Pure Joy and Proud Tears!

Celebrating Every Rider's Accomplishment

The Annual Horse Show, a cherished highlight of the year, delivered all the joy and excitment yet again! Thanks to the overwhelming number of participants, dedicated sponsors, generous donations, and multitude of volunteers, the energy on the grounds was simply electric on Sunday, October 26th. What better way to honor Mane Stream’s amazing riders than to enjoy a thrilling day of competition alongside family, friends, volunteers, staff, and our incredible herd?

Winners Circle

Abby Clay Rutgers Memorial Award – Sara Reilly
Gracie Memorial (High Point Youth Rider) - Emily Kane
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Champion AM Junior – Emily Kane
Reserve Champion AM Junior – Reagan Reed
Champion AM Adult – George Hoehn
Reserve Champion AM Adult – Emily Boehmer
Camper Champion - Kira S.
Camper Reserve Champion - Michael Roberts
Champion PM Junior – Joseph O’Leary
Reserve Champion PM Junior – Hannah B.
Champion PM Adult – Sara Reilly
Reserve Champion PM Adult – Daisy DeSimone

The crisp morning air quickly gave way to a beautiful Indian Summer day, setting the stage for a full day of activity. This year’s show celebrated the hard-earned skills accumulated over the past ten months. All 41 riders participated in two classes each: a flat class to demonstrate horsemanship basics, and a second class, either an obstacle course or an independent canter or jumping course, to highlight their advanced abilities.

We absolutely love it when a rider’s competitive side emerges, and sometimes, even we are surprised when that fierce spirit comes out for the very first time! These moments of breakthrough effort and determination are what brought forth the pure joy and proud tears felt by staff, volunteers, and, often to their shock, the parents! Special thanks go to our Judge, Jen Conway Backshall, who dedicated her entire day to carefully observing each competitor and handing out 10 champion and reserve champion ribbons.

Our hard-working volunteers fueled up for the long day with a generous breakfast spread, donated by the Glaser Family. The fun continued at the Family Fun Day activity table, where guests enjoyed fake tattoos, stickers, and pumpkin crafts. Once the char-broiled scents of hot dogs and hamburgers wafted through the air, people quickly put in their orders with the grill chefs!

A major highlight of the day was the collection of super adorable painted pumpkins. Created by our Board President, Karen Mikita-Kaufhold, these little cuties represented each of our dedicated herd members, complete with halters and name tags. Priced at a reasonable $15, these works of art were snapped up faster than you could say "peppermints!"

When the dust settled and the final contributions were tallied, over $16,000 was raised by 41 riders, 24 sponsors, and numerous donors! The rider who generated the most support for Mane Stream was Michael Roberts, representing the Camper Division. Thank you, Michael, for rallying such tremendous support for your sport!

Additional gratitude is extended to our talented photographers: Jordan McLellan of JLMC Photography, Wolfy, and Brian Greenspan, who expertly captured both the competitive action and the shared joy throughout the day. Finally, the charming Pumpkin Patch Photo Booth, set up by Jeanne Rogalin and her daughter Meg, son-in-law Connor, and granddaughter Nora, provided participants, their horses, and families with the perfect chance to capture memorable moments together.

And finally, a HUGE thank you to our dedicated volunteers who either came in for that really large early morning class or stayed the whole day. Y’all rock!

Please take a peek at just a few of the pics to come!

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HORSE SHOW SPONSORS
The Davenport Family
Pine Woods Farm
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VOLUNTEER BREAKFAST SPONSOR
The Glaser Family
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RIBBON SPONSOR
A Jersey Angel
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DECOR SPONSOR
The Rogalin Family
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ABBY CLAY RUTGERS MEMORIAL SPONSOR
The Morais Family
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GRACIE MEMORIAL SPONSOR
The Fela Family
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CHAMPION/RESERVE ADULT (AM) SPONSOR
The Renfer Family
CHAMPION/RESERVE CHILD (AM) SPONSOR
Pat Colbert
CHAMPION/RESERVE ADULT (PM) SPONSOR
The Ciccione Family
CHAMPION/RESERVE CHILD (PM) SPONSOR
The Rogalin Family
CHAMPION/RESERVE SUMMER CAMP SPONSOR
The Coffey Family
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DIVISION SPONSORS
Terry Callahan, Martha and Steve Carrellas, The Doherty Family (x2), Karen & Steve Kaufhold (x2), Jane Jermyn, Gretchen Oberfranc, The Zukowsky Family
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CLASS SPONSORS
Patty Cleary, Joyce Danelski, Father Mack & Ruth McCormick, Karen & Chip Quayle, Victoria Ponte
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MANE STREAM VOLUNTEERS
Terri Andrechick, Cynthia Barkman, Jen Baumgartner, Alfie Bentley, Hannah B., Terry Callahan, Jessie Crowell, Debi DeLorenzo, Daisy DeSimone, Laura Edelson, Dawn Eisele, Karen Evans, Madison Flanagan, Andrea Greenspan, Nancy Grossweiler, Keena Hausmann, Kiley Hausmann, Leroy Hunninghake, Emma Iglesias, Shelley Levin, Holly McDonald, Karen Mikita-Kaufhold, Janie Murphy, Irene Preston, Chip Quayle, Karen Ricciardi, Tara Schweighardt, Shannon Santoro, Carole Strickroth, Hannah Van Campen, Clara W., Susan Worsfold, Mary Ellen Yen

