Kamla's riding background
Kamla started riding at the age of nine and quickly fell in love with the sport of Eventing. Much of her early experience was with off-the track Thoroughbreds, whose sensitivity, intelligence, and athleticism shaped her development as a rider. Kamla credits the horses of her youth with teaching her to think ahead rather than react, and communicate with clarity, patience, and compassion. There was no better teacher than Sassy, a 4-year-old off-the-track Thoroughbred gelding with whom Kamla was paired with as a young girl. Although Sassy had tremendous scope over fences, he was challenging between jumps, requiring Kamla to learn to develop greater tact, feel and understanding to improve his rideability. To do this, Kamla turned her attention to her Dressage work. At only 11 years old she was fortunate to begin learning from the German-born, Dietrich von Hopffgarten, who introduced her the classical principles of Dressage and emphasized the importance of an independent seat. Little did she know that Dietrich’s teachings would shape Kamla’s philosophy of training horses for the rest of her life.
At 16, Kamla was partnered with the Hanoverian gelding, Mr. Majestic. Under the guidance of Leslie Reid, Dietrich, and Patricia Ripenburg, they achieved considerable success at the Young Rider level. Together, they led the B.C. Dressage Team to a Gold Medal at the North American Young Rider Championships and captured the Individual Silver Medal two years in a row.
Over the following three years, Kamla and Mr. Majestic were listed riders for the Canadian Dressage Team and competed at national and international championships, Pan Am Qualifiers, and competitions throughout British Columbia, Washington, Alberta, Ontario, Chicago, Quebec, Germany, and the Netherlands.
At 20, Kamla and Mr. Majestic traveled to Europe to train with Holgar Munstermann (Germany) and Bert Rutten (Netherlands) as they progressed toward the Grand Prix level.
Upon returning to Canada, Kamla continued competing, training horses, and teaching riders.
She later focused on her education, completing two degrees and establishing her own business.
After earning her Physiotherapy degree in 2004, she returned her primary focus to riding and training.
Kamla spent five years working with Albrecht Heidemann with her Hanoverian gelding, Williamsburg,
followed by another five years working with Thomas Urff and his Hanoverian gelding, Flynn.
Kamla purchased her special mare, Davina Royale as a 4- year-old in Germany.
Together they progressed through the levels under the guidance of Kamla's long-time coach, Olympic rider, Leslie Reid.
In 2019, Kamla and Davina traveled to the Netherlands to train with Coby van Baalen. This experience allowed Kamla to focus exclusively on her riding while immersing herself in the company of outstanding horses, trainers, and riders. She also had the opportunity to train with Marlies van Baalen, whose diligence in test riding was invaluable, and Andreas Hausberger, Chief of the Spanish Riding School.
While in Europe, Kamla was able to attend Dutch training camps, the International Dressage Trainer Club meeting, the Young Horse World Championships, Aachen, and the European Dressage Championships.
Upon returning to Canada, Kamla continued Davina's training to Grand Prix Level. In 2023, they successfully competed at the Grand Prix Level in both California and B.C. Tragically, Davina passed away unexpectedly in December 2023, leaving Kamla without her beloved partner and best friend.
In Davina's memory, Kamla is now developing a new partnership with her young Dutch mare, Olina, who she imported from the Netherlands in 2024.
Kamla remains passionate about developing her skills as a rider while sharing her knowledge and experience with other horses and riders.
Please contact Kamla directly for more information at 604-786-8047 or khoekstra@shaw.ca