STAFF at ACTC

Dagmar Fortmueller

Dagmar began riding in her home country of Germany at the age of 8. She rode all disciplines, jumping, eventing and dressage. Her dressage education and the base for her future riding life was given to her German veterinarian and rider Dr. Stampehl. As a young adult she rode a lot of young horses as well as a lot of problem horses. During this time she also took a degree in veterinary medicine. In 1990 Dagmar moved from Germany to Calgary, Alberta where her brother lived. She proceeded to obtain a diploma in Animal Health Technology from Olds College. In 1999 Dagmar founded Aspen Creek Training Center in Bragg Creek. Since then she has moved the facility outside of Okotoks, Alberta. Dagmar continues her education through participating in local clinics with riders such as Albrecht Heidemann and Tom Dvorak. Dagmar's philosophy is: Classical training produces happy and healthy horses.
 

           Personal description:  

•  good sense of humour

•  very patient

•  good problem solver

•  easily approachable

• expectations towards staff boarders, horses and students are high but realistic and well accepted.

Marita Hoppe

Marita, joined Aspen Creek as part of the full time staff in February 2002. For her, horses have always been a part of her life. She started riding competitively at age 11. In 1980 she began a three-year apprenticeship in Germany, where she received her Bereiter-FN (professional trainer) in 1983. In 1997 she also got a Bachelor Degree in Social Pedagogy (science of teaching). In 1998 she moved to Canada and received here a Certified International Trainer Passport/Coach Level2. Well qualified to coach dressage, jumping and vaulting! But this is not that important! Whats important is she runs the Vaulting ('Big Rock Vaulters') program at ACTC, teaches riders all ages and helps train the horses in all disciplines. She is most happiest surrounded by horses, children and dogs, is open minded, an enthusiastic teacher and passionate about the logic of the Classical Dressage System. Beware she will be after you if you don't sit in harmony with your horse!! Sitting poorly is no way to communicate! Her philosophy is: Horses must perform from joy and not out of subservience.
 

            Patty Hambling

Patty is the newest addition to the riding staff at ACTC. She brings a lifetime of experience with horses. Patty breaks in young horses as well as training more experienced horses. She is very cheerful, has lots of energy and has such a great sense of humor. IT IS SO GREAT TO HAVE HER ON BOARD!

                                    Chelsey Feland

Chelsey joined Aspen Creek as part of our full time staff in May 2003. She took a 2 year apprentice ship at the Olds College in horseman ship. Well done and congratulation for receiving your diploma! She also lives on site, brought her horse Amy and is working her whenever she has time. We appreciate her knowledge that she brings to our barn a lot!  

        Suzanne

Sue joined the ACTC team in October of 2004 when she moved to Calgary from her home town of Smithers, in North-Western BC. She will be running the day-to-day office work, answering the phone, scheduling appointments as well as helping out in the barn. You can reach her from 9 AM through 5:00PM, Monday through Friday.

Sue has been riding and showing horses in jumping and dressage for quite a few years- showing her own horse, an appendix QH named Zeke, as well as riding and schooling younger horses. Sue definitely is eager to meet all the horses and riders at ACTC, and hopes she can learn lots of new things regarding the classical training, since it seems to never end!
One more very interesting thing about her is..., she cares and loves all animals so much that she simply can’t eat those. Sue is proud to be a "VEGAN.” Wow what an asset and we are all looking forward to a long lasting relationship.