Our Team
Dr. Susan Zapf - Occupational Therapist
Dr. Zapf is an Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Professional with over 27 years of experience working with the pediatric population in both private practice and the school-based settings. She is Board Certified in Pediatrics and has her Sensory Integration Certification. She completed her Level 1 and 2 Hippotherapy coursework from the American Hippotherapy Association in April of 2022. She is a member of the American Hippotherapy Association. As an occupational therapist, she is passionate about helping children and their families develop skills to reach their full potential and she believes that occupational therapy using animals, the natural environment, and assistive technology can be powerful interventions to assist in this process. Dr. Zapf is excited to be riding again now that her kids are grown. She has a passion for horses and is excited to be work with Reining Potential in developing and providing therapy services to clients at Loving Heats Ranch. Dr. Zapf has a concern for the current state of education and the overwhelming addiction of children to social media and electronics and goals are to design an educational program that brings children back in balance with animals and nature.
Amy Reynolds - Horse Lead/Trainer
Amy Reynolds retired in December 2021 from NASA - Johnson Space Center after a 36 year federal service career. Horses have been her passion since she was a little girl. Growing up in Indiana, she rode and showed American Saddlebred horses during her youth. Amy and her family have been involved with western/therapeutic riding and Quarter horses for almost 20 years. Inspired by her son Jay, who has Downs Syndrome, Loving Hearts Ranch was founded in 2012 to provided an opportunity for special needs friends to participate in therapeutic horseback activities. Amy is a horse enthusiast and certified Special Olympics equestrian coach. She loves building special relationships between her amazing horses and riders, and feels blessed to have the opportunity to work with them!
Austin Nelson - Horse Lead
Austin Nelson is a senior at Clear Springs High School in League City, TX. After graduation in May, Austin plans to pursue a degree in Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University. He is an avid lover of country music, playing music with his family at the Hometown Opry in Pasadena, TX. He also enjoys playing various instruments in his church's praise band. Austin grew up with his grandfather's three horses and feel in love with equine from an early age. Austin loves working with and encouraging kids as a member of CSHS's PALs program. For the past year and a half he's had the privilege of mentoring several elementary school students on a consistent basis. In addition to his riding experience with fellow team member Amy Reynolds, Austin has previously been a Horse Leader at another therapeutic riding program for special needs children. Austin truly has a passion for horses and gets a lot of joy from working with kids.
Coco
Coco is a sixteen year-old Chocolate Palomino Reining horse. She has competed in many competitions prior to working with Reining Potential. She does fancy spins and is a sweet and calm horse and enjoys working with the children in the program.
Bandit
Bandit is a twenty-two year old American Paint Quarter Horse. He was a show-horse prior to working for Reining Potential. Bandit belongs to Dr. Zapf and is so excited to be working with kids. He is very sweet and loves hugs and his carrots.