Where authentic connection grows

Wild and True

A sensory-rich, nature-inspired occupational therapy program designed for authentic growth, regulation, and connection through science, nature, intuition, community, and creative expression.

Science, Sensation, Connection

Redefine Wellness for Horses and Humans

Nestled in the rolling pastures of Ridgefield, Washington, our second location expands OT Works vision of integrative, nature-based occupational therapy.

The farm features:

An Olympic-sized indoor arena for year-round sensory-motor and mounted work
Sprawling pastures for unstructured exploration and movement
A heated viewing room for family involvement and observation
Four therapy horses, each selected for temperament, movement quality, and relational depth
A setting designed for authentic connection, body–mind regulation, and co-regulation between horse and human

Our Shared Philosophy

Re-examining What Therapy Truly Means

Traditional therapy — whether human or equine — often starts from the outside: fixing behavior, form, or function.
We start from the inside out — from the body’s sensory, postural, and emotional roots.

Healing and performance begin in the nervous system — in the rhythm of movement, the precision of proprioception, the stability of the core, and the safety of connection. From this foundation, we build strength, coordination, executive function, and authentic partnership.

Therapy That:

Starts bottom-up — through sensation, movement, and co-regulation
Integrates top-down — through reflection, intention, and learning
Honors both the science of healing and the art of relationship

Make it stand out

Riding Academy

Level One: Foundations in Connection
Every horse and rider, no matter their experience, begins here. This foundational level focuses on building the sensory, postural, and emotional groundwork needed for safe, confident, and authentic connection.
What We Do
Children participate in both mounted and unmounted activities designed to develop:
- Body awareness and balance (postural control)
- Smooth coordination between left and right sides of the body (bilateral integration)
- Confidence in trying new movements (praxis)
- The ability to stay calm and focused during activity (sensory modulation)
- Trust and authentic communication through interaction with the horse
How It Works
The horse’s natural, rhythmic movement provides dynamic sensory input to the body’s vestibular and proprioceptive systems. This movement helps children:
- Regulate energy and emotions
- Improve focus and attention
- Plan and adjust movements in real time
Through this embodied experience, riders begin to organize sensory information and movement, laying the foundation for emotional regulation, executive functioning, and future riding skills.
Groundwork & Connection
Before mounting, children learn to communicate and move with horses through gentle groundwork. This includes:
- Basic horsemanship skills such as leading, grooming, and safe handling
- Reading equine body language—recognizing signs of comfort, curiosity, or stress
- Masterson Method® principles—gentle, hands-on techniques that help horses release tension through trust and cooperation
Through these experiences, children learn to see the horse as a partner in regulation, not just a mode of movement. They develop empathy, patience, and co-regulation, skills that transfer to human relationships and self-awareness.
Sensory Integration in Motion
Mounted sessions at the walk provide vestibular and proprioceptive input, helping the nervous system organize and regulate. Children learn to:
- Adjust their body and breath to the horse’s movement
- Process sensory input and plan adaptive responses
- Strengthen attention, timing, and postural control
This sensory-rich foundation prepares riders for emotional growth, executive function, and connected movement, both in the saddle and in daily life.
Riders continue their journey by deepening sensory, emotional, and motor skills. Level Two expands on foundational skills to improve coordination, communication, and self-regulation both on the ground and in the saddle.
Skills:
Children engage in mounted and unmounted activities designed to:
- Refine postural control and dynamic balance
- Enhance bilateral coordination and smooth movement sequencing
- Strengthen confidence in complex movements (praxis)
- Develop emotional awareness and self-regulation through interaction with the horse
- Explore authentic communication and trust-building
How It Works
As horses and riders move together, children experience:
- Enhanced vestibular and proprioceptive input, refining the nervous system’s ability to organize movement
- Opportunities to practice adaptive motor planning and attention in real time
- Development of emotional regulation through co-regulation with the horse
Children also begin to recognize their impact on the horse’s balance and mood, fostering empathy, awareness, and confidence.
Groundwork & Connection
Level Two introduces more structured groundwork and bodywork techniques:
- Masterson Method® exercises to release tension and support the horse’s comfort
- Refined horsemanship skills, including leading patterns, safe positioning, and interactive exercises
- Reading equine cues in more complex scenarios, enhancing communication and anticipation
Through these experiences, children learn to respond thoughtfully, regulate their own energy, and deepen the partnership with their horse.
Sensory Integration in Motion
Mounted activities
Focus on dynamic postural adjustments, timing, and movement
Overview:
- Children practice feedforward and feedback adjustments to coordinate with the horse
- Sensory input from horse movement supports attention, focus, and emotional regulation
- Riders begin to integrate core strength, breath, and balance to influence the horse safely
Level Two solidifies skills for more independent riding, executive functioning, and emotional resilience, building a confident bridge to advanced work.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
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