Episode 247: Cheryl Erpelding from Bethany's Gait Ranch

Episode 247: Cheryl Erpelding from Bethany's Gait Ranch

Author: Dr. Brian Lenzkes April 23, 2025 Duration: 31:21

Thank you for tuning in for another episode of Life's Best Medicine.

Cheryl Erpelding is the Horsemanship Director at Bethany's Gait Ranch—a non profit ranch that pairs rescue horses with active duty, veterans, first responders, and their families to help both heal and grow.

Cheryl has years of experience in horsemanship, riding, training, teaching, and showing. Before leaving California in 2023, she was a wrangler and volunteer at the Saddles in Service non-profit that helped veterans, first responders, and others with PTSD. She helped them learn how to work with horses and taught them how to ride. She continues to work with military/first responders at Bethany's Gait in the same fashion.

 

In this episode, Dr. Brian and Cheryl talk about…

  • (00:00) Intro
  • (04:43) What Bethany's Gait Ranch is and how Cheryl got involved with them
  • (05:44) Why being and working with horses can help veterans struggling with PTSD
  • (12:34) How horses are able to sense humans' emotional states
  • (14:16) Success stories of veterans who have improved their PTSD and quality of life at Bethany's Gait
  • (17:32) Some interesting facts about horses that non-horse-people probably don't know
  • (21:14) Family events and activities at Bethany's Gait Ranch
  • (22:06) Fundraiser events coming up at Bethany's Gait
  • (24:26) How veterans can get in touch with Bethany's Gait
  • (25:57) Other services and resources offered by Bethany's Gait
  • (27:13) Outro

 

For more information, please see the links below. Thank you for listening!

 

Links:

 

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

 

Cheryl Erpelding:

 

Dr. Brian Lenzkes: 

 

HLTH Code:

  • HLTH Code Promo Code: METHEALTH

• • HLTH Code Website: https://gethlth.com


What does it truly mean to be well? For Dr. Brian Lenzkes, the answer stretches far beyond a chart of lab results. On the Life's Best Medicine Podcast, he explores the interconnected layers of a whole life, where physical health is deeply woven into the fabric of our relationships, our sense of purpose, and our spiritual grounding. Each conversation moves past simplistic advice to consider how family, community, and personal faith shape our daily resilience. You’ll hear from a variety of guests who share candid stories-not just of medical recovery, but of profound human connection, unexpected compassion, and quiet heroism found in everyday challenges. Dr. Lenzkes brings his perspective as a practicing physician who believes healing is a multifaceted endeavor. This isn't a lecture series; it's a collection of genuine dialogues that remind us our wellbeing is a holistic story still being written. Tune into this podcast for thoughtful reflections that might just change how you view your own health, relationships, and place in the world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Life's Best Medicine Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 294: Cynthia Thurlow [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:11
Cynthia Thurlow is a nurse practitioner, bestselling author, and leading voice in women's metabolic health. With over two decades of clinical experience, she's known for translating complex science into practical strateg…
Episode 292: Elliot Overton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:33
Elliot Overton is a nutritionist based in France, and is considered to be an expert in the clinical application of high-dose thiamine therapy. Elliot frequently lectures and speaks at educational events aimed at practiti…
Episode 291: Dr. Kimberly Albarran [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:14
Dr. Kimberly Albarran is a physician and thoughtful voice in modern medicine, known for her patient-centered approach and commitment to improving health outcomes beyond the exam room. With a background that blends clinic…
Episode 290: Joe Duarte [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:26
Joe Duarte is a social psychologist focused on how culture, identity, and group dynamics shape the way we think, behave, and connect. His work explores the psychological forces driving polarization, belonging, and belief…
Episode 289: Veronica Thompson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:01
Veronica Thompson, LCSW, is a certified trauma therapist, a committed Christian, and a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. She has dedicated more than twenty years to helping children, teens, and families navigate and ov…
Episode 288: Dr. Jason Fung [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:34
Dr. Jason Fung is a Canadian nephrologist and leading voice in metabolic health, best known for making the science of fasting and insulin resistance simple, practical, and empowering. Through his books, lectures, and cli…
Episode 287: David Schmitz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:37
David Schmitz, along with his wife, is the co-founder of Keto Keto Carnivore. Keto Keto Carnivore is a keto/carnivore-centered bakery and restaurant on Route 66 in Kingman Arizona. They offer Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free, See…
Episode 286: Kayla Girgen, RD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:54
Kayla Girgen, RD, LD, CPT is a registered dietitian and metabolic health coach helping people move beyond dieting into sustainable strength and metabolic health. Known for integrating nutrition with practical movement, s…
Episode 285: Dr. Ron Elfenbein [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:48
Dr. Ron Elfenbein is an emergency physician and healthcare entrepreneur who found himself at the center of a high-stakes legal battle after being indicted on federal healthcare fraud charges. Maintaining his innocence, h…