T-Shirt Design Contest

SUMMER CAMP 2019 NEEDS YOUR CREATIVE STYLE!

Every year campers, volunteers, instructors and staff look forward to the NEW camp t-shirt. Once again we are asking for YOUR help coming up with a FUN design that will get everyone in the spirit.

ARE YOU READY?

Design Requirements: 

1) Your design must include either…
   “Mane Stream Camp” or
   “Mane Stream Summer Camp”

2) Black design on white background
    (no thin lines)

3) Size: 8” x 10” (portrait or landscape)

4) JPEG (high resolution) or paper artwork

Send to: louisa@manestreamnj.org

DEADLINE: MONDAY, APRIL 15TH

MANE STREAM SWAG GOES TO THE WINNER!

Team Thursday: The team that laughs together stays together!

(from i to r: Karen Vogt, Kathy Mosquera, PATH Intl. Certified Instructor, Kelly Champion, Debi Delorenzo, Participant Cliff, and Amy Barkman)

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s a great time to celebrate love and friendship. While friendships blossom all around Mane Stream, our Thursday volunteer crew takes it to a whole new level.

When sign-ups roll around this group responds within minutes to secure their most cherished volunteer day. Amy Barkman, Debi Delorenzo, Kathy Mosquera and Karen Vogt come together each Thursday and swear it’s the day when the Mane Stream magic happens. Together with instructor Kelly Champion, these women have developed a strong bond with each other that includes the Thursday riders as well. They get the job done with lots of love and laughs and wouldn’t have it any other way. While each of their stories was given to us separately they all said the same thing about how this group of people is more than just a volunteer commitment, it’s a feeling of sisterhood.

So what exactly makes volunteering on Thursdays so special to these women? Karen says, “We’ve really evolved as a team over time. It’s easy to ask for help [from each other] or make suggestions to be helpful.” Kathy notes the laughter that the group shares. “We work well as a team and laugh at ourselves and each other a lot, but mostly at Amy!” Debi echoed Kathy’s thoughts. “Laughter is one of the best things about Thursdays. We laugh a lot, and the next day we can be sore from laughing.” Amy states that in today’s stressful world, “Thursdays at Mane Stream are a happy place.”

“In addition to our friendship, we all enjoy and connect with the riders - even the riders we don’t work with. We cheer them on and give them high fives and thumbs up.” says Amy. This connection has slowly formed an unbreakable bond between the volunteers that they share with their riders. “The riders are an important part of the glue that keeps the team together.” says Debi. “We just celebrated Cliff’s birthday with decorations and gifts. Andy is an inspiration and Madison has a special place in our hearts. A special bond has formed with each rider, just more of the special magic that happens here at Mane Stream.”

The atmosphere in the barn on Thursday afternoons is fun and supportive and it shows. “The Thursday barn girls work as a team to give the riders the best outcomes for that particular lesson. Some days our riders are more successful than others, but we celebrate every effort.” says Kathy. They always work together to make sure each rider gets the best out of them. The team shares a sort of telepathic quality where they can pick up tasks where another left off without a word between them. Their intuition makes sure they are available to lend a helping hand at just the right time.

What started as a couple-hours-a-week volunteer shift for these four dedicated women has turned into strong friendships that extend beyond the Mane Stream barn. As Amy says, “We forget our worries, we live in the moment, we learn from our riders, and we see magic happen.”

Find your team! Learn how to become a Mane Stream Volunteer…Volunteer Opportunities

Madison's Extended Family – Growing up at Mane Stream

Mane Stream is more than just the horses for Madison and her family.

Madison began riding lessons at Mane Stream 13 years ago when she was five years old. She has always loved horses and has a special connection with them. When Madison was very young, verbal communication and motor planning was extremely difficult for her. Madison’s mom, Pamella, hoped that being around horses would help Madison in these areas.

From her very first lesson, Madison made progress. Her family saw improvements from week to week with her confidence, balance, core strength, recognizing left from right, and overall coordination. They attribute the gains in her speech to the relaxed atmosphere at Mane Stream and the supportive volunteers helping during her lessons. For Madison, her adaptive riding lessons were always fun. The fact that they made her stronger and helped in other areas was just a wonderful benefit.

