Meet Rescue Horse 'Toasted Marshmallow': Spotlight On HHH Ranch

'Spotlight on HHH Ranch' will be a recurring feature highlighting the animals of Manhattan rescue farm HHH Ranch, submitted by farm staff. The farm is located at 14101 W. Bruns Road in Manhattan, and is a 501(c)(3).

MANHATTAN, IL — Toast came to us from auction for slaughter in April of 2018.

When he arrived he was severely emaciated (about 400 lbs underweight), had a viral infection, his teeth had never been floated, he had cuts all over his body, and his feet were so overgrown they looked like dinner plates. Even worse, he had been beaten so badly that he no longer had a flight response, but a fight and would try charging you.

Founder and lead trainer Christine Doran was pregnant at the time and could not work with him because he was too dangerous to be in the pen with. Instead, we worked on getting his physical wounds to heal.

His infection caused him to have a constant cough and horrible discharge that we had to keep him separated for weeks from the other horses. He had a lump on his head that we find common with horses that are hit with 2x4's when they do something the rider doesn't want them to do.

He was without a doubt terrified of EVERY person he came in contact with EXCEPT a small, non-verbal child that would shake his stall door like crazy!

Danny knew Toast needed to know what love was and that there was good in the world.

— HHH Ranch

Normally, horses would not appreciate having such noise, especially scared horses. However, every week that Danny would visit to ride one of our lesson horses, Toast would go from his usual position of butt facing everyone to leaning over his stall and kissing Danny's nose.

The bond was incredible and put everyone in tears.

After Ms. Christine had her baby, she began to work with Toast and what he has become is truly amazing.

He has this kind soul that understands a language that our students do not have to speak. He's one of our main horses that we use for our suicidal students, our participants that throw desks across the room, our kiddos that are non-verbal or simply feel lost in this crazy world.

He understands them, as he's been that lost, too. He went from the horse that even the founder couldn't be around when pregnant, to the most gentle soul who wants to help heal wounds that people cannot see.