Kerry Ridgway, DVM is a graduate
of Colorado State University, and operates Equine Therapeutic Options, a
holistically based veterinarian practice in Aiken, SC. He has spent many years
specializing in equine performance issues. He found that saddle fit is often
the root of problems, which can lead to not only to performance and behavioral
deficits, but also back pain and even unsoundness.



Christine Heraud-Ridgway,
has competed extensively in Jumping and Eventing in Europe, but has now
developed an interest for Dressage, and particularly Dressage in Lightness.

Their combined approach and
mutual research allow them to understand the complexities of saddle fitting,
and its important ramifications on the wellness of the horse.

BIO-SKETCH FOR KERRY RIDGWAY


The son of a horseman, it
seems as if Dr. Kerry Ridgway has always been around horses. In addition to
being a doctor of veterinary medicine, Ridgway has a degree in chemistry. He
is well known in endurance riding circles as both a competitor and a
veterinarian. In 1990, he was elected to the Endurance Riding Hall of Fame,
for his contributions to the sport. Perhaps most notably for his development
of the “Cardiac Recovery Index,” a standard adopted internationally.

 Dr. Ridgway graduated from Colorado State
University with honors in 1964

  He was a founding member and officer for
the “Association for Equine Sports Medicine,” now a large international
association. After practicing conventional medicine for over 20 years, Ridgway
decided to direct his focus toward a modality that has a written history of
more than 2000 years, acupuncture.

 The International Veterinary Acupuncture
Society (IVAS) is the organization that certifies veterinarians who practice
acupuncture. Ridgway received his training in 1990-91. As well as being an
instructor for IVAS, he has served on its board of directors and education
committee. He continues to teach both nationally and internationally.

 After completing acupuncture training he
then completed chiropractic training with the American Veterinary Chiropractic
Association (AVCA) and was certified in animal chiropractic by that
organization.

 He  and his wife, Christine, operated the
“EquiSport Center for Therapeutic Options”, an equine sports medicine
rehabilitation practice based principally on acupuncture, chiropractic, and
physical therapy modalities, including massage, stretching, microcurrent,
laser, muscle-stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound and
rehabilitative-therapeutic riding.

  Because so many of the horse’s functional
and musculoskeletal problems are associated with issues such as dental
problems, improper shoeing, saddle and other tack induced problems, he has
developed deep interest in the integration of these factors as part of a
“whole horse” approach to medicine.

  It is Dr Ridgway’s philosophy that
complementary medicine combines well with conventional medicine to provide the
best of both worlds with regard to health maintenance and peak performance
potential.. Therefore, he always seeks to work closely with conventional
western medicine clinicians.

 In September of 2003 they moved to Aiken, SC
and now operate as “Equine Therapeutic Options.” The practice is now entirely
outpatient. Ridgway states, “My wife is still a very integral part of my
practice.“ She observes the horses from a rider’s perspective, and I see the
horse from a veterinary perspective. Thankfully, we have a very high
percentage of agreement.”