Celebrating Our 50th Anniversary

December 15, 2022: #ThrowbackThursday

"Stable Top" by Erica Welner, Age 9 (1998)

I summoned Chocolate closer,
as I hopped onto his back.
We galloped up the inclined plane,
through the grain cut path.

Romeo trotting 'side me,
Poco to my right.
Megan riding Sweetie,
trottin' outta sight!

Later we all go back to the stable top,
for a feastly meal.
And when we're back at that great place,
the horses are full of zeal!

Hay and oats for Sweetie.
Everything for Mo,
Only oats for Poco,
And apples for Romeo.

I tucked them away in their stalls,
as I heard the rain begin to fall,
And then I said, in a very soft call:
"Good Night my sweet horses, Good Night."

December 15, 2022: A Volunteer’s Sense of Accomplishment

About five years ago Mary Ellen heard about Mane Stream from a friend and she looked up the website as soon as she got home. “I knew this would be my next journey after 40+ years in corporate America. I’m an animal lover, used to ride in high school, and was a special education major. Mane Stream is a combination of… Continue reading

November 17, 2022: #ThenandNow

Thank goodness for leaders and sidewalkers! Some things should never change.

November 15, 2022: #ThrowbackThursday

This week we are honoring Abby Clay Rutgers. A tiny spitfire of a girl who despite being born with a severe heart defect learned to walk, trot and canter at Mane Stream (then Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center) from 1991-2001.

Her love of horses all started because of My Little Pony and though she loved all sports and cheered her friends on at their events she was unable to participate until she found riding. The years she spent learning to ride formed her direction for her college where she studied practical horse management, theories of riding, methods of teaching equine science, nutrition, and physiology at Centenary College.

November 15, 2022: Providing Support & Consistency Through the Years

Many times, new projects bring new people to an organization. And so, in 1999, then President of the Board, Gayle Conover, asked Kathy Kamine to help with the construction of the new barn. The additional ask to volunteer with therapy sessions would soon follow…Continue reading

November 14, 2022: The Business Woman with a Heart of Gold

As a rider, Linda knows firsthand what time spent with a horse can do for a person’s well-being. “I know that I can go to the barn feeling stressed or depressed or just tired, and all those feelings dissipate after just a few minutes with a horse. Even if all I do is groom for…Continue reading

November 10, 2022: #ThenandNow

Some things don't change. The wind in your hair, the smile on your face.

November 9, 2022: Remembering Ralph E. Tursini

Mane Stream lost a member of our family, Ralph E. Tursini, Trustee Emeritus, on October 3, 2022. Ralph joined Mane Stream over 20 years ago and quickly became a dedicated program volunteer. His love of horses may have been the reason he came to the farm, but it was the participants and the mission that kept him involved for…Continue reading

October 19, 2022: Catching Up with Mary Pat Gallagher

Sometimes a simple action can provide the best life experiences. Mary Pat Gallagher visited Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center in the mid-1990s and left a note asking how she could help at the farm. That note led to Mary Pat becoming a volunteer, then an instructor, and eventually a Board member. She shares…Continue reading

October 4, 2022: Finding Freedom at Mane Stream

Cliff Murtha and his mother June have been impressed with Mane Stream for more years than she can remember! The ladies who volunteer, week after week, regardless of the weather, and who have learned ‘survival’ American Sign Language so they can communicate with Cliffie. His challenges during his 53yrs have been vast…Continue reading

October 3, 2022: Wonderful Things Really Do Happen at Mane Stream!

It might seem like just yesterday, but Karen Mikita Kaufhold’s involvement with Mane Stream began over twenty years ago. After leaving a job, Karen was discussing possible volunteer opportunities with someone who suggested Mane Stream (SHHRC)…Continue reading

September 14, 2022 Growing Up at Mane Stream

Katie Higgins first came to Mane Stream as a summer camper looking forward to doing crafts, making tie-dye shirts, grooming, and “painting the horses”. But for Katie, it’s the horses that kept her coming back each year. As she says, “I love riding the horses the best.”  After eight years of summer fun, Katie decided she would like to try taking private lessons…Continue reading

August 16, 2022: Establishing Occupational Therapy at Mane Stream

Ilaria Borghese’s journey began after she received a master’s in neuroscience from the University of Connecticut. She was hired as the Clinical Coord. for the Brain Research Center at Children’s Hospital in DC. It was there that Ilaria realized she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare…Continue reading

August 11, 2022: THEN AND NOW

This Thursday we're taking you back to 1994 when Freckles won NAHRA Region 2 Equine of the Year. And NOW because Tink is the PATH International Region 2 Equine of the Year!

August 11, 2022: Finally, Old Enough to Volunteer!