Hats Off to the Generous Donors of Meet Me in Montana

A Successful Night at the EQUUS XXXIII Gala

Mane Stream’s annual fundraising event, EQUUS XXXIII: Meet Me in Montana, brought the rugged elegance of the West to The Ryland Inn on Saturday, October 4, 2025, for a spectacular night of purpose and celebration. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the Mane Stream community, the gala was a resounding success, meeting its goal to support the organization’s vital adaptive riding and therapy services programs in 2026.

Thank You EQUUS Sponsors!

Yellowstone Club Member $12,000
The Durden Family
The Greifeld Family
Emily Maillet Kellogg & Kirk Kellogg
The Lipson Family
Red Tail Farm
Spiniello Companies
The Sudler Family Foundation
The Turiansky Family

Big Sky Gazer $8,000
Maureen & Stephen Bezer
The Greifeld Family
The Saladino Family

The Boze Man $4,000
Karen & Steve Kaufhold
Andrew & Genevieve Fairclough

The evening, expertly guided by Co-Chairs Elizabeth Durden and Alyssa Solimine and the dedicated Gala Committee, saw just over 225 guests fully embrace the "polished ranch style" dress code. Women sported sophisticated equestrian prints, fun fringe, amazing jewelry, and a dazzling variety of western-style belts, while the men looked as though they had just walked off the set of Yellowstone.

The beautiful weather allowed the patio festivities to flourish, with the spirit of competition alive at the Ranch Hand Rodeo and the Cuttie Casting area.

• Men’s Mechanical Bull Champion:
  Joe Seiler

• Women’s Mechanical Bull Champion: Rachel Gardner

• Cuttie Casting Champion: Kirk Kellogg

The night featured unique, high-spirited entertainment. The Custom Hat Bar was a massive success, swamped all night long by attendees eager to personalize their Western headwear. Guests enjoyed sipping on signature cocktails, visiting the Cigar Bar, and dancing the night away to an amazing mix of music, including a performance by Jesse Bardwell and the Free Union, and an awesome DJ from White Isle Events. The Ryland Inn’s elevated chuck wagon fare was described by all as absolutely spectacularly, tasty, and wonderfully abundant! That’s not your usual gala experience for sure.

A cornerstone of the fundraising was the excitement around the live auction. Attendees eagerly placed bids on exclusive getaways and unique experiences, all expertly orchestrated once again by our charming auctioneer, Matt Newsome.

Though the evening’s true purpose was powerfully brought home by guest speaker Izzy Rita (@izzylivingherbestlife). Her heartfelt words and inspiring journey with Mane Stream served as a poignant reminder of the life-changing impact the organization has on individuals with special needs.

A highlight of the philanthropic evening was the generous response to Adam Friedland's Helping Hands pyramid paddle raise. The inspiring number of attendees who raised their paddles for this direct appeal ensures that funds will be immediately available to benefit all of Mane Stream's programs and their cherished equine companions.

As the evening drew to a close, a profound sense of fulfillment filled the air. Each guest departed with auction items secured, a treat, and cherished memories of a night brimming with magic, compassion, and the knowledge that they have contributed to providing Unbridled Possibilities for children and adults with special needs.

Mane Stream extends its deepest gratitude to the entire Gala Committee, all the sponsors, and every guest who attended for making EQUUS XXXIII a truly transformative success.

Spring Horse Show at the USET

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2026

Mark your calendars! We're thrilled to return to the prestigious and historic USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ, for next year’s horse show.

This is an incredible opportunity for riders to compete where the cream of the crop in the equestrian world showcase their skills!

In addition, we are excited to announce that for this Horse Show, we are inviting therapeutic riding facilities from the surrounding area to participate too! To accommodate what we hope will be a large turnout, we plan to run two rings simultaneously throughout the day, ensuring a smooth and engaging competition experience for all riders.

