About True North

Ann-Marie Hancock

DVM, EDO

Dr. Hancock was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she was active in Pony Club, competing in lower level three day eventing. Dr. Hancock completed her studies at Colorado State University, graduating with a BS in Equine Science, an MS in Anatomy and Neurobiology, and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. She spent 10 years as general equine practitioner in Eastern North Carolina where she built her skills in emergency, dentistry, performance horse and lameness evaluation, reproduction, preventative medicine and integrative health. She also trained with the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and completed her EDO certification with the Vluggen Institute to become an equine osteopath. Eager to offer progressive and superior services, she continually strives to improve her veterinary diagnostic, integrative medicine, and performance horse education. In 2013, Dr. Hancock purchased Rectortown Equine and permanently relocated the practice to Warrenton, Virginia at which point the practice changed to True North Equine Veterinary Services. Dr. Hancock’s goal is to nurture successful partnerships with horses and their owners that can last a lifetime.

Kristen Dowell

Office Manager/ Customer Care Specialist

Coming Soon

Callie Eisenhart

Osteopath and Saddle Fitter

Callie was raised in Pennsylvania, where she acquired her love of horses at a young age due in part to her mother’s role as head trainer at North Arabians. She grew up riding hunters for much of her childhood, then transitioned to reining horses in her teen years. As an adult, Callie strives to further her horsemanship and knowledge by studying under some of the top horsemen in the industry. She regularly travels the National Reining Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) circuit with nationally ranked trainer Trevor Carter. In 2016, Callie attended Animal Dynamics in Ocala, Florida obtaining a certification in Massage and Electro-Acupressure which led her to apprentice in osteopathy with Dr. Hancock in 2018. In 2024 Callie completed her Saddle Fitting Certification with Mike Scott at Saddleguy LLC in Camden, North Carolina.

Deb Romero

Debbie began her career with a National Certification in Therapeutic Massage. In 2005, Debbie added Certification in Orthopedic Massage and maintained a full time private practice specializing in injury and surgical rehabilitation of connective tissue (soft tissue, muscle, tendons, ligaments and fascia). From 2010-2012 Debbie became the lead instructor at the Virginia School of Massage, sharing her extensive knowledge of human anatomy and movement. Seeing a need to help people move pain-free in daily activities, Debbie became a Certified Alexander Technique practitioner in 2014. Debbie believes that how we use ourselves in our daily activities can affect our bodies in a positive or negative way (pain, tension, stress). It is through movement, that she is able to re-educate people on how to use themselves well to remain pain-free and fit. Debbie is passionate about teaching others how to move with ease. Debbie lives on an organic farm in Central Virginia with her husband of 40 years where she loves to practice Alexander Technique while riding her horses.

Kris Gerald

Kris was raised in Clayton, CA and spent most of her childhood exploring the trails of Mt. Diablo with her trusty Morgan mare Cherokee. In high school, she started eventing and joined Pony Club, where she ultimately achieved her USPC “A” rating. Kris completed her B.S in Business Administration from California State University, Hayward (now CSU East Bay) and spent most of her career in municipal finance, working for cities and towns in both California and Virginia. In 2005, her family made the trek from California to Virginia when her husband took a job in Washington, D.C. Soon after arriving in Virginia, she developed a passion for fox hunting. Kris lives in Catlett with her husband of 30 plus years, has grown twin daughters, three horses and two dogs.

Claire Whitley

Social Media

Claire grew up in Amelia Virginia and spent her time riding any horse she could get her hands on. She participated in eventing, fox hunting, mounted games and everything in between. More recently, she has spent her time trail riding and doing endurance with her 2 horses. Claire completed her B.S in Agriculture and Applied Economics from Virginia Tech in 2021. She has been the primary client and office manager for True North Equine since 2023. She is now transitioning to managing our social media and marketing remotely