Tess Coffey has been coming to Mane Stream summer camp forever, at least it feels like forever, in the best way possible. She has loved every minute of camp and for the past few years, she has been patiently waiting to turn 14. Why 14 you might wonder. Well, that’s the magic age for becoming a Mane Stream volunteer…Continue reading

August 10, 2022: Volunteering Betters Our Community

Laura Brucker’s daily commute led her right to Mane Stream’s door. After learning more about the mission and meeting some people involved with then Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center, she attended the 2003 pirate-themed Equus Gala. “That evening, I met Board Member, Marianne Walsh Saladino, as well as…Continue reading

August 10, 2022: She’s done it all!

Marianne Walsh Saladino has been involved with Mane Stream and our fundraising events for years. Over twenty years in fact! She joined the Board of Directors in 2001 and that same year, co-chaired the Equus X gala with Penelope Ayers at Beval Saddlery. They say time flies when you are having fun and Marianne has enjoyed...Continue reading

August 4, 2022: #ThrowbackThursday

For #ThrowbackThursday we're going back to 1999-2001 when youth from Newark's Brady LifeCamp came for summer camp. Seen here are the riding lessons in the old outdoor arena and trail rides in Cold Brook Preserve. Who remembers this? Can anyone find a current board member?

July 18, 2022: Finding Our First Riders

Naomi Lorch: In 1972, Naomi Lorch was working as a physical therapist at the Easter Seal Center in Morris Plains, NJ. Octavia Brown, founder of Somerset Hills Handicapped Riders Club (now Mane Stream), was seeking potential riders who could benefit from her program...Continue reading

July 18, 2022: Horse Shows Fuel My Competitive Fire

Silvia Marchetti's grandfather, a mounted police officer, felt therapeutic riding would benefit Silvia as a young child. At first, Silvia started out in therapy, over time she transitioned to our adaptive riding program. She credits her riding instructor with her progress. “Jen did a very great job with me. She was ALWAYS pushing me,… Continue reading

July 18, 2022: The Path to a Rewarding Career

When Sheri Marino was attending Rutgers University, she knew she wanted to work with children but not as a teacher. Going through old papers, she found the results of a long-forgotten aptitude test she had taken. The results provided an answer for Sheri, speech-language pathologist. In the early 1990s Sheri found her way to... Continue reading

July 18, 2022: Learning to be Focused, Calm & Respectful

Emily (Ross) Popp spotted the “Volunteers Needed Sign” at Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center (now Mane Stream) back in the early 2000s. Looking for volunteer hours to put on her college application, volunteering at Summer Camp sounded like the perfect opportunity for Emiley. Volunteering taught Emiley how to be... Continue reading

July 18, 2022: Camp fun leads to a dissertation on diversity

Megan (Porzio) Smith joined the Mane Stream family, a little reluctantly, in 2000 as a volunteer, when she was in high school. Her good friend was already volunteering here and convinced Megan to join her. During her time as a volunteer, Megan formed many lasting friendships and she still gets dinner with some of these friends today. Continue reading

July 14, 2022: THEN AND NOW #ThrowbackThursday

While many things have changed over the years, working on posture and balance in the saddle has not. Glad to see our instructors' tips and tricks still stand the test of time.

July 1, 2022: It's National Farrier's Week!

Thirty-nine years ago, Scott Previte began his career as an apprentice farrier. In those early days, one of the barns he visited was Octavia Brown’s farm on Larger Cross Road. He had never heard of adaptive (therapeutic) riding but was impressed with the mission and program. This inspired him, even more, to keep the horses’… Continue reading

June 30, 2022: THEN AND NOW

Who remembers the top pic? This week for #ThrowbackThursday we wanted to show how much this room has changed in the past 10 years. In 2015 the old office transformed into our Therapy Clinic. Now each day therapy clients spend a portion of their session in the clinic in addition to time spent on the horse.

June 27, 2022: A Passion for Therapeutic Riding…

…Changed the Course of My Life A move from Toronto and a news article about our programs introduced Karen to Mane Stream. The year was 1990 we were still located at Octavia Brown’s farm. Karen’s passion for horses and trail riding first led her to become a volunteer then she trained with Octavia to become an instructor, and… Continue reading

June 13, 2022: The Passion to Lead

The Transition from Volunteer to Board President Perhaps it was providence through her horse-loving daughter who led Gayle Conover to SHHRC (now Mane Stream). A bit too young at 13 to volunteer, Octavia Brown suggested Gayle come along with her daughter and according to Gayle, “And so it began.” Continue reading

June 16, 2022: #ThrowbackThursday

This #ThrowbackThursday we are going back 25 years to when Mel was just a camper! Now we're excited to announce that she's the newly elected President of the American Hippotherapy Association!!

