Veterinarian Testimonials
Bethany was my personal instructor/trainer/barefoot trimmer & rehab therapist for the 3 years I lived near her ranch and I wished I could have taken her with me when I had to move. She worked with me and four of my horses in various capacities improving my relationship with each horse and effecting the desired outcomes. Bethany first worked with my mare and I in achieving better communication and understanding so I could work with her where she is at as well as improving her balance and confidence in group situations on the trail. She also provided additional training for my young gelding and dedicated daily long-term rehabilitation for a rescue mare in ill thrift with a chronic fetlock tendon injury. Not only did her spirit emerge and body condition shine, but the cutting edge multimodal therapies Bethany brought to bear resulted in a full functional recovery of the fetlock without need for surgery. Bethany instilled a trusting and resistance free mindset in my mare’s foal from birth to 5 months in everything from handling and hoof care to trailering, thereby ensuring a calm and safe cross country journey with the herd despite new environments and situations. As a veterinarian, I appreciated her holistic perspective, lifelong learning mindset, and evidence based approach to both the health and well being and the developmental progression of client horses and her own.
Dr Therese Kreutzberg, D.V.M.
San Diego, Ca
Training Testimonials
Bethany is a professional rehabilitation specialist, not just a trainer. She has more knowledge and integrity than any other professional I have ever met. Based on my experience with Bethany from the 2 horses I brought to her, I know that she can rehabilitate an emotionally over-reactive horse and a stoic horse that is emotionally shut down from unnecessarily harsh training. She can effectively discover injuries and systematic physiological problems that are contributing to training difficulties. Bethany holistically rehabilitates horses from head to hoof, including nutrition, and trimming herself to ensure hooves are healthy and balanced. She heals with medical grade therapy devices and equipment. Evidence of her effectiveness is documented in her many videos (available on social media, and hosted on YouTube). 14 YEAR OLD ARABIAN TRAIL HORSE, rescued from a hoarder: very smart and very sensitive, quick to emotionally escalate and over-react. He had years of trail riding where he was fine and for some reason grew more and more troubled. Bethany discovered a gait issue missed in the many vet visits he had over the course of his life. She also found gaps in his training. The gap that surprised me most was that he did not switch from looking with 1 eye to the other when looking at things on different sides of his body. Instead, he would turn his head and body. Learning that Bethany discovered this proved that she is THOROUGH in her assessment and training approach. In 2 weeks, MY GELDING WAS CALMER, QUIETER AND MORE SECURE WITH HIMSELF. THE PAINFUL SYSTEMATIC GAIT ISSUE WAS ADDRESSED, AND WITH THAT PAIN NO LONGER AN ISSUE, HE WAS ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD WITH HIS TRAINING. 18 YEAR OLD QH, RETIRED PROFESSIONAL ROPING HORSE: could not easily get up after rolling. He would sit on his tail (like a dog), spin around from that position and throw his body up to stand. When I bought him, his eyes always looked very stressed and weary. The whites of his eyes showed and he was almost robotic, very little expression or movement. Unknown to me, he had ulcers, numerous problems created by his previous farrier, and over developed muscles in some areas, and underdeveloped muscles in others. He also had dietary deficiencies despite a healthy weight. His short thin mane is finally growing not just in length, but is 2 to 3 times thicker. He was the sweetest boy and he needed physical therapy, not training. DUE TO HIS CARE UNDER BETHANY, HE MOVES LIKE A HORSE MUCH YOUNGER THAN HIS AGE AND NOW HAS SOFT EYES. HE IS MUCH MORE AFFECTIONATE AND EXPRESSIVE THAN WHEN HE ARRIVED.
~Alexis Ungerer, Riverside Ca
Bethany has been amazing at helping MoonShyne accept and enjoy his new life as a working horse. This horse started out life locked in a broken down shed row barn without food water or even a name. Now he is here beginning a great life with someone who has taken the time to know him and help him learn to become his full complete happy well adjusted self. I look forward to our life together!
~Blayne Chenoweth, Ramona Ca
Bethany Pappani is a dedicated horse professional that offers a full service training and rehabilitation catered to your horses individual needs. Whether it is basic behavior training or health issues from the whole body and wellness of the horse. She can suggest a program the to will fit you and your horses needs for a successful outcome. Her approach is holistic with the utmost concern for the horse’s well being. She has successfully rehabbed several of my horses with outstanding results.
~Kimberly Whitt, Descanso Ca
Bethany is one of the best. She's a life student of the art of horsemanship and it shows. I have worked with her for about 10 years and I have seen the most profound transformation in the horses that she works with. Her holistic approach does wonders for the mind, body and soul of horse and rider.
