Kamla's riding background

Kamla started riding when she was nine years old and soon fell in love with the sport of Eventing. She was paired with Sassy,  a 4-year-old off-the-track thoroughbred gelding who had great scope over fences, but was unruly between jumps. In order to improve his ride-ability, Kamla turned her attention to her Dressage work. 

At 11 years of age she began working with the German-born, Dietrich von Hopffgarten who stressed the classical training principles of Dressage and the importance of an independent seat. 

At 16, Kamla was partnered with her Hanoverian gelding, Mr. Majestic (Sir). Under the guidance of Leslie Reid, Dietrich, and Patricia Ripenburg, they enjoyed many successes at the Young Rider level, leading the B.C. Dressage Team to a Gold Medal at the North American Young Rider Championships and capturing the Individual Silver Medal two years in a row. 

Over a three-year period, they became listed riders for the Canadian Dressage Team. They enjoyed national championships; Pan Am Qualifiers; and competing in B.C., Washington, Alberta, Ontario, Chicago, Quebec, Holland, and Germany. 

When Kamla was 20, she traveled with Sir to Europe to work with Holgar Munstermann (Germany) and Bert Rutten (Netherlands) to finish off at the Grand Prix level. 

Upon their return to Canada, Kamla continued competing, training other horses, and teaching other riders. 

Her attention then turned to her studies, where she completed two degrees, and started her own business. 

After receiving her Physiotherapy degree in 2004, Kamla focused her attention once again on her riding. 

She worked for five years with Albrecht Heidemann with her Hanoverian gelding, Williamsburg; 

and another five years with Thomas Urff and his Hanoverian gelding, Flynn. 

Kamla purchased her heart horse, Davina Royale as a 4- year-old in Germany. 

Together they have progressed through the levels under the watchful eye 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. 

Kamla had the opportunity to not only focus solely on her riding but to immerse herself in the company of great horses and riders.

While in the Netherlands she also had the opportunity to school with Marlies van Baalen, whose attention to detail with respect to test riding was invaluable, 

and Andreas Hausberger, Chief of the Spanish Riding School. 

In addition to riding, Kamla had the opportunity to attend Dutch training camps, the International Dressage Trainer Club Meeting, as well as the Young Horse World Championships, Aachen, and the European Dressage Championships. 

Upon her return to Canada, Kamla progressed Davina's training to Grand Prix Level. They participated in the Pan Am Selection Trials in 2023. 

Kamla has a passion for sharing her knowledge with other horses and riders.  

Kamla is available for Dressage lessons, clinics, and presentations. 

Please contact Kamla directly for more information at 604-786-8047 or khoekstra@shaw.ca