Facilities Manager Wanted

We are looking for someone to help keep Mane Stream's 12 acres in tip top shape, from fields to fences to barn to vehicles.

Candidates should be at least 18 years old and have experience in overall maintenance of a related operation (equipment, construction, grounds). Specific tasks include maintenance of two riding arenas, barn, office and fields/fencing as well as routine maintenance of farm equipment and vehicles.

Mane Stream provides therapy services and adaptive riding for children and adults with special needs. We have 14 horses, office space, 16-stall barn, indoor riding arena, outdoor ring.

This is a part-time, permanent position requiring 12-15 hours per week. Salary dependent on experience. Interested applicants should send resume and references to trish@manestreamnj.org.

Rutgers OTA Completes Fieldwork at Mane Stream

Meet Keribeth Walsh!

Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) are required to complete a 40 hour fieldwork placement and Mane Stream has become one of the favorite locations in the area. These placements are chosen by fieldwork coordinators and once at Mane Stream they work closely with Gina Taylor, MS, OT, HPCS. Keribeth just completed her placement at Mane Stream. When asked to talk about Keribeth, Gina willingly wanted to share... “Keribeth's time as a student here was enriching to Mane Stream clients through her interactions with them and her ability to share about her own children.  Keribeth demonstrated skills that families look for when working with an occupational therapy practitioner- empathy, good clinical reasoning and judgement.  I enjoyed having Keribeth as a fieldwork student and, as a faculty member for RVCC’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program, believe that fieldwork education helps students put classroom learning into practice.”

Keribeth shares about her time at Mane Stream

I am a mother of 3 whose middle child was born with developmental disabilities. I loved learning from Gina and the other therapists, and gathering ideas that I can take home and work on with my own son.

How has your time at Mane Stream impacted your future? One of the things I love most about OT is its versatility.  In terms of my future, what I am learning during my time at Mane Stream will stay with me no matter where I work.

How does therapy at Mane Stream differ compared to traditional clinics? I don’t yet have a lot of experience in a traditional clinic setting, but what I do appreciate seeing at Mane Stream is the multi-disciplinary approach used.  There is also a calmness at this site despite the strong work ethic the therapists possess. I’m not certain I’d find that anywhere else.

What’s been the most surprising thing you have learned during your time here? What I am most surprised about is how adaptable it is to so many clients of varying abilities.  I am equally impressed with the skills that can be taught simply by utilizing a horse during treatment.

Do you think more therapists would like working in this non-traditional environment? Why? I do think therapists would enjoy working at Mane Stream. The horses provide a unique and fun addition to therapy, but they also help to enhance the session in a way that is very hard to replicate in a traditional setting.

What favorite moments will you always remember? I love to see the faces of the children as they are astride the horses because it allows even the child with complex issues the opportunity to enjoy an experience that most children love, while providing them with valuable therapy at the same time.

Mendham High School Student completes IBCP project

Alex raised $300 doing yard work! Then purchased grooming tool sets for the herd at Mane Stream and donated the remaining half of her earnings!

Alex Weeks began volunteering as a sidewalker at Mane Stream in December 2018 for both the adaptive riding lessons and therapy sessions. She attends Mendham High School where she is part of the International Baccalaureate College Programme. The IBCP is a challenging two-year course for students. The career-related program is a framework of international education that incorporates the vision and educational principles of the IB into a unique program specifically developed for students who wish to engage in career related-learning.

Alex needed to go out into the community and learn about something that was of interest to her. Since she has a passion for horses and has been motivated by her volunteer work at Mane Stream, Alex decided to work with Mane Stream for her project. The goal of the project was to make an impact on an organization either directly or indirectly. Alex had to figure out how to create a fundraiser and then use that money to help purchase something that was needed for the barn. Since she was already volunteering at Mane Stream, Alex felt she could make more of an impact contributing to the horses and people she already knew.

Thank you for all your hard work and commitment to Mane Stream!