~Adriana Porta, Yuma Az
To all of you considering working with Distinction Ranch, I’d like to share the following: Bethany will explain your horse’s ‘picture’ in the most complete and comprehensive way. It is not a method, but rather a way of understanding the horse, YOUR HORSE, on a level that will blow both you and your horse out of the box. You will NOT be left out in the cold after your work with her; always available for her clients and students. She will help you truly UNDERSTAND. The results are REAL and PERMANENT. You will not be disappointed.
Black Beauty, “Beaut” is 15.2 well-bred American Thoroghbred. She HATED racing and never even made it to the official track, since she tried to kill her exercise jockey at Santa Anita only 20 days after being started. I got her for a song; she was really dramatic and very hard to handle. I could not touch her head and could not have her racing plates removed for 30 days—thank you Len Judd for accomplishig that. I started riding her the next summer; she was energetic and fun, but quite a handful, even on a good day. We progressed well, but I never knew which personality I might be riding. Then I met Bethany in May of '13, it was the first time I was introduced to balance work & straightness training. The difference in Beauty was nothing short of miraculous! I would not have believed it unless I was watching it. Beauty’s willingness and attitude towards me and whatever I was asking of her, from that first session forward, has been remarkable. Beauty was THE most crooked horse [both directions] that I have ever seen. And now, we have the tools to help her find her balance. It is so very rewarding!
Senesa, my little 14.1 hand, grey Quarter horse, foundation paint, cow pony has never been worked incorrectly. She is seven years old and Len’s east coast
horse and LOVES her job. Doing the straightness exercises with her only seems to solidify our bond and relationship. It is a beautiful way to “stretch her out”
without forcing her to lunge in the all too traditional sense. She just gets better and better. Her attitude and cooperation is wonderful!
Happy trails, my friends. Get ready for the ride of your life!
Sincerely,
Paula Fitzpatrick, Alpine, Ca. / Hinsdale N.H.
“I met Bethany Pappani in the spring of 2007, when I was looking for a new home for my Arabian gelding. I was going abroad for several months, and I needed someone I could completely trust on all aspects of natural horse care, including boarding, diet, ground handling, trail training, and endurance conditioning. Bethany did all that and more with my gelding during the summer of 2007. When I came back several months later, I found my horse thriving, easy to handle (you could hardly groom him before), confident and forward in the trails, and essentially ready for his endurance career. I still have my horse under a full-training program with Bethany Pappani, which really is a holistic natural horse care program. Bethany never stops surprising me with her ability to handle difficult horses, from grooming to vet procedures, from safe hauling to trail riding. This ability is part natural talent and part love for the animals; it cannot be explained by mere knowledge and experience. It’s also the love for the sport, as obvious in her meticulous preparation for competitive rides. It’s a real pleasure to be introduced to this complex sport of endurance riding with Bethany taking care of every detail and, to be honest, doing all the hard work, while I can enjoy the miles of fun riding.”
Paolo Padoan, Astral-Physics Professor
Barcelona, Spain/Poway, CA
Trail & Arena lesson Testimonials
“I recently had a long-time friend and his grandson visit from Minnesota. Bethany Pappani took the three of us on a wonderful late afternoon trail ride. Bethany allowed each of us to groom our own horse and helped us "tack up" for the ride. Bethany did a great job assessing each person's riding ability and she matched us up perfectly with just the right horse for our ride. Once on the horses, we walked, we trotted, we galloped and had an absolutely great ride up and down hills and across the fields. Joey had the biggest smile on his face the entire time! His only complaint was he wanted to ride on and on! After they left the next day I received a text message from Dave saying his grandson said the best thing about the trip to California was the great horseback ride Bethany took us on! He can't wait to come back to California and ride with her again. Thank you Bethany, for the great ride!”
Carolyn,
Pine Valley, CA
Ride: Family Trail Experience
“I have been a student of Bethany’s for the past six months, riding in the arena but mostly on trails in the surrounding mountains, which she possesses an extensive knowledge of. Bethany’s passion for horses, enthusiasm for riding, and horse handling skills makes her the ideal teacher. She is continuously improving her own horsemanship skills and passes down her knowledge in a natural, easy manner that makes learning from her a truly pleasurable experience. I feel very comfortable riding trails with Bethany; she has a keen awareness of her surroundings and anticipates situations that could cause problems.”
Richard Haak,
San Diego, CA
Standard Trail Lesson Package
“The trail ride was definitely the best ride we have ever been on. It was wonderful and just perfect. Nothing to complain about. Jackie was totally surprised about the whole experience and kept asking where we were going, but I was persistent in not letting her know a thing. She loved it and the champagne and sunset view at the top of the mountain made the entire experience even greater. We can't stop thinking about how much fun this was, and can't wait to come back for our next ride. The horses were amazing as well. We have never felt so comfortable riding a horse, and Bethany's horses were truly amazing, and felt very secure and safe the entire time. We've been spreading the word ever since and it looks like her parents may be interested in scheduling a ride very soon. Thank you and Bethany so much for your assistance and for such a memorable experience.”
