Today we’d like to introduce you to Bethany Padgett.
Hi Bethany, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
One of my earliest memories is burying my face into a horse’s mane and inhaling the scent of a horse. There was no faking my body’s reaction to it. It affected me… in a very deep and profound way. Since that moment of first connection, I knew horses would be an intrinsic part of my journey through life. To strongly know what you are meant to do at such a young age is a tremendous gift. I never questioned it. My love for animals was clearly going to define my mission. I just didn’t know how it would manifest. Twenty-five years ago, in Ellenton, Florida I founded a successful training center for dressage, Telesis Equestrian Center.
It was a magical place where the horses were meticulously cared for, mind, body, and spirit. Because of the equestrian center, I was privy to the plight of animals in my community. Over time, I began to take in horses, dogs, cats, birds, goats, sheep, or any animal that needed my help. This became a large part of my life and ultimately I established a 501 C3 animal rescue, Telesis Animal Rescue, and committed myself passionately to helping abused, neglected, damaged horses and other animals. Their well-being became as important to me as my own breath. Healing them, body and soul consumed me. As a lifelong horse owner, I was accustomed to buying products that did little to help solve my problem. There is a corner of the wash rack was the evidence – dozens of half-empty bottles gathering dust, waiting to be thrown away.
Relics of promises from companies that didn’t care about the suffering I was faced with every day. Every horse owner has that place where dud products go to die and are forgotten. Unfortunately, it’s all part of the equine products game. I never paid much mind until I was faced with a barn full of sick horses who needed help. One thing that abused and neglected horses have in common is skin disease and wounds. I faced a barn full of horses with wounds, sweet itch, rain rot, scratches, sunburn, and all manner of skin disease. My frustration grew as I spent precious dollars on over the counter and veterinary products
With so many animals relying on me I finally had enough. Necessity truly was the mother of invention and I began to create products that performed quickly, effectively, predictably, and most of all painlessly. Equiderma Skin Lotion was my first product, born for my own personal use. n those early days, Equiderma Skin Lotion quickly became the “go-to” solution for skin problems. Since that time Equiderma has grown in product line and ethos. I am now able to help animals on a much broader scale. Words can’t express how rewarding this is.
The onus for each product was a particular animal in my care. I will always remember them with a grateful heart for this beautiful business they helped me create. It has been a difficult journey. The equine products industry is dominated by men and an old guard mentality. Equiderma has busted through that glass ceiling and now is the most respected brand in the market space.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a difficult journey. The equine products industry is dominated by men and an old guard mentality. Equiderma has busted through that glass ceiling and now is the most respected brand in the market space.
A lot of blood, sweat in tears were involved. Helping the animals heal has been the most difficult part of the ride. Seeing their suffering, usually caused by cruelty or neglect has been heart-wrenching, but so very rewarding to watch them heal and thrive. Trust again.
I suppose the business challenge was to take my knowledge of plant medicine and horses and parlay that into a business. Learning the industry was so multi-faceted and the learning curve was steep. Thankfully, I had several mentors that helped me along the way. Took me under their wings, believed in what I was doing, and showed me the way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Telesis Animal Health specializes in bringing plant-based grooming products to the equine grooming products space. We are best known for the high efficacy of our products.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Follow your passion. The rest will fall into place. Never look at the end picture but take it one step at a time. Otherwise, it will be overwhelming.
Contact Info:
- Email: bethany@equiderma.com
- Website: www.equiderma.com
- Instagram: @equiderma
- Facebook: The Most Coveted Products in the Barn
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Equiderma
Image Credits
Paul Farace