For her first five years at Mane Stream, Madison took group lessons with four other girls. They quickly became known as the “Horse Girls Club”. Over the years, the group added weekly visits to the Oldwick General Store immediately after each lesson. Some weeks, the volunteers or instructors would join the girls for lunch and the restaurant knew the girls by name. These lunches were a great way for the girls to socialize and learn about friendship, etiquette, and social skills together. Because they shared a common interest, they talked about their favorite horses and meaningful bonds were created. The parents benefited from this weekly Saturday meet-up just as much as their daughters, and it became a casual support group.

Even Madison’s bedroom has a horse theme with Myrell as one of the herd.

Madison now rides independently during her lessons (no leaders, no sidewalkers) which is extremely exciting for her and her family. Her overall strength and stamina as well as her riding skills continue to improve. Madison teases her riding instructor, Kelly Champion, about one day jumping the outside rails to take Myrell home with her! She calls Myrell “MY HORSE” and has painted her picture on her bedroom wall.

“M&M Time” (Madison and Myles Time) Brother Myles makes weekly riding lessons fun.

Madison also loves participating in the annual horse show. She loves getting dressed up and showing off everything she’s learned. The show brings her whole experience together, and both she and her family, love to watch the progress all her fellow riders and friends have made over the year.

The “Horse Girls Club” disbanded years ago and now Madison is accompanied by her brother Myles to her lessons. It is their special “M&M Time”. To say that her family is extremely supportive of Madison and her horse time is an understatement. Over the years, Myles has traveled back from college just to see her ride in her shows. They have a weekly routine on Mane Stream lesson days. First coffee at Starbucks, then her lesson which he always watches, then out to dinner or ice cream, whatever Madison wants. Pamella says that his commitment to their M&M Time is, “impressive and dedicated in my book!”

For Madison, Mane Stream really is a second home and extended family. She is a strong and confident rider and has a great relationship with her instructors, volunteers and, of course, her beloved Myrell. As her mom, Pamella says, “I expect great things from Madison!” She’s seen so much growth in her daughter since she started at Mane Stream and she knows that Madison will continue to hone her horse skills in the future.

Growing up at Mane Stream!

The 2019 Calendar is Out!

2019 Calendar - Take a look!!

It’s going to be a busy year!

We hope you’ll join us as a volunteer, participant, client and/or attendee at our special events.

This calendar includes a listing of all program sessions, makeup weeks, therapy dates, photography weeks, special events, volunteer orientations/trainings, CEUs, professional instruction, and office closings.

PLEASE REMEMBER: ALL dates are subject to change and some events are still TBD at this point.

We hope this helps to plan your 2019.

2019 Calendar

Terminology Demystified

Adaptive or Therapeutic Riding? Rider or Client/Patient?

We know it’s confusing! You’ve probably heard a lot of different terms being used out there.

Well the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc. is here to help. They’ve recently published a comprehensive list of terminology which will make it easier to understand what goes on at Mane Stream and tell others about the services we provide.

Let's clarify what's happening at Mane Stream!

AHA, Inc. Abbreviated Terminology Guildelines (Green=Yes, Red=No)

Full Guidelines can be found here: AHA Terminology Guidelines

Satisfies the Soul & Keeps Me Coming Back!

In her own words - Piper Sheldon’s Story

Volunteering always satisfies my soul more than any other activity.

I moved to Lebanon in 2010 and drove past the barn twice a day on my way to work in the Operations and Compliance Dept. at a financial firm in Bedminster. I always noticed Beyra in the paddock and thought she was gorgeous! I had been wanting to get back into riding (I rode briefly in my middle school days) but didn’t have the funds, lol. Volunteering has always been close to my heart. I’ve participated with Habitat for Humanity on a couple of their Women Builds. I’m very good with kids and after a little bit of research, I found that Mane Stream was a perfect fit to get my horse fix, hang out with kids and like-minded animal/horse people.

