IN THE
COMPANY OF
HORSES
Meaningful horse therapy helping individuals overcome challenges
and improve life skills
Meet the team and herd making equine-assisted therapy and learning possible
You won’t find the Unbridled Hope team “in the office,” rather we meet with clients outdoors and in the barn or pasture. We believe that when individuals are in the company of horses, they can overcome mental health, physical, and behavioral challenges to live a more fulfilling life.
The Nexus Hope Foundation started Unbridled Hope to offer therapeutic programming to individuals navigating co-occurring physical, behavioral, and mental health challenges. Although there is a buzz around integrated care, not many healthcare professionals follow this model, causing individuals to receive fragmented care at best. Through programs like equine-assisted psychotherapy, individuals can begin to heal as a whole person from trauma, injury, or other conditions.
Providing an effective mental health treatment model — that works
Unbridled Hope pictures a world where equine-assisted interventions are actively used in mental health treatment and to support physical and emotional wellness.
MISSION
Using the power of horses to build hope, connection, and healing in our communities through equine assisted therapy and services
Vision
We envision a world where equine assisted interventions are actively used to improve wellness.
Ready to start healing with horses?
Get in touch today for more information
or to schedule an initial assessment.
Meet our equine
therapy team
The Unbridled Hope mental health treatment team looks forward to working with individuals to find hope and healing.
Rachael Long, MA, MSW, LCSW, CTP
Rachael Long is the Director of Unbridled Hope LLC. She is a leader, social worker, therapist, animal lover, and advocate for the underprivileged and underserved.
Before working to get Unbridled Hope off the ground, Rachael has been in the human service field for over 20 years. Most recently, Rachael served as an executive director for mental health clinics serving approximately 2,000 clients and 80+ staff. Rachael takes pride in leading quality clinical programs with an emphasis on improving client self-sufficiency.
Rachael is a licensed social worker in both Arizona and Texas. She earned a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University as well as a master’s degree from Boston University. Early in her life, Rachael developed a passion for horses. As a teen she was able to save her money and purchase her first horse, Pico, an Arab gelding. Still a die-hard horse lover and now a therapist, equine assisted services became a natural fit. She is a certified mental health professional with the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) and has observed firsthand the healing power of animals, especially horses. When she’s not working, she loves searching for the perfect taco or margarita, traveling, doing art, or going on road trips.
Suzanne Skotheim, LMSW
Suzanne Skotheim serves as a contract therapist for Unbridled Hope. She has been in the mental health field for over 15 years and specializes in working with adults, children, and families who have experienced significant trauma. During the span of her career, she has served as a therapist, manager, and director. Her favorite thing about being a social worker is watching clients make progress on their treatment goals.
Suzanne was introduced to horses as a child and participated heavily in 4H. Her first horse, a chestnut quarter horse named Zip, had a love of peppermints and Pepsi; Zip was known for trying to steal a can of Pepsi if you weren’t careful. She is an animal lover with 2 rescue fur-babies at home.
Suzane has a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. In her free time, Suzanne loves the outdoors, hiking specifically and all things soccer. One day she would like to attend a World Cup game or hike from rim to rim of the Grand Canyon.
Bonnie Louwerens, Equine Specialist
Bonnie is an Equine Specialist with Unbridled Hope, where she combines her deep respect for horses with a passion for supporting others through meaningful connection and experiential learning. Introduced to horses as a teenager, she has spent years developing her horsemanship skills and sharing her knowledge with others, guided by a deep appreciation for the unique relationship between horses and people.
A proud veteran of the United States Air Force and Air National Guard, Bonnie has a special interest in supporting fellow veterans through equine-assisted services. She continues to expand her professional training in the field and plans to complete EAGALA certification training in 2026.
Outside of the barn, Bonnie is an avid cat lover and aspiring author who enjoys channeling her creativity and life experiences into storytelling with heart and purpose.
Meet our equine
PARTNERS
Jessie James | 12 years old
Pony
Named after the spirited redheaded cowgirl from Toy Story, Jessie has plenty of personality to match her name. Adopted from Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society after a difficult start in life, Jessie has found her calling connecting with people. She loves attention, splashing in the water, and will happily walk alongside clients as they lead her from their wheelchairs. Her smaller size makes her just right for some of the very best horse hugs—and she’ll do almost anything if snacks are part of the deal.
Superpower: Proving that a difficult beginning doesn’t get to decide the rest of your story.
Reveille | Mid-20s
Arabian
Meet Reveille, the debonair gentleman of our therapy horse team. Sweet, curious, and exceptionally intuitive, Rev has a special way of offering quiet confidence and support to clients, particularly those impacted by trauma. His mom says he had plenty of sass in his younger years, but these days he’s traded youthful mischief for the good life—attention, connection, and a well-earned retirement career helping others.
Superpower: Knowing when someone needs a little extra courage—and quietly lending them some of his.
Apollo | 7 YEARS OLD
Arabian
American Cream & American Sugarbush Harlequin Draft Cross
Known as our gentle giant, Apollo brings a calm, steady presence to sessions and has a special way of connecting with clients. He loves snuggles, carrots, and simply spending time with his people. Outside of his therapy work, Apollo’s playful personality shines—especially when costumes are involved!
Superpower: Making people feel safe, seen, and a little more hopeful.
PENNY | 16 YEARS OLD
Andalusian–Friesian Cross
Meet Penny—Mama Bella’s not-so-little baby and one of the founding horses of Unbridled Hope. Donated alongside Bella by Dr. and Mrs. Lilly, Penny is smart, expressive, playful, and just mischievous enough to keep everyone on their toes.
Penny remains closely bonded to her mama, and the two often work together in sessions, offering clients a unique opportunity to explore connection, communication, relationships, and individuality. While Penny may be Mama’s baby, she definitely has a personality all her own!
She is highly motivated by snacks and will begrudgingly participate in most costume-related activities—as long as a treat related compensation package is acceptable.
Superpower: Reminding us that being connected doesn’t mean losing who you are.
BELLA “MAMA” | 19 years old
Andalusian
Sweet, sassy, and exceptionally intuitive, Bella is one of the founding horses of Unbridled Hope. She and her daughter, Penny, were generously donated to the program by Dr. Ralph and Mrs. Joyce Lilly in 2023 and have been helping make healing connections ever since.
Bella earned the nickname “Mama” from a client who noticed her natural tendency to look after everyone—and the name stuck! Whether she’s patiently standing for grooming, nuzzling a client in a wheelchair, offering a shoulder to cry on, or quietly walking beside someone who needs a little extra confidence, Bella seems to know just what people need. She’ll even greet you with a nicker when you approach her pasture…although there’s always a chance she’s checking for carrots or alfalfa-apple cookies.
Superpower: Knowing what you need—sometimes before you do.
A tribute to Dr. Ralph B Lilly
A dear friend and deeply respected ally of the Nexus Hope Foundation, Dr. Ralph B Lilly influenced the creation of Unbridled Hope. Learn more about his healthcare legacy and love of Western culture and the Houston equestrian community.
He was instrumental in saving lives and bringing new research in neurology, neurobehavioral health, and brain injury rehabilitation to light.
In 1980 Dr. Lilly suffered a traumatic brain injury that changed the course of his life and his medical career. He became a dedicated advocate for the fair treatment and opportunities available to patients who had experienced a trauma.
Dr. Lilly was actively involved in the Houston equestrian community during his tenure in Texas. The Nexus Hope Foundation is proud to support his legacy with the dedication of the Ralph B Lilly, MD Equestrian Center—coming soon!