CURRENT HAPPENINGS
the ways YOU can stay connected!
Want to master the art of a perfect horse bath and keep our equine partners happy? Our Volunteer Coordinator has just released essential Horse Bathing Tips, guiding you through the "Mane Stream way." These easy-to-follow guidelines ensure consistent, positive experiences for all our horses, helping them stay calm, comfortable, and well-behaved. Dive in and make bath time a splash for everyone!
We're thrilled to announce that we'll soon have a couple of new client slots open for our exceptional occupational therapy program, right here at our farm in Oldwick, New Jersey!
Our unique approach integrates hippotherapy (the horse's movement) and the natural terrain of the farm, to help clients achieve a wide range of goals such as developing motor skills, improving sensory processing, enhancing emotional regulation, building social skills, and more.
These slots are a fantastic opportunity to access our dedicated and compassionate team, all while experiencing the profound benefits of working with licensed therapists and horses in a natural environment.
Learn more about Therapy Services at Mane Stream.
Miss Kelly celebrates our nation and the arrival of our NEW Flex-on Safety Stirrups!!
Mane Stream is delighted to announce the resounding success of its "Step Up for Safety" campaign, which has not only met but significantly exceeded its fundraising goal. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our community, the campaign raised an incredible $3,500, surpassing its $3,150 target.
The "Step Up for Safety" initiative was launched to address a critical safety update in equestrian standards. Several major organizations, including the USA Pony Club and USEF, have or will soon officially ban Peacock stirrups due to evolving safety concerns. While once a common choice for therapeutic and adaptive riding, these stirrups are now considered outdated and potentially dangerous due to issues like degrading elastic bands and inconsistent release during a fall.
Mane Stream, always prioritizing the safety and well-being of its riders, quickly initiated this campaign to replace our youth Peacock stirrups with safer, approved alternatives, such as the Flex-On Safe-On Stirrups. To ensure the best fit and function for future orders, we strategically purchased an initial set including 6 youth pairs, 5 adult pairs, 1 youth pair with a cage, and 1 adult pair with a cage to evaluate their performance before a larger investment. The community's immediate and enthusiastic response has been truly heartwarming.
"We are absolutely thrilled and deeply grateful for the incredible support shown for our 'Step Up for Safety' campaign," said Jen Dermody, Director of Programs. "Your generosity has allowed us to not only meet our initial goal but exceed it, ensuring we can continue to provide the safest possible environment for all our riders.” You truly helped us REIN in the RISK!
Barbara Burke, Teresa Callahan, Patricia Colbert, Kathryn Coyne, Alison Crowley, Victoria Dinsell, Laura Edelson, Julia Greifeld, Nancy Grossweiler, Jane Hylicke, Karen Kaufhold,
Patrice Keiling, Hildy Knight, Donna Lawse, Michelle Lawse, Elaine Milano,
Pine Woods Farm, Chip Quayle, and Kevin Ruta.
The success of this campaign is a testament to the community's dedication to Mane Stream's mission. We look forward to replacing other vital equipment, specifically cage and "S" bend stirrups, as funds permit. Every donation, regardless of size, makes a tangible difference in enhancing the safety and quality of life for our participants.
DIDN’T GET THE CHANCE TO DONATE?
Help fund our future order and keep even more riders safe, supported, and confidently progressing in their lessons. DONATE NOW
Join us in giving a massive round of applause to the incredible volunteers who have reached significant hour and anniversary milestones! Your dedication and tireless efforts are the backbone of everything we achieve. Each moment you dedicate and every bit of energy you pour into our mission directly impact our success.
2,500+ Lifetime Hrs. Nancy Grossweiler
100+ Lifetime Hrs. Hannah B.
3rd Anniversary Tess Coffey
1st Anniversary Bridget Cornog, Sophie Kaltenbach, Rhea Kansal, Sydney Quinn, Brandon Robinson, Will Skowyra
Thank you for being such an indispensable part of our community. Your contributions are truly invaluable!
Do you know someone looking for evidence-based treatment in a non-traditional setting?
