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Congratulations to the 2024 Shannon Burwash Memorial Award winners!
Your remarkable dedication to equine and agricultural studies—and to the love of horses that inspired this meaningful scholarship—shines brightly. As you embark on your educational journeys and continue to pursue leadership within the equine industry, know that your passion and achievements are making a real difference. This prestigious award honors both Shannon Burwash’s legacy and the bright futures you are building—congratulations to each of you on this well-deserved recognition!
Georgia Lefaivre
Georgia grew up in Cochrane, Alberta playing competitive soccer and competing in hunter jumper. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology at the University of Victoria where she was recruited to play for the Vikes Women’s soccer program. She is currently completing her fourth year in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the University of Calgary.
In her final year at UCVM, Georgia is finishing a research project which aims to validate a portable Computer-Assisted
Semen Analysis (CASA) system for use in bull and stallion sperm analysis the field. In the future, she intends to complete an equine internship and is hoping to pursue a residency in Theriogenology.
As part of her extra curricular activities, Georgia has been dedicated to participating in educational opportunities such as the OEPS 2023 conference, round tables, and UCVM club events. She is particularly involved with the SCAAEP Equine Club at UCVM and has held several positions including 2022-2023 Vice President and 2023-2024 President. As President, she revitalized and organized Horse Health Day at UCVM, an event designed to bring equine education to aspiring youth and their parents while sparking an interest in equine veterinary medicine.
In addition to club involvement, Georgia has worked as an on-call surgery assistant at a local specialty hospital, held
two summer student positions at equine veterinary practices, and volunteered at VETPD events, the Equine Symposium, and AIWC during her time as a student at UCVM.
Kaitlyn Lomsnes
Kaitlyn Lomsnes is in her final year of veterinary school at the University of Calgary. Upon graduation, she will be moving to New Jersey to complete a one year rotating equine internship in medicine, surgery, anaesthesia, imaging and sports medicine. Following this, Kaitlyn plans to pursue a residency in equine internal medicine, where she will further explore her passion for equine neonatal intensive care with a specific interest in advancing diagnostic techniques for
congenital equine diseases.
Kaitlyn’s passion for equine medicine extends beyond her studies. Kaitlyn has gained extensive clinical experience working at Moore Equine Veterinary Center for the past three years. She has also taken on numerous leadership roles at school including; Event’s Coordinator for the Equine Club, Senior Alberta Veterinary Medical Association Representative and President of the Equine Stream in the Specialty Club.
Beyond her formal roles, Kaitlyn is a mentor and riding coach for children with disabilities, highlighting her dedication to fostering growth and confidence in others. Currently she is conducting a research project focusing on equine placental morphology and its impact on reproductive health. Through this research, she aims to develop diagnostic strategies that will enhance equine care.
Kaitlyn’s dedication to equine health, combined with her leadership in both the academic and veterinary communities, positions her as a future leader in the equine industry. Her goal is to continue advancing equine medicine while inspiring and supporting the next generation of veterinary professionals.
Abigail Pepper
Abigail (Abby) was born and raised in a small farming community in Merlin, Ontario. She was raised by her mother and spent most of her time when younger working on her grandparents’ cash crop operation.
Abby considers herself lucky to born into a family that had horses. This is where she developed a passion for horses. She started riding at a young age and volunteering at a local equine facility. She has 2 horses currently, which they use to participate on the Olds College Rodeo team and compete
in the IPRA (International Pro Rodeo)
She has a love for sports and played volleyball and basketball all through high school and started playing slo pitch this summer.
Abby is currently in final year of agriculture management with a Major in Production at Olds College, Alberta. When completed she plans to move back to the farm in Merlin and continue studies at the University of Guelph part time. This will allow her to work and
earn money as well as continue to compete with horses.
Sarah Beierbach
Sarah grew up near the small town of Consul, Saskatchewan on her family’s sixth generation cattle and horse ranch. She enjoys the ranching way of life, working and training horses as well as competing in rodeos. Sarah started riding horses at the very young age of 3 helping on the family ranch and competing in rodeos at the age of 9.
A huge passion of hers is rodeo. She competed in the Alberta High School Rodeo Association for 3 years in all events as well as competing in amateur rodeo associations in the Breakaway Roping and Barrel Racing. Being a member of Reno Multiple 4-H Club for 8 years, her involvement in rodeo and being at home on the ranch, she has grown to really love working with animals. Last year as part of a work experience program at school, she did a work experience at Creekside Veterinary Services which helped her to decide what she wanted to do in the future.
This fall, Sarah is enrolled in the Veterinary Technology at Lakeland College in Vermillion, AB. After completing the Veterinary Technology program, she is considering continuing her education on a path of either Equine Reproduction or Equine Osteopathy.
She will continue to raise and train Quarter horses and is excited to continue her passion in the equine industry.
