MEET THE TEAM
Dr Chris Bell, BSc. DVM, MVetSc.,DACVS
Owner Veterinarian
Dr. Bell
Dr. Bell is originally from Airdrie, Alberta where he grew up on a horse farm. He attended the University of Saskatchewan where he obtained a B.Sc with high honours in Microbiology and Immunology. Dr. Bell proceeded to attain a DVM with Distinction from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Following his DVM, he completed a 1 year clinical internship at Arizona Equine Medical and Surgical Center and then completed a 3 year surgical residency program at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Bell also completed a Master's of Veterinary Science during his residency program. Dr. Bell is a board certified equine surgeon and Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (DACVS). Dr. Bell is an Adjunct Professor of equine surgery and sports medicine with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. Elders Equine is a host hospital and participates in senior veterinary student, veterinary intern and surgical residency training through this distributed learning program. Dr. Bell has owned Elders Equine Veterinary Service since 2012. When he is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, two daughters and their chocolate lab. Dr. Bell's main areas of focus are equine surgery and sports medicine (lameness diagnosis, imaging and treatment) in addition to the routine equine health needs of our clients. Dr. Bell is President of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association 2022-2023. To learn more about Dr. Bell
Dr. Lea Riddell BSc, DVM, MSc, DABVP (Equine Practice)
Attending Veterinarian
Dr. Riddell grew up in Winnipeg and is an avid rider. Dr. Riddell volunteered with Elders Equine prior to being accepted to WCVM for vet school. She moved to Saskatoon in 2012 to start vet school. After graduating she stayed on in Equine Field Service and completed a 1-year internship followed by a 3 year residency program involving all aspects of equine practice with interests in reproduction and internal medicine. During her residency, Dr. Riddell also completed a MSc degree that involved research related to breeding mares (Thesis: 'The systemic and intrauterine effects of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in mares that have been artificially inseminated with cryopreserved semen'). Following her residency, Dr. Riddell became board certified by the ABVP in Equine Practice. She enjoys all aspects of equine practice but have a special interest in reproduction. In her spare time Dr. Riddell likes to visit with her horse, Fame. Dr. Riddell is looking forward to being back in Manitoba to be with family and friends.
Dr. Norm Elder, DVM
Emeritus
Dr. Elder is originally from Southern Saskatchewan and has been involved with horses all day eventing National Jr Champion in 1963. Dr. Elder graduated Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1965. Dr Elder founded Elders Equine Clinic in 1967 and provided veterinary care to horses from all over the Province. Dr. Elder has held many offices including past president of both the Western Canadian Association of Equine Practitioners and the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Manitoba) in addition to serving with the Manitoba Jockey Club executive body. He has been awarded the 1996 WCAEP Veterinarian of the Year and the 2001 MVMA Manitoba Veterinarian of the Year. Dr. Elder retired from full time practice in 2012 but continues to consult on cases and provide care for horses at ASD.
Dr. Kristine Torske, DVM, DVSc.
Anesthesia
Dr Kristine Torske received her DVM from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1991. Following graduation she completed an internship in Large Animal Medicine, Surgery and Theriogenology at the Atlantic Veterinary College. Following two years of mixed practice in Alberta and Manitoba, she completed a clinical residency and Doctor of Veterinary Science (DVSc) in Veterinary Anesthesiology at the Ontario Veterinary College. She lives in rural Manitoba where she is active in small animal private practice and provides veterinary anesthesia referral and consulting
Sarah Haddow
RVT
Sara grew up on a grain farm in southeastern Saskatchewan. Sara was involved in curling, SADD chapter, school representative council (SRC) and drama club in her years of schooling in Arcola, SK. She has been around horses all her life, in her spare time Sara enjoys spending time at the barn with her horse as well as showing Western Pleasure in small shows/fairs in addition to a few AQHA shows. She achieved her Animal Health Technology Diploma in May 2014 from Lakeland College in Vermilion, Alberta.
