Be The Exception
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About Kyla
Grade 3 Para Dressage Rider. Horse Scotland Athlete Development Pathway.
Kyla was born 16 weeks early, weighing just 1lb 4oz. She has suffered many challenges as a result of her prematurity and has chronic hydrocephalus (excess fluid on the brain).
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Kyla’s fascination with horses came early, and when she was 4, pint-sized pony Maquenio joined the family. At 7, Kyla started riding with the Forres & Nairn RDA, and, as she progressed, Wizard joined the family. After a few falls going over jumps, it was decided to focus on a discipline that kept all four hooves on the ground, and so began Kyla's dressage journey.
In May 2022, Kyla was classified as a Grade 3 rider with British Dressage. Since classification, Kyla's progression through the bronze and silver levels has been rapid and successful, resulting in many notable achievements such as:​
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2022
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Regional RDA Championships 1st
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National RDA Championships 1st
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Scottish RDA Championships 1st
2023
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BD Para Winter Championships 5th (Grade 3 Bronze)
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Regional RDA Championships 1st
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The only Scottish rider to compete in the 2023 BD Para Home Nations
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RDA National Championships 2nd
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BD Para Summer Championships 1st (Grade 3 Bronze)
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Selected to participate in the Horse Scotland Performance Squad
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2024
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Represented Scotland as part of the first ever Scottish team at the BD Para Home Nations with the team taking 2nd place
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British Dressage Para Summer Championships - placed 2nd (Jack) and 3rd (Forest) G3B
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2025
British Dressage Para Winter Championships - 5th, Grade 3 Silver
British Dressage Para Home Nations - represented Scotland. Team placed 5th.
RDA Regional Championships 1st Grade 3
RDA National Championships 1st Grade 3
Kyla’s ultimate ambition is to progress up the levels with an eye towards competing FEI. Getting this far and achieving so much in such a short time is a testament to Kyla’s determination to overcome the challenges of both the sport and her disabilities. She is a true inspiration to both able bodied and disabled riders.
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Although Kyla is relatively early in this journey, she has already achieved far more than was ever anticipated.
Don’t ever let your challenges keep you down!
The goal of riding in the Paralympics might seem out of reach for somebody that has dealt with a lifetime of physical and intellectual challenges. But an attitude of 'Just get on with it' and 'Never give up' has helped Kyla achieve beyond any expectation!