We are excited to announce Liz Johnson, LCSW, and Lizzy Ellman, PsyD., who are both intensively trained and experienced DBT therapists, are facilitating DBT skills groups for adults and adolescents that include equine interactions at Mane Stream!
In Equine-Assisted DBT groups, participants will learn mindfulness skills, build emotion regulation skills, improve interpersonal effectiveness skills, and strengthen distress tolerance skills.
Horses are sensitive to human emotions and body language, making them an ideal partner in the therapeutic process, while also allowing group participants to engage in hands-on, experiential learning and skill-building. Utilizing equine interactions increases patient motivation and engagement, facilitates rapport building, allows for reciprocal relational exchanges with the horse, and provides unique ways to practice therapy techniques and build skills.
Group Details:
September 12, 2025, Friday Afternoons & Early Evenings
Mane Stream in Oldwick, NJ (83 Old Turnpike Road, Oldwick, NJ)
Adult Group (18 and up) and Adolescent Group (ages 14-18)
Limited Spaces Available: Early registration is encouraged!
Insurance: Services are out-of-network, though electronic submittal is available
for participants who have out-of-network benefits.
Expert Facilitators: Liz Johnson and Lizzy Ellman are seasoned DBT professionals, as well as equestrians, with years of experience helping clients develop the skills they need to live more balanced, fulfilling lives.
Feel free to reach out with any questions or for more information at 551-264-1014 or liz@thebtcollective.com! Potential group participants are also welcome to contact us directly to begin enrollment, and feel free to share our Equine-Assisted DBT Skills Groups flyer.
We are thrilled to introduce our two newest Camp Riding Instructors, Abby Ehms and Lola Bordoni Liotta! Both are Centenary University trained and PATH International Certified Instructors (CTRI), bringing expertise and passion to our program. Abby and Lola are joining our Summer Camp Team to ensure we have three or more certified instructors on-site every day, all summer long. Their dedication and experience will help make this year’s summer camp an unforgettable experience for all our riders! We couldn’t be more excited to have them on board.
LOLA BORDONI LIOTTA
Lola is a PATH International Certified Instructor (CTRI) who is joining our team this summer! Lola is a recent graduate of Centenary University, where she earned a degree in Equine Studies with a concentration in Equine-Assisted Services. During her time at Centenary, she was deeply involved with the TRAC program, gaining valuable hands-on experience. Originally from New York City, Lola has ridden recreationally throughout her life, but her passion for more competitive riding took off in college, where she competed on the IHSA and Hunter Jumper teams. On top of that, Lola is bilingual in Italian and often visits her family in Italy. She loves to travel and explore new places—especially if there are horses involved! We’re so excited to have her as part of our team!
ABBY EHMS
Abby fell in love with horseback riding at age 11 and knew right away it was her calling! She pursued her passion through three different colleges—Cobleskill, Cazenovia, and ultimately Centenary University—where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Equine Business Management with a concentration in Therapeutic Horsemanship. It was at Centenary, as part of their Therapeutic Riding Program (TRAC), that Abby not only began her journey of teaching individuals with special needs but also earned her PATH International Certified Instructor (CTRI) credential.
Abby's ultimate goal is to open and run her own farm, much like Mane Stream! She's known for her incredibly happy, bubbly personality and is often referred to as a "ball of energy." Always eager to lend a helping hand, Abby enjoys all aspects of working with horses, from barn chores like cleaning stalls and turning out to riding and grooming. While she's been busy with barn work at Mane Stream recently, she's absolutely thrilled to start teaching for summer camp!
We are excited to welcome Olivia (Liv), Nikhita, and Sadie as our Summer Camp Interns for 2025! Over the next 10 weeks, these three impressive young women will be right in the heart of the action, helping to create a fun, enriching, and empowering experience for every camper who joins us at the barn.
Each intern brings a unique blend of experience, energy, and passion to the program, whether it’s a deep love of horses, a background in special needs support, or a goal to bring equine-assisted programs into their future careers. Want to know who plays three musical instruments, who’s majoring in neuroscience, and who’s been a camp counselor since high school?
