New Director Takes the Reins at Therapeutic Horsemanship

Monica Marsh found the sign she needed to point her toward a job that combined her love of horses and helping those with disabilities.

Literally, it was a sign in front of the nonprofit organization in Wentzville. Marsh said she spotted the sign while driving with her then-infant daughter in an effort to lure the youngster to sleep.

Marsh, , has been with the organization since 2009 and has helped hundreds of patients through the use of horses as therapy. Now she has taken the reigns of the program that also provides therapy for her now 4-year-old daughter Krosby.

"I have been into horses all my life—riding and competing for many, many years," Marsh said. "Horses are a passion of mine. And when my daughter was born with a disability, I didn't know how I was going to combine my love of horses and love of people with disabilities."

Krosby had been born three months earlier with Down's Syndrome as Marsh was finishing her master's degree in therapy.

It was a perfect fit for her, Marsh said, and soon she was serving as the program's director of special events and managing volunteer programs and community outreach.

"It was where my future and where (Krosby's) future was," Marsh said.

TH provides therapy on horseback for about 200 individuals annually, including those with autism, Down's Syndrome, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. A majority of the riders are children.

Military veterans are also treated for post-traumatic stress disorder through a Horses for Heroes program.

A waiting list that includes veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan has Marsh aiming to expand the organization's service.

"One of the goals of the organizations is to expand our reach," Marsh said.

"Our goal is to expand our options for people with disabilities whether they are kids or adults, and also veterans coming home with post-traumatic stress disorder. And not to have people on the waiting list. We need to make sure they get the services they need," Marsh said.

Marsh is a certified riding instructor, and has successfully owned and operated two family businesses.

"We are thrilled to have Monica on board to lead Therapeutic Horsemanship," Board of Directors Chairman Nile Ramsbottom said.

"We believe that Monica's experience in sales and management combined with her extensive knowledge of horses and personal dedication to the cause will be a tremendous asset to the organization as it continues to grow its programs and outreach effort."

For more information about Therapeutic Horsemanship, visit www.thstl.org.