Sherman College to host symposium focused on human-animal bond

July 12, 2018—In anticipation of the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games in nearby Tryon, NC, Sherman College will host its first annual Spinal Health Symposium on Thursday, September 20, with a special focus on the human-animal bond. The Symposium will feature a social event open to the public as well as a private dinner, both featuring three acclaimed doctors in the field: certified animal chiropractor Dr. Jay Komarek and American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) certified veterinarians Drs. Amy Hayek and Bill Ormston.

“We know the 2018 World Equestrian Games will bring renewed interest in horses and, of course, the special bond that animals and humans share,” said Sherman College President Dr. Edwin Cordero. “We also know that any living being with a spine and nervous system can benefit from chiropractic care. It was only natural for us to bring these two passions together to share the beneficial role of chiropractic in caring for horses and other animals.”

The college will host a drop-in on Thursday, September 20, from 4-5 p.m. at the Spartanburg Methodist College (SMC) Studio in the Aug W. Smith building, 174 E. Main St. in downtown Spartanburg. An invitation-only dinner program will follow from 6-8 p.m. at The Piedmont Club in Spartanburg.

Speakers for both events include renowned animal chiropractor and chiropractic lecturer Dr. Jay Komarek of Boulder, CO, and AVCA-certified veterinarians and distinguished lecturers Drs. Amy Hayek and Bill Ormston of Dallas, TX.

A 1977 graduate of Western States Chiropractic College (now known as University of Western States), Dr. Jay Komarek has dedicated the past 40+ years of his practice to caring for thousands of humans and animals. He teaches worldwide, and his work has been featured on the “Today Show,” on various radio shows, and in numerous magazine and newspaper articles. He is a founding member of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA). His inspiring work with animals has been most recently chronicled in the award-winning documentary, “Life, Adjusted,” which highlights the journey of a traumatized horse to its recovery through chiropractic care, compassion and perseverance.

Iowa State and Colorado State University graduate Dr. Amy Hayek became a veterinarian after several years of teaching college-level English. She presents regularly for the AVCA and has presented to groups including Equine Affair, the Hoosier Horse Fair and the Horseman’s Council of South Carolina. Dr. Hayek has taught at Parker University and co-hosted a television show called “Harmonizing Your Horse’s Health.” She currently teaches with her husband, Dr. Bill Ormston, at Animal Chiropractic Education Source, the fourth school in the U.S. to teach animal chiropractic to doctors of veterinary medicine and doctors of chiropractic; they offer continuing education and post-graduate programs in animal chiropractic. Dr. Hayek also holds a certificate in acupuncture from the Chi Institution and completed animal chiropractic and advanced neurology training at The Healing Oasis.

Dr. Bill Ormston completed his veterinary degree Iowa State University; he is certified in animal chiropractic care by the AVCA and holds a degree in veterinary homeopathy from the British Institute of Homeopathy. He has been a regular speaker for the AVCA and has spoken at the Hoosier Horse Fair, the Iowa Horse Fair and the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians meetings. He played an integral role in creating Parker Chiropractic College’s post-graduate course in animal chiropractic. Dr. Ormston has authored three books on complementary therapies and is a regular contributor to publications such as Holistic Horse, Elite Equestrian and others. His current practice is in the area surrounding the Dallas Metroplex, where he uses only complementary care for both large and small animals.

For more information about Sherman College’s first annual Spinal Health Symposium, please contact Assistant Director of Development Hunter F. Mahon at or 800-849-8771, ext. 277.

Source: Sherman College of Chiropractic