Karla Deir Martin is an international dressage rider representing Jordan. Based in North Oxfordshire, Karla runs a yard along with her husband, George Martin, who’s also a dressage rider and trainer. Karla describes herself as a “spaniel enthusiast, and a bit of a sugar addict”.
Currently, Karla has a four-year-old by Blue Hors Baron who she owns along with Chelsea Round. Karla says “She’s just come back from her winter holiday, and we’ll be restarting her work soon”. Her next up-and-coming small tour horse, unfortunately, injured himself, so his owner has turned him away for 6-12 months. Karla explains, “I am slowly putting some feelers out there for a new horse to hit the international stage with. I’ve also had to sit out this season after rotator cuff surgery, so I’m currently spectating more than riding, which is not my natural state.”
Outside of the saddle, Karla is an entrepreneur. Having spent most of her career working in aviation (a bit of a contrast to mucking out), she recently launched a new business called The Equestrian Biz Hub, which helps equestrian professionals turn their skills into profitable businesses. “I want to help more people thrive in this industry, not just scrape by.”
How did the dressage journey start and progress to where you are now?
My parents weren’t horsey, but my mum always loved horses and thought it would be a good hobby for me (and her) to get into. So, with no knowledge of horses, she bought a just-backed 4-year-old Welsh Section A called Tinkerbell- she thought a young one would last longer! I spent most of the early years falling off, but I think that’s what gave me a half-decent seat. I started out in the show ring and pony club. My mum is a bit of a perfectionist, so this was the perfect discipline. From pony club, I got the bug for team chasing (much to my mum’s dismay). I had an absolute cracking pony called Charlie. Then came my first warmblood mare, Olive. She was a handful, but she was what sparked my dressage bug, and from there, the rest is history!
Who has been the most influential?
My husband, George. I initially turned up for a lesson on my horse… and never left. I have spent the last 11 years training with him. He is a fantastic trainer and is kind, sympathetic, and clear. He has a lot of experience, having trained many horses up to the small tour. George has also trained with Gareth Hughes for about the last 17 plus years.
George is also the reason I was able to complete a life dream and represent Jordan internationally. Elf (Silver dream) is George’s horse; he bought him as an unbacked 3-year-old from Poland and produced him up to Small Tour. He came home from riding him one day and asked if I would like to take the ride to get out at PSG and hopefully get the opportunity to ride internationally for Jordan. I had just under two years competing Elf before we decided to retire him, and I will forever be grateful to George and Elf for that opportunity.
What do you love about riding and why dressage?
The connection and partnership with the horse – there’s nothing like it. I haven’t ridden for nearly two months and really miss that feeling. And why dressage? Honestly… I just don’t like jumping anymore!
You made history by becoming the first dressage rider to represent Jordan in an international competition, what did that mean to you?
It was one of the proudest moments of my life. Cantering into that arena with the Jordanian flag on my saddle pad was something I’ll never forget. My first international competition was at Jiva Hill in Crozet (where the Europeans are this year), which, let’s be honest, completely ruined me for every other international venue. It’s stunning: world-class facilities, atmosphere, and views… felt like a dream. We are going to try to go this year to watch the Europeans. The best part was sharing the experience with my whole family. They all flew out to support me throughout the competition, which made it even more emotional. It felt like everything had come together- years of work, setbacks, and small wins leading to that moment. I still get goosebumps thinking about it.
What are your hopes for Jordanian dressage?
I’d love to see dressage grow in Jordan – not just as a sport, but as a community. The passion and drive are already there. I’ve seen it firsthand – the hunger to learn, to do better, to improve. It’s really inspiring.
Long-term, I want to help build a national structure for dressage in Jordan – developing riders, coaches, and a team to one day go to the Asian Games and eventually the Olympics. That’s the dream. But more than that, it’s about creating opportunities, especially for young riders and for women in sport. Representation matters. If I can play even a small part in helping someone else believe they belong in this sport, then it’s worth it. I work closely with a fantastic stable based in Jordan called Alia Alassaf Academy, which is run by a wonderful woman and friend, Bianca. She’s doing amazing work. In 2024, we ran Jordan’s first dressage demo there. Bianca is also very keen to help the sport grow and develop and is one of the few places that runs a dressage competition with entries open to the whole country. She gets a judge flown in from Europe and does a fantastic job teaching, promoting, and growing the sport.
What are your future aspirations?
First and foremost, to get back in the saddle! I’m counting down the weeks (possibly months) until I’m cleared to ride again. In the meantime, I am finding a new way to connect with the horses. I have always been really interested in horse behaviour and playing with the liberty side of training. However, this opportunity where I can’t ride has given me the opportunity to find a new way to train, learn, and connect with the horses. Once I’m back in the saddle, I’m hoping to find my next international horse. The goal is the 2026 Asian Games; from there, who knows? The LA Olympics is the big dream. I’m also excited to keep building The Equestrian Biz Hub, which will support more riders, grooms, trainers, and yard owners in building sustainable businesses around their passion.
You and your husband run Babington Dressage, can you tell us more and what it’s like working together?
Babington Dressage is our happy place; it’s a place where people and horses can relax, and it’s how we unwind from the chaos of life. We offer full and competition livery and work hard to keep the yard running to a really high standard. I’m very particular about horse care – probably borderline neurotic if I’m honest. But for me, welfare isn’t optional. It’s the starting point for everything else.
George and I also have our own businesses, but the yard is where we come together. We make a good team; we both want the same thing: happy, healthy horses and happy clients. We’re also really lucky to have a brilliant support team around us. That makes all the difference.
Your Top Tip
Patience. If you’re feeling frustrated in the saddle, it’s usually a sign that something’s missing in your understanding or knowledge. Horses want to get the answer right. They’ll always try if you’re clear, fair, and consistent. It’s our job to ask the right question and listen to their answer.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
I once had a very tricky mare- unpredictable, inconsistent, nothing quite added up. I tried everything, checked everything and eventually decided she just didn’t want to be a riding horse. I’ll never forget taking Elf for a lesson with Gareth and saying, “Well, ‘said mare’ has taught me patience.” He looked at me and said, “Karla, all she taught you is what not to buy next time.” It made me laugh, but it stuck with me. Horses don’t wake up with dreams of being dressage stars. We have to listen to what they’re telling us- and respond honestly.
It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?
We are very lucky to have an incredible home team that we couldn’t run the yard without. Freya is our yard manager and also works in the office for George, she keeps everything running. Lani and Faith are absolute stars who look after the horses (and owners!) daily to the highest standards. Our vet, Sam Cutts, is incredible. She comes every three months to do an MOT on the horses, watches them trot up, watches us ride, etc. I believe that it’s important for her to see them regularly, and when they feel great, so she can spot if something isn’t quite right. Our farrier, Sam Head, is a genius. We’re very lucky to have him. And our excellent physio, Annabelle Galt, comes every five weeks to keep the horses feeling their best. Everyone communicates with each other, so we’re all on the same page. That’s what makes a real difference.
Want More?
If you enjoyed meeting Karla you might like to view more dressage rider “chatting with” interviews here. You can keep up with Karla’s progress and visit her instagram page here