Most importantly, this show is also a qualifier for the Therapeutic Riding Championships at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show’s Foundation Friday in October 2026! Riders will compete in Assisted and Unassisted divisions for coveted PNHS ribbons, a trophy, and special donated products from our generous sponsors. Get ready for an amazing day!

Welcome Rachel Doyle, Barn Manager

Rachel has been devoted to the equine world since she was three, making a career out of her passion with experience as a farm hand, instructor, and manager of therapeutic riding programs. Inspired to pursue the connection between horses and healing, she graduated from Wilson College in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Equine Facilitated Therapeutics and a minor in Equine Management. She competed on the IHSA team throughout college and has been showing since age six, with hunter/jumper being her favorite discipline.

Upon graduation, Rachel earned her PATH Intl. Certified Registered Instructor certification and PA Council of Therapeutic Horsemanship certification, followed a year later by becoming certified as a PATH Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL). As the new Barn Manager, she is blessed to continue pursuing what she loves every day and working with horses. She shares her passion with her Haflinger, Dora, whom she has owned and competed on for 15 years. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys being outdoors, hiking, sightseeing, and traveling, and is a Disney girl at heart.

Rachel will be working Tuesdays through Saturdays, so please make sure to introduce yourself when you see her in the barn!

Volunteer Milestones for September 2025

Let's hear it for our incredible volunteers! Whether it's a new milestone or a special anniversary, your passion and countless hours of service are what make our mission possible. Thank you for being the heart and soul of our organization.

10th Anniversary
Bridget Torcivia: From teen volunteer to camp intern, to adult volunteer who helps when she can!

300+ Lifetime Program Hours
Julia Greifeld: +16 years of dedicated service on the Board of Directors

1st Anniversary
Jen Baumgartner, Catherine Costa, Amiya Dhirmalani, Jessica Dionne, Steve Kronheim, Tara Schweighardt, Jan Stewart

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Welcome NEW Volunteers
Jill Dolan, Karen Evans, Mary Beth Greene, Keena Hausmann, Kiley Hausmann, Liu Mochizuki, Carole Strickroth

We're excited to have another round of new volunteers helping out for the super busy fall sessions! If you spot one of those new faces around the barn during your shift, please say hello and consider being a friendly mentor, especially if someone seems shy or unsure.

A warm welcome goes a long way in making our team stronger!

An Evening of Magical Moments at Red Tail Farm

What a wonderful summer evening it was at the 3rd Annual Evening of Musical Freestyle at Red Tail Farm! The event was a lively benefit for Mane Stream, and this year's turnout was larger than ever. The support was truly amazing, with over $10,000 raised in just a couple of hours. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who “VOTED” or really donated for their favorite rider!

The atmosphere was festive and casual, with guests enjoying the delicious food from the AMA Pizza truck and yummy gelato. While others brought their own picnics, spreading out on blankets or in chairs to enjoy the evening.

The beautiful venue was kindly provided by Linda Dietz, owner of Red Tail Farm. The event's coordination and some of the youth riders’ training was handled by Erika Olijslager, the Red Tail Farm trainer. The judge for the evening, for the third year in a row, was Heather Mason, a highly respected S-level judge who owns Flying Change Farm in Lebanon, NJ.

The musical freestyles were a delight to watch, with riders in creative costumes ranging from Zorro and a pirate to The Mandalorian and Pokémon. The painted ponies and glittering sequins added to the magic of the evening.

The exciting lineup of riders included:

• Mariano Granados dressed as Zoro riding Grant to the music of Santana

• Evelyn Dietz riding Charlie in a Pirates of the Caribbean routine

• Mother Daughter Pas de Deux: Birgit Kosjek riding Nash & Laura Kosjek riding Spotty

• Marilyn Payne riding Rock Me Mama in a 3rd Level Musical Freestyle

• Pony Quadrille: Katie Berger riding Tally, Alessia Morgan riding Charlie, Hassini Raj riding Roan, Lila Rockmore riding Gingerella to the music of Coldplay

• Pokémon Pas de Deux: Tea Uzman riding Griffie and Frederick Rodriguez riding Gingerella

• Pas de Deux: Jessica Dionne riding Sonney G. & Jillian Connolly riding Clover in a 1st level musical freestyle of violin covers of popular songs

• Jennifer Bateman riding Bulgari in a Grand Prix Musical Freestyle of The Mandalorian

• Tea Uzman riding Griffie in a Grand Prix Musical Freestyle

• Pas de deux: Rebecca riding Sinatra's Rose and Franki Kesner riding iL Divo to the music from the Cirque de Soleil performance Kurios

A huge thank you to…everyone who made our Musical Freestyle event a success. To the incredible riders, your performances were stunning. To our dedicated judge, thank you for sharing your expertise. A massive shout-out to our generous donors; your support made this possible. A special thank you to Linda Dietz and Red Tail Farm for the amazing location and coordination of the event. And finally, to all the attendees, thank you for the fantastic energy. Your support means the world to us!