Francisco,
San Diego, CA
Ride: Romantic Ride through Countryside, Trailside Champagne
“As a skilled sharp shooter, Annie Oakley was right on target. Bethany Pappani is also on target when it comes to horses. Her knowledge in Western and English riding styles and horse training is also perfected with grace and beauty. As a seasoned equestrian professional, Bethany’s patient attitude with her students also reflects the love she has for her horses. With a gentle smile, a twinkle in her eye, and a wiggle in her saddle, Bethany Pappani can give you a challenge on the trail. If you like riding steep canyons with narrow trails and rocks big enough to make your eyeballs pop out of your head, then give Bethany a call. She can really make you yell YAHOO when it comes to horseback trail riding. I would best describe Bethany Pappani’s equestrian skills with three words: pleasant, patient, and perfectionism. Her knowledge and love for horses is respected by her students as well as by her colleagues. When it comes to horses, Bethany Pappani is a true professional!”
Richard Ybarra,
San Diego, CA
Standard Trail Lesson Package
Youth Program Testimonials
"We have four children ranging in age from 3 to 9 (two boys and two girls), and all four love taking lessons with Bethany and Len. Our older daughter started lessons with Bethany five years ago when she was three and never wanted to leave. Now all four of our children share that same enthusiasm for riding lessons. Both Bethany and Len have a unique and amazing way not only with the horses, but also our children. Our kids have loved every experience there and always leave wanting to come back as soon as they can! Bethany and Len have given our children the gift of a life-long love of horses, and also the confidence they gain with each lesson. It is amazing to see Bethany and Len making a difference in the lives of so many young children. As parents, we cannot think of a more enriching and enjoyable activity for all of our kids! Riding brings out something wonderful in each of them!"
-Elizabeth Brady,
Pine Valley, CA
"Distinction Ranch’s Jr Buckaroo’s is great program. My daughters’ Koral and Rainy have been lucky enough to be part of it for the last four years. They have learned how to understand, love, and respect animals. It has made them more confident in them elves, and more patient. We found a whole new side to our daughters that would have never been exposed if it weren't for Distinction Ranch. Len and Bethany are excellent trainers and treat our daughters very well, and can easily keep their attention. They are very generous as they have also given Koral Ricochet, a miniature horse, and have taken both of them in parades. It's been a wonderful experience we feel very blessed to be part of."
Sara Richardson, Guatay Ca.
"Our experience with Distinction Ranch Jr Buckaroo’s has been nothing short of spectacular. My daughter Kaden began receiving lessons in 2011 at the age of 5. She had always been “horse crazy” and was eager to learn to ride. The cost of lesson was prohibitive so she had to settle for the occasional pony ride at a carnival or fair. We heard about the pro-bono youth program from a friend and quickly applied. Little did I know then, that filling out that application would not only fulfill Kaden’s dream of riding, but eventually that of her sister and brother. From the very first day Kaden was made to feel comfortable around the horses but was taught to have a respect for not only their size but their individual natures, needs and likes. Kaden has learned the importance of grooming, correct equipment and overall horsemanship. She understands the huge responsibility that comes with caring for a horse. Bethany is an incredible trainer who demands the best from her students. She is intuitive in understanding what each child is capable of and has the ability to push each child to his or her personal best. Bethany pairs the students with impeccably trained horses that provide the students the opportunity to demonstrate competence. On many occasions I have seen Kaden push herself to rise to the challenges that Bethany sets.
For me, the thrill of seeing Kaden sit so tall and confident in the saddle is a feeling that is unmatched. I see the light in her eyes and the ear to ear smile on her face and I feel incredibly indebted to Distinction Ranch for giving her this opportunity. "
Sincerely,
Shannon Rowe, La Mesa Ca.
Canine Testimonials
Lacey Mae was only a puppy, full of energy when she was hit by a delivery truck.. Although I was so grateful she survived, I was heartbroken when the vet said she was injured on her growth plate and she would not be able to run again. Her passion of going out on trail while I rode my horses with her was never going to happen again. Moreover, she would need to be leashed at all times and she would have a permanent limp.
Well thank God I had one of my horses in rehab/ training with Bethany. I asked her if she thought she could help Lacey. She immediately felt, without a doubt, that she could help heal Lacey. I thought it was worth a try although truthfully, I didn't hold out much hope.
Bethany did daily therapies on Lacey and kept her on a consistent regime, keeping Lacey happy and safe.
After two weeks Bethany said come pick her up, she is ready. I went to get her and Bethany said “come here Lacey, mom’s here” I'M SERIOUS- Lacey, my sweet puppy, ran to me with no limp. I was shocked! In awe! And to this day lacey and I are truly thankful. We go on trail all the time and I'm actually saying “ Lacey slow down! The horses cant keep up!”
Laura Anne Retoske, Orange County, Ca