I attended the volunteer orientation in late 2011 and started volunteering the following January. I have always participated in speech-language pathology since starting in 2012 and have enjoyed every client along the way. My favorite part of the barn is being part of something bigger than me and helping all the people that benefit from the therapies offered. My favorite memories are when clients have a breakthrough or “aha moment”…. speaking a complete sentence, reaching a milestone, communicating what they want and have it be heard and validated, etc. I love being a part of clients’ successes!

Beyra was the horse who drew me into Mane Stream and though I love the entire herd, Beyra will always have the #1 spot in my heart. She was a gem and there will never be another like her. I felt a real connection to her and will always treasure my time spent with and around her. Coming in a close second are Dart, Blaze, Minnie, and Ian. Dart is just funny. Blaze is the best stop/starter around. Minnie is a woman after my own heart since she is all business and Ian is just a sweet guy walking around with his crazy mane looking like a life-size Ugg boot.

I have made lifelong friends in other volunteers and staff. The most important thing I have learned at the barn is teamwork. It takes a whole crew working together to make the 45-minute session count for the client. They are the whole reason we are there. Helping them reach their goals and make sure they succeed is our only job. We have to leave our own stuff at the door and show up for these amazing people. I am a better human because of the time I have spent volunteering at Mane Stream.

Volunteering always satisfies my soul more than any other activity.
It’s good for the heart and keeps me coming back to Mane Stream week after week!

Perseverance & Determination When Put to the Test

The Therapist’s observation from day one…

As staff, we always enjoy working with new volunteers and watching them learn and grow. Coordinator of Therapy Services, Melanie Dominko-Richards recounts Piper Sheldon’s first day 7 years ago...

Prince could sniff out a NEW volunteer from a mile away!

The horses at Mane Stream are the best of the best, but they each have their own quirks. They can sniff out a new volunteer a mile away and will ALWAYS put them to the test. Piper is no exception. Her bright and bubbly personality did not phase Prince the Pony one bit as he decided how he was going to test Piper. After I helped get his halter on, Piper led Prince down the aisle towards the crossties for grooming. Prince had other plans. He took Piper on a tour of the barn, checking out each stall along the way for left over “schnibbles” in the feed tubs and on the floor. With each stall, Piper didn't lose her cool as she tried to convince Prince that it was time to work and not for an afternoon snack.

It's great to look back on this memory and think how Piper showed perseverance and determination, and still maintained her sense of humor. Prince eventually learned who he was dealing with and gave her minimal trouble the following weeks!

Having a volunteer like Piper who knows the ropes is beneficial because she can mentor new volunteers. She is also great in working with the therapists and can "pick up what we're puttin' down." Like a catcher to a pitcher, she knows what each gesture, facial expression, and voice intonation means. She incorporates that information into each session to help our clients reach their goals.

Thanks Piper for not giving up when put to the test!
We're so glad to have you on the Mane Stream team!!

Keep Learning with CEUs!

We invest time to make YOU the best volunteer you can be.

Well…we also think learning is fun! Throughout the year we offer a variety of CEU workshops to help you provide the best experience for the participants and help you learn more about our horses. Many of these workshops will have a hands-on learning portion in addition to a classroom presentation.

The first Volunteer CEU is Anatomy & Conformation on 1/29 @ 6:30pm

Eight CEUs are scheduled between now and June 18th.

Grooming 2.0
Tack: Adaptive vs. Therapy Equipment Equine Behavior & Communication
Communicating with Our Participants Equine Anatomy/Conformation
Basic Sign Language
Equine Movement Experience
Long Lining for Therapy

After you take a look at all that we offer, let the Volunteer Coordinator know if you are interested in any or all workshops.

Check the EVENTS Page to see when each workshop has been scheduled.

The Herd's Holiday Wishlist

All of the Mane Stream herd is on the nice list this year! They have each added to the holiday wish list hoping to find something special under the tree or in their stocking at the holiday open house. (Of course, treats are always a favorite) Please check out the holiday wish list to see what your favorite horse is asking for this year.

