“Horses have always been my passion. I love their honesty, I love their athleticism, I love the way they smell. If I can’t be around them, I ache.”

Bethany Pappani was born to love horses. Growing up in Gilroy, California, Bethany’s rehabilitative nature soon found its calling when she came across her first horse. He was a gelding who suffering from severe malnutrition. Rebel was kind and willing. After several months of proper feeding, Rebel & Bethany found themselves competing in local Gymkhanas, barrel racing and pole bending among other events. Sadly, due to family finances beyond her control, Rebel was sold less than a year later. Tragically, he suffered a fatal episode of colic soon after. It was determined, despite the good intention of his new owners, overfeeding of grain & alfalfa contributed to his death. Bethany’s dedication to rehabilitation and nutrition was shaped from this experience.

Bethany Pappani Training was born from the excruciating hole losing Rebel created. With a dedication to equestrian living, fueled by a respect for the remarkable spirit of the horse, Bethany Pappani has continued working with challenged horses, transforming their lives and the lives of their partners.

Beginning at Foothill Arabians in Japatul, horses soon started to arrive. It wasn’t what Bethany had expected from what was started as a conditioning business. Most of the clients who sought her expertise had troubled horses and had been through several trainers with minimal or no results. Bethany found cases horrible cases of neglect and abuse that were appalling. She immediately knew her mission.

An eclectic group of horses was developing. She was helping Thoroughbreds, Paso Finos, Appaloosa’s, Akhal-Teke crosses, Andalusians and more. Rehabilitation and proper starting became her focus. Bethany Pappani’s commitment to furthering her own education became the top priority. 

In March of 2008, Bethany became acquainted with Patrice Edwards. Instantly impressed with Patrice, Bethany became involved in arranging clinics locally, including hosting them at Windfall Ranch to provide the opportunity for all of her students, clients and horses to benefit.  Patrice Edwards is committed to the classical approach to dressage training, promoting a traditional approach of methods that have been used for centuries yet are still relevant to today’s training. Her equestrian upbringing was diverse in style and influence, having teachers from Portuguese, English & German origin.

Patrice Edwards calls upon a wide variety of these influences to reach a personal understanding for each horse and rider partnership, and applies it all with a sense of humor thrown into the mix.  The time spent with Patrice offers riders of all levels and disciplines an opportunity to explore classical training principles that focus on the biomechanics of both horse and rider.  Emphasis is placed on balance and harmony throughout the training scale.  Patrice is an early and current life member of the TTT - "Training the Teachers of Tomorrow Trust" in the UK. The TTT is designed with "noblesse oblige" in the forefront and desires to teach others to train correctly in traditional classical style.  Trainers for the TTT are presently Charles DeKunffy, Arthur Kottas, Stephen Clarke ("O" judge), Klaus Balkenhol, Herwig Radnetter & Capt. Mark Phillips. www.ttttrust.com/welcome.asp  In these times of harsh and heavy-handed riding, her equestrian lifeblood has been the Trust, which she has been involved with for over 14 years, and whose aims and desires are to train correctly with respect for the art of classical riding where the horse is the center of the art.

In 2009, Bethany also added the coaching & instruction of Len Judd. Len is an internationally acclaimed horseman. He has spent his life learning about horses and working with them. This type of communicating leads to development a relationship that is not based on pressure, force or fear. Len starts colts, trains horses, re-starts problem horses, teaches horsemanship and holds cattle working clinics. www.lenjuddhorsepower.com

Please see Calendar of Events for Upcoming Clinic Dates.

Bethany Pappani continues to specialize in rehabilitative training at Windfall Ranch in Japatul Valley. All horses are handled daily and all breeds are welcome. Bethany Pappani prides herself on a natural approach toward creating willing and respectful equine partners. She takes a holistic view; including saddle fit, hoof care, Chiropractic evaluation, dental care, and diet when considering behavioral issues. She embraces a partnership between traditional veterinary care and cutting edge, alternative rehabilitation techniques & therapies. (See featured “Before & After” stories on Stem Cells, Prolotherapy and Veterinary Acupuncture.)

Bethany Pappani Training has developed a reputation for rehabilitating horses with little or no hope. Not only bringing them back just to service, but COMPETITION. This is her foundation. 

Bethany still participates in Endurance & Ride and Tie events. She mentors junior riders and recruits & coaches Ride and Tie rookies. Bethany Pappani will now share her love of horses with San Diego community youth through the creation of the non-profit organization Reins on Manes. Reins on Manes proudly partners with many rehabilitated horses in hopes they can inspire children in challenging circumstances to rise above their own obstacles and achieve their goals.

“Every day I wake up to the incredible joy knowing these beautiful creatures are in my life, these horses are my family. How can I NOT share it with children with those same dreams?”