Kayla was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, where she spent time riding in multiple disciplines. During her summers, she spent her time working on a horse and cattle ranch, leading and organizing a summer riding camp, along with general ranch and herd management. Working at the ranch, she fell in love with her palomino, Casper and mini pony, Chewy. 

 

Basketball brought Kayla to the University of Victoria for her undergraduate degree, where she played for the University of Victoria Vikes basketball program while completing a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in Neuro-psychology. She returned home to Calgary to complete her degree in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Calgary. 

 

Kayla has recently started Eventing, enjoying the sport both as a competitor and as an on-site veterinarian for the shows. When she is not doing horse-related activities, she enjoys hiking and exploring the coastline with her dog, Jac, and spending time with her fiancé, Mike, her “significant other.” 

 

Dr. Dykstra’s professional interests include equine sports medicine and rehabilitation, acupuncture and equine reproduction — her favorite time of year is foaling season! 

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Background:

   

• 2015 University of Calgary – Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine

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• 2011 University of Victoria – Bachelor of Science