Equine Acupuncture Referrals

Equine Acupuncture Referrals

4 Day Intensive Seminar Testimonials

Dr Kerry Ridgeway Seminar 15-18 November 2013.

The Australian College of Veterinary Acupuncture Ltd invited Dr Kerry Ridgeway (USA) to Geelong in November for our further education.

Kerry delivered 4 wonderful days entitled "Laterality- The Crooked Horse Syndrome" .

"The course was based at Marcus Oldham Agricultural College, a facility which has proved very convenient for our purposes over the years. A rigorous programme was followed from 8am to 6pm daily, with essentially one and a half days of lectures and two and a half days of practical work. I found this a very good balance. The fourth day (entirely practical) was spent in a professional equestrian establishment, bringing perspectives from different riders and a very skilful farrier. For all practical work we were in 4 groups, each of 3 practitioners, so 4 horses on the go at any one time. Overall more than 20 horses were assessed and treated. The entire class was together for an initial history taking and gait assessment, and after working on the horses, each group gave a summary of diagnosis and treatment. This system worked very well. I found the initial gait assessment with Kerry's guidance and commentary to be particularly valuable, and it was comforting to find he also spends a significant time on this part of his consultation. The focus was of course acupuncture, but ongoing training and management of the horse must also receive appropriate attention. On this subject we had the additional benefit of Kerry's wife, Christine, who contributed her significant expertise to support Kerry's treatments on some of the horses.

Kerry dealt in detail with Laterality/Limb Dominance, GI Ulcers, The Psoas Muscle Group, the Hyoid Apparatus, Sacral Ligament Desmitis, Hoof Balance,- and most exciting of all- Fascial Trains, supported by videos of human work as well as veterinary. Over the 4 days Kerry demonstrated time and again his phenomenal skill using Fascial and Muscle Specific acupuncture points, with immediate results tested and proved on the spot with the completely unbiased judgement of the horse! As many of these points are only 2mm apart, the rest of us had a more challenging time. However we were all distinctly improving as the horses went by (!) and I came away very keen indeed to follow through with these new ideas, immediately applying them to practice.

I am sure I speak for all 12 participants in thanking ACVA for their excellent organisation of this course. In particular Dr Ulrike Wurth, (and husband Grahamalways appeared when help was needed!) and the course administrator Bill Rae.

But to Kerry must go our immense admiration for his skill, his experience, his kindness, and his modesty, in this most professional presentation throughout 4 intense and demanding days.

Thank you also to Christine for her ever supporting role.

It is always very heartening to be surrounded by like-minded veterinary acupuncturists. The course was a great pleasure."

Janet Buckerfield

Hobart Equine Practice


"Having recently completed the Crooked Horse Syndrome course with Dr Kerry Ridgway, my understanding of anatomy has skyrocketed! After the course, I was able to apply what I learnt immediately and got impressive results and very satisfied clients. It has revolutionised the way I treat musculoskeletal issues in horses. Dr Ridgway was thorough, concise, and very generous with his knowledge and an incredibly kind person with a genuine desire to share his knowledge and skills to leave the horse world a better place! I cannot thank him enough!"

Elissa Marriott


"Recently I was fortunate enough to attend a four day seminar presented by Kerry Ridgway. The seminar is a must for any Equine practitioner who wants to understand why we see so many performance issues that can be related to laterality.

Kerry has amazing depth of knowledge from both a conventional and integrative medicine approach. The seminar was very practical and enhances your holistic assessment skills, covering all areas such as specific acupuncture points, saddle fit, nutrition, feet and groundwork skills. I came away armed with a much better understanding of how to thoroughly assess and treat all these facets.

The lecture base was very comprehensive and was complemented with an extensive practical caseload. Every individual was able to practice their new diagnostic and treatment skills. Kerry Ridgway has developed a treatment protocol that can immediately be checked to confirm a positive response. Kerry is a true master in the way he deals with his equine patients and clients. I feel privileged that I had the opportunity to attend this seminar."

Katherine Apel


"I have attended several of Kerry Ridgway�s courses and have always come away satisfied with new relevant knowledge and the skills to put this new knowledge straight into practice.

I was wondering what new perspectives Kerry would present for the crooked horse seminar/workshop � and found my expectations were exceeded!! Kerry is a seasoned presenter, and the lectures flow so easily. The audiovisual material had been well chosen to deliver a lasting impression. The detailed notes provided meant that I could listen and not miss things whilst writing, and they also contained excellent photographs to refer back to for point location. Additionally, Kerry made available his whole powerpoint presentation, and these really rounded out my memory of the seminar.

The basis of the seminar related to the innate left- or right-sided dominance that every animal exhibits, and how soundness (physical and mental) problems stem from this during training/riding and what can be done to recognise it, work with it and how to treat the physical problems that have already arisen from it.

In the practicals we learnt to evaluate the side dominance and the affected myofascial trains that were currently causing pain and restrictions. We learnt really effective acupuncture methods to release these myofascial trains immediately. There were two and a half days of practical work to drive home the one and a half day�s theory � we worked with clients horses, covering a range of breeds and a range of sports, from pleasure through to international level FEI horses.

The small group allowed for the best learning opportunity, and new friends were made, all with their own areas of expertise which they happily shared.

From day 1 back in practice, my new knowledge has been incorporated. So once again after a "Kerry" seminar I am so glad I attended!"

Ashleigh Hibberd

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