June 9, 2022: The Mane Stream Effect – 25 yrs & counting

Melanie Dominko-Richards, MS, CCC-SLP, HPCS, Director of Therapy Services As a bright six-year-old, Melanie knew exactly what she wanted to do and where she wanted to be - with horses as often as possible. Melanie’s lifelong journey at Mane Stream began as a camper in 1996. “My parents sent their horse-obsessed daughter to…Continue reading

June 9, 2022: THEN AND NOW

Today for #ThrowbackThursday we thought you'd like to see what the indoor arena looked like back in the day.

June 7, 2022: Pitching In & Making a Difference

Jeanne Rogalin, Volunteer & Board Member, began volunteering in 2014 and it was so personally rewarding that Jeanne decided to join the Board of Directors! The horses, clients, staff, and instructors have always made Jeanne feel helpful, appreciated, and grateful for so many things in life. Read More

June 6, 2022: Always Part of the Family

Spotlight: Penelope Ayers She has been riding horses for close to six decades. She has been involved with the local equestrian community for nearly as long and has served on many other nonprofit boards as well. Lucky for Mane Stream, she found her way to us through her close friends and long-time Mane Stream Board member, Carmen... Keep reading

May 25, 2022: Passion, Generosity, and Building Mane Stream

The Legacy of Helen Gordon: Through the years there have been people who have been pivotal in Mane Stream’s history; those who have believed so strongly in our mission and worked tirelessly to ensure our success. Helen Gordon was one of those people. Learn how

May 12, 2022: #ThrowbackThursday

#twinning on #ThrowbackThursday Mel and Cynthia sporting their SHHR t-shirts!

May 5, 2022: THEN AND NOW

It's time for another #throwbackthursday! Does anyone remember where the original location of the outdoor arena was?

May 3, 2022: Puffy Paint and a Serious Heart of Gold

Volunteer Spotlight: Anne Davenport, It was a sign in King’s Market, "looking for volunteers” that caught Anne’s eye. She and her husband had just moved back from Tokyo and Anne was deciding what to do. “When I saw this flyer, I knew this was something I wanted to do." A couple of decades later she's an integral part of weekly therapy sessions. How do the puffy paint and costumes fit in? continue reading

April 20, 2022: Getting together with good friends, while making a difference.

I have so many great memories and met so many really wonderful people and of course horses. Some of the volunteers I met in my first couple of years are still good friends today. And there are so many horses who will always be unforgettable, Beyra, Minnie, Goldie... Continue Reading

April 17, 2022: The Giant Jigsaw Puzzle

Carol Ferris, the 1st Volunteer Coordinator. "When I started there were no formal training sessions for volunteers, so training was “on the job”, which proved a bit daunting. Although I had some experience with horses, I never had the opportunity to learn how to tack up, and remember the first time putting the halter on upside down under Octavia‘s watchful eye.” Of course, Octavia set Carol straight, and before long... Continue Reading

April 16, 2022: Any Worries, Fade into the Background

Volunteer Spotlight: Barbara Burke stated, "Wow, it’s almost 18 years since I started volunteering! When I left AT&T after 24 years I knew I wanted to incorporate regular volunteering into my life. Thanks to a search on Volunteer Match the opportunity came up with Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center (SHHRC) Continue Reading

April 15, 2022: Enthusiasm for Everything Mane Stream

Dedicated Volunteer, Nancy Grossweiller has done it all, whether it is summer camp, therapy sessions, or adaptive riding lessons. She did say though, “I love summer camp and think that some of my favorite memories involve camp. I loved the trail rides and western day, and I love tie-dye day, the messier the better!” Continue Reading

April 14, 2022: THEN AND NOW

#ThrowbackThursday FROM: Somerset Hills Handicapped Riders Club TO Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center TO Mane Stream. We’ve come a long way baby!

April 7, 2022: Nancy Cunningham, Volunteer Leader

#ThrowbackThursday “When I retired I knew I wanted to work with horses. I came to SHHRC for a visit and knew right away this was where I wanted to spend my time. The staff was so warm and open, the volunteers so friendly and committed and the riders were just wonderful! And the herd - so kind and willing (well, most of the time)! I think the gentle giant Gracie was my all-time favorite. She was the sweetest, most willing horse who knew she had very special riders on her back and she took very good care of them.”

April 1, 2022: My Heart is Full with All the Memories

Volunteer Spotlight on "A Team Terri" Andrechick “I got involved with Mane Stream back when it was Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center (SHHRC) back in 2002. It was my love of horses and helping others that drew me to Mane Stream. My thought was if I could give a parent 1 hour to just sit and have a cup of coffee or an hour of silence to read a book, why shouldn’t I?! Continue Reading

March 24, 2022: THEN & NOW

#ThrowbackThursday What would we do without a tractor and manure spreader? That wouldn't be a pretty picture!