Blaze - Stall Guard  (Black/Grey)
Buzz - Fly Mask (Horse Size)
Chandler - Cross Tie (Black)
Dart - Fly Mask (Small Pony)
Justin - Fly Mask (Small Pony)
Minnie - Cotton Lead Rope (Sky blue/black)
Myrell - Bell Boots (Black/XL)
Ian - #10 Clipper Blades or T-84 Clipper Blades
Tink - Fly Bonnet  (Black/Cob)
Sam - Fly Bonnet (Black/Pony)
Joe - Mosquito Halt
Dorito - Breakaway Halter (Black/horse)
Arjo - Mosquito Halt
Mel - Fly Bonnet (Black/Pony)

Making a difference in Daniel's Life

“Riding is better than the letter U!” says Daniel, a 5 year old adaptive rider. It takes a lot to be better than the letter of the week in preschool so we know this is very high praise. Last spring Daniel was in the first child-only session of Horses for Healing (H4H), a program for individuals living with cancer. He enjoyed his time with the horses and with program coordinator Kelly so much, that he started riding lessons as soon as his H4H session finished.

In March 2016, Daniel was diagnosed with an aggressive type of brain cancer called Medulloblastoma. He had his first brain surgery within days of his diagnosis and spent over 150 nights at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). His treatments included high dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplants. Daniel’s parents, Lisa and Stuart, split their time between CHOP with Daniel and at home in Glen Ridge with their older son Ryan helping with homework and getting him to ice hockey practice.

Daniel is currently in remission and his prognosis is positive. Due to all of the surgeries and treatments he had at such a young age, Daniel needed to re-learn how to talk, walk and eat. Daniel’s physical therapist strongly recommended horseback riding as an activity to help Daniel build core strength and balance. Lisa recalls that the therapist “singled out Mane Stream as providing excellent services.”

While researching Mane Stream they found our Horses for Healing program information and hoped it would be a good fit. They appreciated that, thanks to our generous donors, the program is free. Daniel and his preschool classmate Katelyn (also a cancer survivor) were the first two participants in our kid’s version of H4H.

Daniel was definitely hesitant about the horses before coming to the farm for the first time since he had never been around them before. His stem cell transplants meant he couldn’t go near animals while in treatment. Now, as his dad says, “he loves coming to the farm and literally counts the days until his next lesson.”

Daniel is not able to participate in many traditional recreational sports. Riding at Mane Stream provides Daniel with a safe physical activity and he can participate in a sport just like his friends do.

Daniel, like many of our riders and clients, continues to receive physical, occupational and speech-language therapy weekly. According to his dad, adding weekly riding lessons has a positive impact. “Daniel’s balance has definitely improved. And his ability to follow directions is much better than it used to be.” These are great examples of how spending time on a Mane Stream horse translates to concrete benefits in everyday life. Riding programs at Mane Stream are designed to adapt to the rider’s abilities and ensure the best possible experiences and outcomes.

You are key to making sure that Daniel and all of the children and adults with special needs in Mane Stream’s therapy and riding programs are able to reach their goals, have fun, learn a new skill and improve their strength, balance and coordination.

Your gift to Mane Stream will:

• Buy food and bedding for the horses

• Train our volunteers and staff

• Keep our horses healthy and happy

• Provide memorable experiences for children of all abilities at summer camp

• Maintain our beautiful 12-acre farm

• Give joy and confidence to over 250 riders and clients!

Thank you for helping Mane Stream change lives – one person at a time. Have a wonderful holiday season.

Sincerely,

Trish Hegeman, Executive Director

P.S. Did you know that Mane Stream hosts field trips for schools and scout troops, outings for adults with dementia and programs for veterans and children living with grief? Find out more at www.manestreamnj.org or on Facebook.

Holiday Open House - Let's Celebrate!

Come take pictures with your favorite Mane Stream horse and give them a sweet treat or two (candy canes, carrots or apples)!

Bring a dessert/snack or just yourself! (warm beverages & snacks provided)

WHETHER YOU STAY FOR 5 MINUTES OR STAY THE WHOLE TIME, WE HOPE YOU’LL STOP BY AND CELEBRATE WITH US!

If you would like bring a snack to share please contact Rebecca Jablonski (volunteer@manestreamnj.org) so that we can plan appropriately. THANKS!