“Our prayer is that by our presence at the ranch, we can spread some love, knowledge and bless you and your horses on your journey together.”
When Monica Marsh received her first pony as a gift at the age of 6-years-old, she had no idea that it would spawn a lifetime of helping others understand just how beautiful (and influential) horses can be.
She grew up in Kansas City, where she says 4-H taught her about horses, friendships and competition.
“I started showing at the age of 8 and never stopped!" Monica says. "My family tirelessly supported me at local shows, circuit shows and then AQHA shows. In middle school, I discovered my love for the speed events. I worked at a race track in Iowa, then at a stable in Overland Park, and later at an 80-acre breeding facility in Louisburg, Kansas. I am well-versed in caring for numerous horses, have raised and trained several foals of my own and competed all over the country. I was given a scholarship to KSU and SWOSU, where rodeo became my focus. I competed in college and professional rodeos and had the opportunity to raise and train a few great horses.”
It wasn’t until her daughter was born with a disability that Monica turned to helping individuals with special needs through equine therapy.
By using horses in a therapeutic way, Monica’s daughter, Krosby (who has been riding since the age of 2), not only rides somewhat independently but has won three world championships in the Equestrians with Disabilities classes at the Palomino World Show two years in a row.
“Horses give back to humans in so many ways,” Monica says. “They taught me love, respect, hope, hard work and perseverance.”
Monica believes that, “each horse is a gift, and that it is our job to help that animal be as healthy and successful as it can be.”
It was that passion that led her to the executive director position at TREE House of Greater St. Louis (local equine therapy center) for many years.
But owning her own horse ranch had been a dream of Monica's for many years. That dream has come true with the ranch she and her husband, Kenton, now own in Wentzville called Four Arrows Ranch at Dardenne Creek.
“Our prayer is that by our presence at the ranch, we can spread some love, knowledge and bless you and your horses on your journey together,” Monica says.
The horse ranch consists of 27 heated stalls, an indoor and outdoor riding arena, large flat green fields and trails for outdoor riding, and classes in both Western and English riding. They also offer lessons, summer camp and birthday parties.
The Marshes also own a healthcare company that focuses on the care of seniors and individuals with disabilities and live two miles from the ranch. They have two children, Krosby and Kurt.