MARCH 18, 2022: Embracing all of the Opportunities and Possibilities

Victoria Ponte has been part of the Mane Stream community for the past 22 years. A debilitating stroke, in her sixth month of pregnancy, upended Victoria’s life. Over the years, small steps turned into a fast trot, and Victoria won her first horse show in 2014, with the highest score as an individual rider. Continue Reading

MARCH 16, 2022: I Remember When She Spoke Her First Words

Jill Thomas’ love of horses and children brought her to Mane Stream in the early 1990’s. As a new volunteer, she helped with riding lessons and summer camp. Jill became more involved in the business side of Mane Stream, co-chairing a number of fund-raising events. For Jill, the “VERY BEST” part of belonging to an organization like Mane Stream was seeing the participants thrive, learn and be happy. Continue Reading

MARCH 10, 2022: Festival/Tournament of Champions

#ThrowbackThursday Anyone remember the Festival/Tournament of Champions at Hamilton Farms in the 80s & 90s? Word has it that the SHHRC riders and volunteers would put on a riding demo at this prestigious multi-day event each year.

Is that Carol Ferris leading? Why yes it is!

MARCH 9, 2022: From Trail Rides to Galas, Martha Enjoyed All That’s Offered

Martha Carrellas joined Mane Stream’s adaptive riding program in 2000. She remembers, “The new barn and indoor arena had just been completed. The outdoor ring was just a track in a field. In the early days, Fall trail rides were always a favorite. Ride-a-thons were a means of fundraising and bringing together friends and the community.” Continue Reading

MARCH 1, 2022: An Interview with Sheila Tweedie

"It All Started in 1972 with a Knock on the Window." stated, Trustee Emeritus, Sheila Tweedie. That was 50 years ago! “I was sitting in my car, reading my book and waiting for Craig [Sheila’s son] to finish his volunteer shift when Octavia [Brown] came right up to my car and knocked on the window.” Continue Reading

FEBRUARY 24, 2022: Jon Lega, Adaptive Riding 1976-

#ThrowbackThursday How you doin'? That's the staff's favorite Jon Lega saying. He's been riding since 1976 at the age of 9. On October 15, 1987 Sandy Dota stated in her Instructor notes: Jon posted very well, on the correct diagonal, on his own!! Due to the pandemic, Jon has not yet returned to riding. He did, however, visit the farm for a few minutes in 2021 and as soon as Myrell heard his voice she came running. That's the kind of guy he is.

FEBRUARY 17, 2022: Sandy Dota, Rider & Instructor

#ThrowbackThursday 1980, that's when Sandy Dota started riding at Mane Stream (formerly SHHRC) 10 months after she broke her back in a riding accident. By 1985 she competed at the National Cerebral Palsy/Les Autres games in Michigan. And in 1991, Sandy was chosen to represent the USA in Denmark at the 2nd World Equestrian Championships. After this, she would return to Mane Stream to judge several Horse Shows (pics from 2008).

FEBRUARY 16, 2022: Tracy Cole, The First Rider (1972)

I started riding with Somerset Hills Handicapped Riders Club (SHHRC) in 1972 when I was 7 years old, and I have been riding ever since. It all started when I was asked by a doctor at Easter Seals if I wanted to learn to swim or learn to ride. I had wanted a pony for as long as I could remember, so the choice was obvious. It was the best choice I ever made. By learning to ride, I became…CONTINUE READING

FEBRUARY 4, 2022: Visionary & Pioneer: Octavia Brown

Mane Stream was founded in 1972 by visionary and pioneer in the field of adaptive riding, Octavia Brown. Octavia grew up in post-war England and her passion for horses and riding began when she was eight years old and spent a week with instructor, Miss Bowen, riding around the English countryside.  Octavia arrived in the US in the early 1960’s. Some friends who worked at McLean Psychiatric Hospital near Boston, were exploring how to include horses in therapy sessions…CONTINUE READING

JANUARY: Who's turning 50?

The second oldest facility of its kind in the nation...Mane Stream! It all started 50 years ago thanks to Octavia Brown and a dedicated band of volunteers and donors. Much has happened since those early days and we are excited to share with you throughout the year the stories, images, and achievements that have made Mane Stream what it is today... a PATH Intl. premier accredited facility that provides diversified equine programs, including adaptive horsemanship, therapy services including OT, PT, and SLT, a camp for all abilities, as well as school and vocational programs. Get ready for the journey!