Meet our Epona Team

Dr. Anne Marie Guillemaud

Owner & Veterinarian

Dr. Guillemaud is an ‘Island Girl’ and grew up in Port McNeill.  Annie has loved horses her entire life. She was a member of the Ports North Pony Club, achieving her Horsemanship Level A. Some of you may remember her from her time showing horses in the Comox Valley under her maiden name, De Leenheer. Annie also used to compete in the Modern Pentathlon, which includes riding, running, swimming, shooting and fencing.

Dr. Guillemaud did her undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, earning a Bachelor of Science in Food Nutrition and Health in 2008.  After that, she moved to Saskatoon and completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012.  She stayed on at the College to spend a year working as an Intern in Equine Field Service. She was then a Clinical Associate in Equine Field Service for two years, before returning to the Island to join Epona Equine in 2015.  In 2019 she purchased the practice from Dr. Andrea Plaxton. Dr. Guillemaud’s areas of interest include reproduction, dentistry, and lameness.

When not working Annie can be found enjoying time with her Dutch Warmblood ‘Summer’, filly ‘Raeah’, her husband, Chris, and daughters, Hannah and Hailey.

Dr. Elizabeth Riddett

Associate Veterinarian

Dr Elizabeth Riddett, BSc, DVM, CVSMT, was born and raised in Alberta, and even though she has called the island home since 2008, she still has some prairie girl in her. Horses have been a lifelong passion, and after high school she travelled to the UK to take her British Horse Society qualifications. She graduated from the University of Calgary school of Veterinary Medicine in 2020, and since then has enjoyed all the variety that comes with practice life. She has been found delivering calves via c-section, keeping horses comfortable and able to perform well in their jobs, and in the emergency clinic saving the lives of cats and dogs.

Dr. Riddett completed her veterinary spinal manipulation therapy certification in 2022 through the Veterinary Chiropractic Learning Centre. She is part way through attaining her Canine Rehabilitation Therapist certification through the Canine Rehab Institute. She is certified in Equine Dry Needling through MyoPain Seminars and will be certified in veterinary acupuncture by February of 2025 through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society! These certifications are in addition to many continuing education hours pertaining to musculoskeletal examination, therapeutic exercise, and rehabilitation. Dr. Riddett has a passion for pain-free, functional movement in ourselves and in our pets and equine athletes!

In her free time, you’ll find her powerlifting, gardening, or out in the woods with her dog Chili. She is very excited to experience all that life in the Comox Valley has to offer and join the Epona Equine team!

Dr. Riddett is now available for all appointments through Epona Equine! Spinal manipulation therapy/dry needling appointments can be added onto a regularly scheduled appointment, or can be booked directly by emailing info@alignvetservices.com

Support Staff

  • Kayleigh | Veterinary Assistant

    Kayleigh grew up & spent most of her life living in Victoria, and moved to the Comox Valley in May 2022. She started her journey in the veterinary industry as a receptionist in a small animal emergency hospital before transitioning to a regular small animal practice. In 2018, she joined an equine veterinary practice in Victoria as vet assistant and moved her way into the practice manager position before moving up island. Kayleigh started riding when she was 13 and has loved it ever since. In her spare time, she can be found at the barn with her mini horse Tinkerbelle, working on her graphic & web design business, or spending time with her husband & black lab, Loki.

  • Brooke | Receptionist & Vet Assistant

    Brooke is joining the Epona team as our new receptionist, however you will occasionally find her on farm when Kayleigh or Jessica are away! Originally from Saskatchewan, Brooke made her way to the West Coast of BC where she started her own farm. Brooke grew up with horses and other livestock from a very young age. She has extensive equine handling experience, as well as having had the privilege to work under some great equine trainers within Saskatchewan and Alberta prior to moving to Vancouver Island. We are excited to have Brooke with us and taking over being the friendly voice you hear on the other side of the phone.

  • Jessica | Registered Veterinary Technician

    Jessica is joining our team as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) one day a week! Born and raised in the Comox Valley, Jessica started her career as an RVT in small animal medicine. Her passion for veterinary technology has led her down multiple aspects of education within the field, including equine health and wellness. With over 14 years of experience and knowledge, we know that Jessica is going to be a great asset to the Epona team!