Mini Horses & Marshmallow Kisses |
Marshmallow, the red-sneakered, miniature therapy horse. |
by Sheryl Wilde
Good things come in small packages, and that is certainly the case with miniature therapy horse, Marshmallow, from Hearts and Hooves in Ramona.
Marshmallow and his handler, Jeanne Benowitz, recently visited residents at MSCH – San Diego. |
MSCH-San Diego resident, Jimmy, shares kisses and hugs with Marshmallow. |
“All of the residents had a chance to interact with the horse,” says Gloria Mederos, MSCH – San Diego. “They really enjoyed it.
“But for MSCH – San Diego resident, Jimmy, it was a very special visit. Jimmy used to have a horse, and he was so excited. He was giving Marshmallow smooches, and hugs, and kisses! I think it brought back good memories for him.” |
Monica Peña, RC, MSCH – SD, enjoys a Marshmallow hug. |
“All of the residents loved Marshmallow. I loved him too!” says Monica. “Gary, Jimmy, everyone really enjoyed it. “Dean, from Ash house, is blind. We brought him outside to meet Marshmallow and he was able to touch the horse and feel his hair. His reaction was priceless!” |
Resident, Chris, and Marshmallow. |
Adds Gloria, “Interaction with animals can be very therapeutic for disabled individuals. One of our residents, Frankie, was stimming the whole time Marshmallow was there.”
Stimming — short for self-stimulatory behavior — refers to repetitive sounds, or actions, that help regulate sensory input, calm the nervous system, or express emotions. For Frankie, stimming is a natural, adaptive way to self-regulate. It can reduce anxiety, provide sensory feedback, and help process emotions. For physically disabled individuals, stimming can also be a form of self-expression, freedom, and joy.
“When Frankie stims, it sounds like he’s laughing. He was so excited when the horse was around him. He was stimming, laughing, the whole time. It was really nice to see that. It was a good reaction.” |
Resident, Laura, is nuzzled by Marshmallow. |
“Jeanne, Marshmallow’s handler, is really, really good,” adds Gloria. “She is so good with the residents. She’s patient, and she wanted each resident to have an opportunity to interact with him.
“She brings brushes, so the residents can brush Marshmallow’s hair, and little hair clips, so everyone can participate.
“It’s really cute. It’s really sweet. It’s really fun!” |
The eyes are the window to the soul.
Resident, Katie, and Marshmallow enjoy a soul-to-soul connection. |
Increasingly, miniature horses are recognized as therapy animals, providing emotional and physical support to the disabled. They are intelligent, social, and trainable. Known for their gentle and calm demeanor, one of the key benefits of miniature horses is their sensitivity to emotional and physical cues, which allows them to pick up on subtle signals and respond accordingly. They provide non-judgemental, unconditional love. |
Mountain Shadows Mayor, Kenny, welcomes Marshmallow to MSCH – San Diego. |
“The mini horse visit was one of the many events sponsored by the Mountain Shadows Foundation,” adds Gloria.
“Marshmallow brought lots of joy to our residents. That’s what it’s all about.” |
Marshmallow, aka Dr. Marsh Mallow, Therapist |
Dr. Marsh Mallow, Therapist*
Dr. Marsh Mallow A therapist you say?
A little mini horse Can light up your day
His huge eyes are like lasers They see into your soul They’ll fix you if you’re broken That’s just how he rolls. Wrap your arms all around him
Right into a hug With a nicker or nod Your heartstrings he’ll tug So who needs a shrink When you’ve got this great horse
Little but powerful He’ll heal you of course
Thank you, Dr. Marsh Mallow, and Hearts and Hooves in Ramona, for lighting up our lives! *Paraphrased, from Horses and Hooves |
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The Mountain Shadows Foundation – Because We CARE |
Thanks to YOUR SUPPORT, the Mountain Shadows CARE program provides recreational and social experiences to residents and participants adding meaning and richness to their lives.
It’s easy for you to help us continue to provide activities like this – activities that improve the quality of our residents’ lives in fulfillment of their dreams. Here are some ways you can help ensure these crucial activities can continue for years to come: -
Make a one-time donation today by clicking on the donate button below.
- Make a monthly or annual contribution.
- Leave a Legacy Gift.
To learn more about the Mountain Shadows Foundation Legacy Society, to include us in your estate plan, or to let us know if you have already designated Mountain Shadows to receive a legacy gift, please contact Mandy Huiras, Director of Development at: mhuiras@mtnshadows.org, or visit our website by clicking here:
Learn More About the Mountain Shadows Foundation Legacy Society Please share this story with your family, friends and co-workers to help grow our Mountain Shadows Family!
To learn more about Mountain Shadows volunteer opportunities, please click below:
Learn about Mountain Shadows Volunteer Opportunities Here |
Mandy Huiras
Mountain Shadows Foundation Director of Development
Contact Mandy today to learn more about the Mountain Shadows Foundation and how you can continue to make a difference in the lives of our residents:
mhuiras@mtnshadows.org |
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