Angela Klassen
RVT
Angela grew up on a cattle and grain farm in southern Manitoba. She attended Olds College and obtained her Animal Health Technology Diploma in June of 2016. Angela has experience working in mixed and small animal practices. She joined the Elders Equine team to pursue herpassion for horses. She owns a cat and two Yorkshire Terriers. In her spare time Angela enjoys being outdoors, doing yoga, and spending time with family and friends.
Kara Thiessen
RVT
Kara has an extensive background in animal care and has always had a passion for working with animals. Kara graduated from Red River College as an RVT and has worked with small and large animals throughout her career. She and her husband enjoy working on house projects and real estate outside of work as well as spending time where her two children.
Brynn Dosko
RVT
Brynn is a Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) and graduated from Red River College in 2016. She grew up on a small beef farm outside of Steinbach. Growing up on a farm exposed her to many animals, including: cows, horses, ducks, chickens, geese, dogs, and many cats. From a very young age Brynn always knew that she wanted to work with animals. While originally aspiring to become a veterinarian, when she discovered the Veterinary Technology course, Brynn knew that it was the job for her. While new to the horse side of veterinary medicine, she loves getting to work with so many amazing team-members and clients.
In her spare time, Brynn reads, enjoys hanging out with her family and friends, and tries to do as much travelling as she can. Brynn has also competed for the title of Miss World Canada, and formerly held the title of Miss Eastman World. She currently resides in Winnipeg with her two cats; Pudge and Triscuit, and her rescue dog; Remington, with hopes to move to the country soon. Until then, Brynn spends as much time as she can out at the farm with her Old English Sheepdogs, Newton and Chester; her Tennessee Walking Horse, Jewel; and her many other farm cats.
Courtney Smith
RVT
Courtney has previous experience in both small and large animal medicine including horses. She has a keen interested in working with horses. While we share Courtney with her other practice that she works with, we are excited to have her working with us even part time. Courtney loves learning about her patients and the conditions they are being treated for. She is very efficient and always stepping in to help where needed. While not at work, she enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family and friends
Rachael Van Wyk
Veterinary Assistant/ Stable Hand
Rachael is a member of our facilities team and looks after the daily care of the horses at both our barns and hospital Elders Equine. Rachael is often the first person your horses see in the morning- and they lover her because she brings them FOOD! Yum! While much of her hard work may not be seen by our clients, rest assured that your horses are getting their best care as a result of Rachael's dedication to quality husbandry.
Rachael's' life has always seemed to revolve around horses since she was a young girl. Her family has owned horses for as long as she can remember. Her involvement in the equine industry has ranged from caring for horses at various barns, competing at horse shows, assisting in lessons and training, and helping manage a dressage training facility that operates on the multi-generation family farm.
In Rachael's off hours she loves helping with getting the show horses ready for their training sessions, assisting with all breeding duties that range from stallion care and training to ensuring that the broodmares and foals have everything they need.
Rachael is a Certified Equine Massage Therapist which is where her passion for equine wellness begins.
Jillian Overby, RVT (Relief work)
Shelley Hallick, RVT (Relief work)
CONSULTING VETERINARIANS
Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine Service - Western College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Chris Clark - DACVIM
Dr. Katharina Lohmann - DACVIM
Dr. Ela Misuno - DACVIM
Dr. Ed Voss - DACVIM
Radiology
Dr. Sarah Puchalski - DACVR
Dr. Tom Wilkinson Jr - DACVR
Dr. Natasha Werpy - DACVR
Ophthalmology
Drs. Bruce Grahn, Lynne Sandmeyer, Bianca Bauer - DACVO
CLIENT CARE SPECIALIST

Alex Poitras
Alex is our customer care and service specialist. Alex provides service support to our veterinary teams and will be the one you meet in the office or over the phone when booking your next appointment. Alex has a strong background in customer care and many years working in veterinary practices. She loves to meet all the horses that come into the hospital and looks forward to meeting you on your next visit over the phone. When not at work she enjoys spending time with her family.