Olivia Martin is a senior at Liberty University, majoring in Family and Child Development.
Known as Liv, this Liberty University senior is pursuing her degree in Family and Child Development with a clear passion for helping others. Liv brings with her a well-rounded background in horsemanship, having been riding since the age of fifteen, as well as solid experience in groundwork and barn chores.
Her heart for individuals with special needs is evident through her hands-on roles as a “Buddy Program Aid” and “Night to Shine Buddy” at Liquid Church in Mountainside. Coupled with several summers as a camp counselor, Liv is no stranger to the energy, flexibility, and compassion that a great camp experience requires.
After graduation, Liv plans to combine her love of horses and her dedication to service by working in the field of equine-assisted programming. She’s excited to join Mane Stream this summer, knowing this internship will not only deepen her practical experience but also help shape her future in a field she’s deeply passionate about.
Nikhita Iyer is a rising junior at Rutgers University, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Disability Studies.
Nikhita is a rising junior at Rutgers University, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Disability Studies. Her academic interests lie at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and disability advocacy, with a particular focus on supporting and understanding neurodivergent populations. She is committed to contributing to research that advances inclusive and accessible mental health care and education.
Following her undergraduate studies, Nikhita plans to pursue a master’s degree and Ph.D. in neuroscience. Her long-term goal is to become a research scientist and university professor, where she can combine her passion for discovery with her dedication to teaching and mentorship.
Nikhita is an animal lover and loves reading about different species. She also likes sketching, painting, and crafting. Additionally, she likes to play instruments in her free time. She can play the Piano, Clarinet, and Guitar. She is very excited to be an intern this summer and can’t wait to work with everyone!
Sadie Holgreen is studying psychology at Brookdale Community College.
Sadie is a 20-year-old psychology student at Brookdale Community College. Born and raised in Cedar Hills, Utah, she grew up caring for animals, especially horses, and proudly identifies as a self-proclaimed “horse girl.”
Living near Utah’s renowned American Fork Canyon, Sadie developed a deep love for the outdoors. She enjoys hiking, camping, and hunting, but her favorite activity is trail riding in the mountains. She often says there’s nothing like riding through American Fork Canyon.
Sadie also comes from a large family, which helped shape her ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Her upbringing fostered a strong sense of empathy and a passion for helping others. Known for her upbeat attitude, she strives to uplift those around her.
While researching internship opportunities, Sadie discovered Mane Stream and immediately knew it was the right fit. Her long-term goal is to open her own assisted riding program, and she sees her internship here as a meaningful step toward that dream.
GOAL: $3,150 FOR 15 PAIRS OF SAFETY STIRRUPS!
June is National Safety Month, and Mane Stream is stepping up to ensure the safety of every rider, AND we need your help!
You may have heard that several major equestrian organizations, including the USA Pony Club and USEF, have or will soon officially ban Peacock stirrups* due to safety concerns. While these “safety” stirrups were once a go-to for therapeutic and adaptive riding, they’re now considered outdated and potentially dangerous.
Safety is non-negotiable at Mane Stream. That’s why we’re launching our “Step Up for Safety” campaign to raise $3,150 to replace 15 pairs of youth** Peacock stirrups with safer, approved alternatives like the Flex-On Safe-On Stirrups.
Sponsor a Stirrup and help us keep our riders safe, supported, and confidently progressing in their lessons. Each sponsor will be featured on our “Wall of Thanks” in the barn.
$210 per pair of stirrups
Stirrups come in pairs, so pair up with someone to split the cost - ask a friend!
$105 per stirrup
We’ll make it happen one step at a time!
Step Up for Safety at any amount!
Help pay for shipping, tariffs, and conversion costs!
Donate now to sponsor a stirrup—or two!
*Why the Ban? Originally designed to release the rider’s foot in a fall, Peacock stirrups have become a liability due to elastic bands that can degrade and break unnoticed, inconsistent release during a fall, and a false sense of security, especially in adaptive riding scenarios.
**Adult riders do not use peacock stirrups, though we would like to replace current stirrups with the Flex-On Safe-On stirrups in the future.
