Daniel Kamen Demo
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
The Kamen with real bite
Dr. Daniel Kamen, a certified animal chiropractor from Chicago, delivered an enlightening and enthralling two-day seminar on equine chiropractic techniques at Contessa Riding Centre, Colliers End, on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th September. The aim of the talk was, somewhat ironically, to prevent the need for a visit from a chiropractor for our equine friends.
Beginning with a rundown of basic horse anatomy, Dr Kamen – a veritable encyclopaedia of equine knowledge – demonstrated a range of his techniques that can be performed alone or with an assistant at home. His explanations of his methods were intertwined with anecdotes from his travels of the world. Many of his stories stemmed from his inability to remember where he was when giving lectures, and making rather inappropriate jokes. He was slightly worried about his impending trip to France, as he had no idea what French humour is like! There were no faux pas this time though, and those that took his two-day course received him very favourably. As it was the first of its kind in the UK for over two years, it was not surprising to see a mix of people from all over Europe attending the seminar. One woman told me she was thrilled to have the chance to take the course, having always assumed that she would have to travel to the US to do so. The course was fully booked, and people travelled from far and wide to be there; a few of the aspirants even stayed in camper vans and caravans on site!
Dr Kamen used real horse bones to illustrate the positioning of the horse’s internal structures (see photograph), and when at one point the horse being used in the demonstration turned around to look at him holding horse bones, he patted him and told him not to worry, as they didn’t belong to any friend of his! A miniature plastic replica of a horse skeleton helped to illustrate the conformational issues and reasons behind some of the movements, or ‘adjustments’ that Dr Kamen demonstrated. The talk was very visual; lots of props were used and everyone had the opportunity to practice the adjustments under Dr Kamen’s watchful eye on the very obliging horses acting as models.
The sun shone down on the Saturday, despite threatening a deluge (lucky, as the lecture was held outside on day two), and Dr Kamen continued to exhibit his diverse stretches and adjustments in his animated and effusive style.
Dr. Kamen’s skeletal (re)alignment methods help to keep the horse supple and in athletic condition; paramount for all horses in all disciplines. His workshops teach people how to find misalignments, areas of pain, and to perform the techniques. The purpose of chiropractic adjustment is to restore normal joint function, which improves body motion. He has also worked with cats, dogs and a variety of other animals but continues to specialise in horses (one of his better known patients was the famous $10m winning US racehorse Cigar), and even humans. One participant took full advantage of that and, sprawled over a hay bale during the lunch break, had her whole back adjusted.
After two full and rigorous days Tina Layton, international dressage rider and proprietor of Contessa Riding Centre, invited the vivacious American to do a separate demonstration on Saturday evening for the public and those unable to attend the two-day lecture. He talked through common problems encountered in horses in work and demonstrated some of the applicable adjustments that can be performed by owners themselves. He outlined common misdiagnoses and highlighted some tricks often used by cowboy practitioners to demonstrate that their work on the horse had been effective. Dr. Kamen has also written a book, called The Well Adjusted Horse, explaining in depth the moves he teaches, and the accompanying video shows those not fortunate enough to attend his seminars how to perform the adjustments.
Contessa Riding Centre’s horses were all immaculately behaved, bar one rather notoriously quirky ex show-jumper who initially took a dislike to Dr Kamen, but softened once the sore spot on his back had been identified. He was then checked over and fully adjusted, after which he relaxed, and was much calmer.
The seminar was organised by Caroline Lindsay, an equine and human therapist. She will be organising other similar events in the near future. For further details visit www.equinesportsphysio.com. Contessa riding Centre holds regular lectures, clinics and seminars. For more information please visit the website at www.contessa-riding.com. Dr. Kamen’s website is www.animalchiropractic.com.
By Alice Collins (BHSPT)
