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Shannon Burwash was a leader and a lover of the horse industry across Canada. These scholarships are awarded to deserving students who are focused on getting a post-secondary education and becoming involved in the horse industry in their future.
KATHERINE MOYES is currently in her third year studying Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary. Last summer, she worked in a research lab at the University of Calgary focusing on horse parasitology in Alberta. Post- graduation, Katie aims to continue her research, especially in equine-related studies. Horses have been Katie’s lifelong passion, with her family owning and raising horses ever since she was born. Katie has been riding horses since age 3 and started competing regularly in Reining at age 7.
After years of hard work and dedication, she had the opportunity to compete in the North American Affiliate Championships in Oklahoma City in November 2022. Her involvement in Reining Alberta has been ongoing, and she aspires to take on executive leadership roles within the organization in the future.
Katie plans to turn her love for horses into a career, embracing the equine industry with enthusiasm and dedication.
KAITLYN BUSSON is entering her second year in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the University of Calgary.
Prior to starting this degree she spent two years working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Bio-veterinary Science and Equine Science at Dalhousie University.
Busson proudly calls Elmworth, Alberta home, and grew up on a small family farm and spent six years competing in High School Rodeo, having many opportunities to compete at both the national and international level. Breakaway roping is the rodeo event that she is most passionate about and enjoys competing in this event when time permits. Horses have been a large part of my Busson’s life, even outside of the arena. Growing up she also earned to appreciate horses while using them on the farm and doing lots of trail riding with her family and friends.
“I have had the unique opportunity to work with horses in the equine hospital that I work at and as part of my academic courses. My relationship with horses and role in the equine industry has greatly influenced my decision to attend a veterinary medicine program and my desire to continue working with horses throughout my career.”
ANABELLE MENARD Is a first-year student at the University of Guelph, and is honoured to be a recipient of Shannon Burwash’s scholarship award. From a young age, she has been fascinated with horses, and has strived to achieve goals that would lead to a career in the horse industry. Menard began taking riding lessons at 8 years old and started volunteering at a barn when she was 11 ears old. Eventually she started working as a stable hand, trail guide and camp leader. In 2020, she began working at dressage barn teaching low-level dressage to beginners, and facilitating therapeutic riding lessons. She has completed her Equestrian Canada rider levels 1 through 6 and hopes to one day earn instructor certification.
Menard’s focus has been primarily on dressage, but has taken up western riding, with an interest specifically in barrel racing. Having competed in both disciplines over the years, she finds enjoyment in the show ring no matter what saddle she is sitting in. Horses are her true passion, but she also shares that she is passionate about music and taught piano and singing for five years at a music school in her hometown.
MAGGIE FRASER is entering her first year at the University of Alberta to study for a Bachelor of Science in Animal Health – Food Animals. Her ultimate goal is to be accepted into the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Calgary and to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) specializing in equine and large animals.
Fraser’s passion has always been riding; she has been riding for over twelve years, with experience in English and Western riding. She has competed in numerous hunter shows and gymkhanas. She was an active member of the DeWinton Pony Club for eight years and loved working as a mentor with the club’s junior members.
Maggie was employed for two summers as an Animal health intern and Polo Groom through Careers Next Generation. Maggie states, “I have been lucky enough to be employed by Revas Polo Ranch for the last two summers, working 40+ hours a week with horse fitness, tack and barn maintenance, and primary medical care, where I expanded my knowledge and skill level. I got to work for and with extremely talented equine specialists, which was an invaluable experience.” She has also played competitive volleyball for the past four years and coached with the youth recreational leagues for her club team. She is thrilled to be accepted as one of the recipients of the Shannon Burwash Memorial Scholarship recipients.