Monogrammed Sun Hats & More!

Need a unique gift for the holidays? Riverfront Design Creations has you covered!

Their new collection of Equestrian Sun Hats is here just in time for the holidays. Choose from a variety of styles to find the perfect one, whether it's accented with a festive tassel band, an elegant scarf, or a classic band and feathers or flowers.

Even better, each hat can be customized with your choice of a monogram or the Mane Stream logo, making it a truly special and personal gift. Don't forget to treat yourself, too! START SHOPPING

COLD WEATHER ITEMS ALSO FOR SALE

Join the Celebration: Your Support Makes Our Horse Show Shine!

Get Ready for Our Annual Horse Show!

Mark your calendars! Our Annual Horse Show is just around the corner on October 26th, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you. This day is all about our incredible riders; it’s their chance to show off the independence, skills, and confidence they’ve been building all year. Their faces light up with pure joy as they show their family and friends what they can do, and your support helps make that possible.

We're looking for partners to help us make this day absolutely unforgettable for our riders. We have 10 different sponsorship opportunities to fit any budget. We're also in need of gifts-in-kind, like gift cards, movie tickets, and candy to use as prizes. Even a small donation of drinks or snacks for our dedicated volunteers goes a long way.

Want to honor Mane Stream’s amazing riders? Join us for a thrilling day of competition, camaraderie, and celebration with our entire community of families, friends, volunteers, and, of course, our incredible horses!

T-Shirts and Last Year's Fun!

Don't miss your chance to grab an official Horse Show T-Shirt and show your support! The deadline to order is September 29th, so be sure to get yours before it's too late.

What was last year like? So glad you asked! It was a day filled with sunshine and smiles. The air was buzzing with excitement as riders showed off their skills, and the sidelines were packed with proud families cheering them on. It was a true community party with a Family Fun Day area and plenty of great memories made. This year, with your help, we’ll make it even better!

Volunteer Milestones - August 2025

Let's hear it for our incredible volunteers! Whether it's a new milestone or a special anniversary, your passion and countless hours of service are what make our mission possible. Thank you for being the heart and soul of our organization.

25 Years
A huge shout-out to our incredible Board President, Karen Mikita Kaufhold, who is celebrating 25 years as a volunteer with us!

Karen's journey with Mane Stream started all the way back in 2000, and she's been a powerhouse ever since, going from a dedicated volunteer to our Board President. Her passion for our mission is what makes her such a guiding force, and it's also why she's one of our best volunteer recruiters over the years.

According to our Volunteer Coordinator, Karen has accumulated a grand total of 1,453 hours of service! We're also proud to say that she is one of our very few long-liners, a skill that's incredibly valuable to our team and programs. And where would we be without your support for all the fundraising events throughout the years?! Join us in celebrating Karen and thanking her for her decades of unwavering dedication! Read More to get to know Karen.
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100+ Hours
Angelica Fata, Margot Huelsbergen, Eileen Blum, Madison Flanagan

1 Year Anniversary
Autumn Connolly, Merrin Chilcoat, Siena McGill, Paul R. Matt Murry, Barb Schaffer, Susan Worsfold, Lynx M.

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Welcome NEW Volunteers
Maya Bakos, Valeria Carames, Sophia Chavez, Daisy Desimone, Diana Gutierrez, Lana Kimmel, Pearce Lowdon, Asma Noor, Ornella Panizza, Mary Ann Wurst

Catching Up with Molly

What is she doing now?

Molly McDonald, a perky and conscientious Summer Camp Intern back in 2024, recently reached out with some exciting news!

“I'm excited to share that I will be starting graduate school this fall at Rutgers University, where I will be pursuing a dual master’s degree in Social Work and Criminal Justice. My ultimate goal is to develop a program that incorporates animal-assisted therapy for justice-involved individuals, survivors, and people of all abilities. My experience at Mane Stream has been a huge inspiration in shaping this path. The experience gave me a whole new perspective on what therapeutic services can look like.

Thank you again for everything you’ve done for me. Interning at Mane Stream was such a meaningful experience, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of your community.”

We are so inspired by how her experience at Mane Stream shaped her future path. Congratulations, Molly! We can't wait to see all that you accomplish!

What was she like back in 2024? Read On