Hello, My Name is Marshmellow.

Let's put my handsome looks aside for a moment and talk about my loving, calm, gentle personality. I’m a horse that doesn't have a bad day. Even if shenanigans are happening all around me, I just roll my eyes and head off to lay in the sun. I’m the stress-reliever of the rescue, hence my name is purposely misspelled. Spend a few minutes with me after a stressful day and you’re sure to feel more relaxed. I was CDHR’s second save, in 2010 before they were even an official non-profit. I was an Amish workhorse and CDHR rescued me from a kill pen in Pennsylvania. I was adopted by a wonderful family, but they moved across the country and everyone decided the move would be too stressful for me, so my friends at the rescue took me back. I’m an older gentleman, so my days of working are over, but now that I’m in retirement, I love spending time with kiddos and I’m up for an occasional lead-line pony ride. I love to see the kids smile and hear them laugh.

Sponsor Marshmellow

Marshmellow
Age: 31
Height: 17hh
Breed: Percheron Gelding

Health & Care: Has heaves and worn teeth, eats Senior and chopped alfalfa (no hay).

Hooves: He is sound, currently barefoot, and stands well for the farrier.

Suitable For: A comfortable, loving home where he can spend his retirement happy and healthy.

Enjoys: Turning his mustache green with alfalfa, baths, being groomed, long naps in a heavy bedded stall, going for walks in hand, sleeping in the sunshine.

Working On: Absolutely nothing! Our Marshmellow is a perfect gentleman.

Fun Fact: The history of the Percheron breed is not exactly clear. The Percheron Horse did originate in the province of Le Perche, near Normandy, France. The ancestors of the modern day Percheron served as war horses carrying knights into battle instead as draft animals in the field. Those horses were light, sure-footed and spirited. As agricultural pursuits began to take precedence over battles, these horses were bred more for size, weight and strength. The French, however, kept very few records regarding breeding which allows for speculation on the breeds true origins.

It is widely believed that the Arabian horse played an important role in the development of the Percheron. By the time of the crusades, the Percheron breed was widely recognized as outstanding for his substance and soundness, as well as for his characteristic beauty and style.

Adoption Application

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Marshmellow’s Angels

Marshmellow’s care, in part, is supported by the generous donations from these CDHR supporters:

Kari C., “ I dedicate my support in the name of my horse, Colin. He was a Belgian/Appy cross, or as I liked to say, a Beli-loosa. I adopted him and he was my heart horse.”
Ella H., “Ella asked for a donation in lieu of a birthday present! Great idea, Ella! From her friend, Sophie.”
Laura S.
Peter & Judith K. in honor of Elizabeth P. Fontneau
Laura S.
Sophie & Patrick W. in honor of Ella Hall! Happy Birthday!
Leona G.
Kelly Y. For Marshmellow and to a wonderful 2021!
Maria A. “What a Beauty!”

As many people know most draft horses enjoy having a job. As horses get older their jobs may need to change. When they were younger they may have worked farms, they may have been ridden regularly, they may have been jumpers, they may have pulled wagons, and carts. Sometimes the horse’s body just can’t keep up with its work ethic. So sometimes you have to be creative in giving them a job. Marshmellow is going to be 30 this year. He isn’t sound for work or riding anymore. About the most he could handle is a little kid pony ride in the yard once in a while. He’s pretty arthritic so moving is still important for him. So some of our volunteers were s talking about what we could do for Marshmellow. Something to help him to feel he had a purpose, a job again in his life. It started as a bit of a joke about letting him be our mailman and walk up and get the mail each day. Then it quickly turned into something more serious. I remembered there was a saddlebag in our donations and we knew just who to give it to! Erin turned the bag into a special mail carrier bag for Marshmellow!!! Not only does he enjoy it, but he is also so proud walking up to get the mail.

Stacey Randall, Farm Manager