DECEMBER 2022 THE RIDER /25 Section 2


Holly Jacks’ Win


at The Royal Honors the Life of Zara Buren Canada’s Royal Agri-


cultural Winter Fair was a (barn) family affair for Holly Jacks and her crew of approximately 60 friends, clients, and supporters who came together to cheer on her efforts competing in the indoor eventing, in honor of Zara Buren. The Horseware Arena Eventing Challenge, which featured 2 evenings of classes, comprised of 2-4 star level cross-country fences incorporated into a challenging course designed by Captain Mark Phillips. Imagine having to nav-


igate 16 solid cross-country jumps and 3 traditional show jumps, in an arena the size of a hockey rink, with the winner laying down the fastest optimum time. Those questions came up quickly, as Holly and Josephine mas- terfully navigated each ques- tion on Friday night with the fastest time and one rail. On Saturday they edged out the previous winner, Waylon Roberts, and guest competi- tor Michael Jung when they laid down the only clean round of the evening. Josephine is a 2013


TB/Appaloosa/Swedish Warmblood owned by her breeder, Donna Van Beek, and was backed as a 3-year- old by Holly. During her 3 and 4-year-old years, Josephine would spend the summer months with Holly in Canada, before heading home to Donna’s for the winter. But as she pro- gressed in her training, it was evident that she was a bit more challenging than a typical amateur’s horse. She went into full-time training with Holly as a 7- year-old, traveling to Ocala to compete during the winter and early spring seasons. Having owned both


Josephine’s dam and grand- dam, it was not surprising to Donna that the mare could be a bit tricky. “I rode all 3 generations of the mares who were bossy, opinion- ated mares.” She said, “In fact, that aspect of their character is apparent in Josephine - as they too could be tough at home, but


Holly Jacks. Photo credit Mike Van Beek


would step off the trailer at a show as to say - Look at Me!”


And according to


Holly, that is exactly how Josephine entered the elec- tric arena atmosphere at The Royal. “She’s not always an easy mare to ride”, said Holly, “But we got to The Royal and she wouldn’t put a bare foot wrong. That was the classiest she’s ever been, and it appears she’s ready to step-up.” Donna is very compli-


mentary of Holly. Josephine was bred to be Donna’s last horse, and she does get to enjoy flatting her at Holly’s training base in Ontario, Canada. She didn’t envision that Holly would campaign her up the levels, but the mare just keeps getting bet- ter and better. She’s only competed for 2 seasons (all with Holly), and has never had a stop on cross country, with top placings at many of her events. She stepped up to the CCI 2* level last spring at Ocala Horse Park, placing 8th, and was 6th this past summer at Bromont In- ternational. “I’d just like to see her


be the best she can be,” stated Donna. “It’s a bit of a surprise how quickly she’s ready for the next level and stepped up. The bond and trust between the 2 of them is amazing. Holly takes every opportunity to prepare her for what’s to come.” In asking Donna about


her plans for Josephine’s fu- ture, she responded, “I don’t have grand thoughts but I’m happy she’s moving along. Holly’s bond with her is just like she had with Morris. I just basically enjoy riding her. To have bred and owned 3 generations of horses and to have my horse win at The Royal is beyond belief and very exciting!


Celebrate the Life of Zara Buren by Supporting Young Riders Through Memorial Fund! The weekend at The


Royal was also a time for barn family connections at the winter fair, as this was the first time since Covid, and losing Zara, that Canada’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair has been held. Although reflective and bit- tersweet, it was a coming to- gether in remembrance of Zara Buren, an incredible young student of Holly’s who was lost in a heart- breaking accident while hacking out with her Mother in 2020. There were 60 people


strong in attendance from the barn who came to cele- brate Zara - including her Mother Sabrina Haque, who continues to ride Zara’s horse, Monkey. Holly continues to be


inspired by Zara’s family, who has faced the loss of their daughter with such grace. “Zara’s family is amazing. Her Dad became a


paraplegic from a mountain biking accident and has raced in iron man competi- tions. He was the first Cana- dian to finish the Kona IRONMAN® World Cham- pionship in Hawaii and was 2nd overall in the wheel- chair division. Zara’s older sister is also a very talented ballet dancer, currently studying in Amsterdam.” Shortly after Zara’s ac-


cident, the family estab- lished the Zara Buren Memorial Fund, and annual award given to a young ap- plicant who best exemplifies the same qualities as Zara. “Zara’s award is based


on horsemanship and the love she had for the sport and her barn mates. I was lucky to have had Zara in my barn; she was a role model to all, even at 14. It has brought our barn really close together, as we talk about her often and really try to help support each other,” Holly reflected. The award is made


available annually to an On- tario rider, 18 years old or younger, with a preference to 14 and under, who has competed in the discipline of Eventing at the Preliminary Level or below, and who ex- hibits a passion for Eventing as well as a commitment to their horse. The recipient will demonstrate horseman- ship and sportsmanship and


Continued on page 26


Holly Jacks...............................25 Anne Gage Column.....................27 Karl Slezak..................................27 CRHRA News..........................28 Harley Quinn............................28 Horse Listening........................29 Randy Roy................................29 Lindsay Grice...........................30 Safe Travelling .........................30 Lynn Palm ................................31 OSAS News .............................31 Directories...........................32-35 Real Estate................................36 Barn Swallows .........................39


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