What Mane Stream Instructors are doing in the meantime! We’ve changed our policy to move the stirrup in front of the saddle before dismount.
Just last month, on a rainy morning, the barn buzzed with a new kind of energy as Mane Stream welcomed students from Passaic County Technical-Vocational School for our first-ever Team Building Field Trip!! A unique twist on our traditional field trip model, and one we hope to offer more of in the future.
What made this visit different? A collaboration between two Occupational Therapists and two Adaptive Riding Instructors who co-designed a two-hour experience focused on emotional regulation, leadership, and self-awareness, all with the horses as their guides.
Rain may have kept the group in the barn and indoor arena, but the cozy quarters worked in the students’ favor. The close setting heightened the group’s body awareness and made every interaction intentional. The day began with grooming, a sensory-rich activity that encouraged students to notice how the horses responded to different types of touch. Were the horses relaxed? Did they move closer, lean in, or give a gentle sigh? Students were encouraged to look for subtle cues and build trust through observation and care.
From there, the learning deepened. Occupational Therapist Emily Bucher, OTR/L, explained:
“We worked with the students to learn about their own emotions and think about how to best set up their day for success,” said Emily Bucher, OTR/L. “We promoted self-care skills, including mental health practices like meditation and visualization. Using the horses, we created moments that fostered leadership, confidence, groundedness, and empowerment.”
Later, the group moved into the indoor arena for a live demonstration with Cody and Joe. As the ponies entered a visually overwhelming space filled with cones, barrels, and jumps, their hesitation was clear, they scanned the ring, wide-eyed, ears flicking, and unsure. Cody even gave a few snorts as he was led toward unfamiliar objects. Students were asked to interpret the horses' body language and then reflect on their own reactions in unfamiliar settings.
“This activity gave us a great way to talk about body language,” explained Jen Dermody, Director of Program Services and Advanced PATH Intl. Certified Instructor. “Emily helped the students connect what they observed in the horses to how they interpret and respond to new environments in their own lives.”
The students reflected on these interactions and explored questions like: What do I do when I enter an unfamiliar space? How do I prepare myself to stay grounded? The horses became mirrors, helping the students gain insights into themselves.
The learning continued with a hands-on team obstacle challenge. Volunteer Leroy Hunninghake shared, “Watching 4 groups of students build a combined obstacle course and then lead a horse through it was incredible. And to make matters even more challenging, two leaders worked together to guide the horse, with the entire group cheering them on. All of the students were totally engaged, learned a lot about horses, and were able to use both verbal and non-verbal communication between each other and their horses throughout the exercise.”
As the challenge wrapped up, a little friendly competition added a perfect finish to the day. In a surprise speed round, the group watched as Minnie, the sturdy Norwegian Fjord, raced through the course, beating the much-larger Don by more than 15 seconds, a result that brought the barn to life with cheers and laughter.
This hands-on approach helped the students see themselves in a new light, capable, self-aware, and resilient. And for the Mane Stream team, it was a deeply rewarding moment to see the potential of this new kind of field trip model come to life.
As we continue to expand how we serve schools and community groups, this team-building experience has set the bar high. One thing is certain: horses have a powerful way of connecting people to themselves and each other, and this day proved just how far that connection can go. It was a stepping stone toward self-awareness, trust, and empowerment. We can’t wait to host more programs like this in the future.
Interested in scheduling a Field Trip?
Contact jen@manestreamnj.org to learn what the options are for your trip!
June is National Safety Month, and it's the perfect time to remind everyone of a few very important safety tips while volunteering at the barn! These four messages come directly from our Volunteer Coordinator, Emily De Jong. Your safety, and the safety of our horses, is our top priority. If you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Emily at volunteer@manestreamnj.org. And remember, if you're ever unsure about something during your shift, your Head Barn Volunteer or any member of your volunteer team is always there to help. Let’s work together to keep our barn a safe and welcoming place for all!
Get a refresher on all the volunteer tips, tricks, training videos and more with a visit to the…
VISIT THE VOLUNTEER TOOLBOX
