits her success, in part, to her participation in the OEA/Glen Oro April 2025 Lucinda Green Masterclass at Glen Oro Farm - financed by her 2025 Grant of Potential from the Zara Buren Memorial Foundation.

We are so pleased to be working with the Foundation and EC to celebrate, and offer access to opportunities to our hard-working and talented community of Junior members."

- Sarah Richardson, President, OEA

As the recipient of the 2026 Zara Buren Memorial Award, Alexis will receive a $6,000 grant donated by the Foundation, as well as an embroidered horse cooler in burgundy, Zara's cross-country colour. The funds are intended to support her Eventing journey in 2026 through financing extra educational opportunities, schooling and lessons and increasing opportunities to compete.

Given the calibre of the applications, the Foundation along with EC, determined additional grants would be awarded. In addition to the Memorial Award, the Foundation will provide four Grants of Distinction and two Grants of Potential, supporting a total of seven young athletes.

Congratulations to the recipients of Grants of Distinction who will each receive a grant of $1,000:

· Nola Cavanagh (Manotick, ON)

· Kiera Colligan (Uxbridge, ON)

· Emily Durley (Reaboro, ON)

· Zoey Edwards (Wasaga Beach, ON)

Congratulations to the recipients of Grants of Potential who will each receive a grant of $500: 

· Briar Callon (Fenwick, ON) 

· Taylor Saunders (Perth Road, ON)

EC, the Foundation and the OEA extend our heartfelt thanks to all the outstanding applicants and their supporters and look forward to seeing each of you continue to #rideforzara. We are excited to follow your Eventing journey in 2026.