Meet the 5 Camp Interns!

The 2019 Mane Stream Summer Camp Team

Mary Arnuk

Currently studying to become a teacher at Farleigh Dickinson University, and hoping to work towards a special education certificate, Mary Arnuk decided that Mane Stream would be the perfect place to complement her studies. Mary is returning to Mane Stream after volunteering for camp for the last two years. Mane Stream’s internship was so different than any other internship she was considering. The hands-on experience to apply her skills was very appealing and she believed it would be beneficial to her major. For all of these reasons, Mary knew Mane Stream was a place she wanted to be this summer! This internship will allow Mary to gain valuable experience in a field she is passionate about. Her favorite moments so far have been helping teach the kids horse anatomy and watching the kids improve each week. She has also just started the process of working towards her PATH Intl. certification. Fun fact, Mary has been riding for about 6 years, and has a huge soft spot for animals!

Emma Newman

Emma just finished her junior year at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA where she’s majoring in Psychology and minoring in English. She stumbled upon Mane Stream’s internship when she performed a Google search for “equine-assisted therapies”. Emma’s ridden for over 11 years! She’s volunteered for the Special Olympics and worked with a boy with special needs where she used to ride and thought this would be a great way to further her experience and test her skills. Emma is interested in learning more about what’s involved with counseling with the help of a horse as this is a career that’s top on her list. She also grew up with relatives with disabilities and believes this type of therapy could be extremely beneficial for them. In the future, she’d like to work towards her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, with a focus on using a horse or sports psychology.

Jocelyn Struble

Jocelyn came to Mane Stream to do her internship because we offer so many programs for so many people, all with the help of a horse! This is what she wants to do with the rest of her life…become an Adaptive Riding Instructor. At Mane Stream, she is learning from everyone (staff, volunteers, participants, and horses) which is increasing her knowledge in adaptive riding and teaching in general. Jocelyn is going into her senior year at Wilson College where she is majoring in Equine Facilitated Therapeutics with a minor in Special Education. She is also halfway through the process of becoming a certified instructor in Pennsylvania and then plans to get her PATH Intl. certification. As a final note, Jocelyn stated, “All I want to do is help others for the rest of my life, what better way than with horses?”

Lily Fosburgh

Lily found Mane Stream through a friend who was talking about the orientation & training sessions. Her mom had been prompting her to find something to do for the summer so she decided to sign up for the next training. She has loved horses since she was a young kid. She also loves helping people and giving back to the community. So Mane Stream seemed to be the perfect combination of both, and it turned out to be even better than she expected.

After volunteering for two summers in a row Lily decided that it would be an amazing opportunity to broaden her horizons even more within Mane Stream. As a rising senior in high school Lily will be applying for colleges this fall and though it will look good on her resume, spending time with the kids, volunteers, horses, and staff is her priority. Mane Stream is her “happy place” where she can forget about stress from work and school because she knows that what she’s doing is making somebody else’s day better. Lily is always excited to come to Mane Stream because each time is unique. She is looking forward to getting work experience as a leader but knows she’ll have fun with it from all sides. She believes this internship will prepare her not only for college but also for the rest of my life. Volunteering so far has taught me so much and I know I can learn more every day.

Sarah Perry

Sarah Perry intends to pursue a career in Therapeutic Recreation after graduating from York College of Pennsylvania. She was drawn to Mane Stream for her summer internship because of its hands-on experience, and opportunity to test her knowledge and opportunities to apply the skills she learns. She hopes to learn more about bettering the quality of life of the individuals who attend the programs at Mane Stream, as well as what it takes to implement new programs. In her spare time, Sarah loves to spend time outside, hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking. One day she’d love to try camping!

Beachy Bash Raises Awareness and Funds

Boots on the Boardwalk at Red Tail Farm

 The weather was perfect on June 8th for Boots on the Boardwalk at Red Tail Farm.  The perfect beach weather that is.  Sunshine with a slight breeze that kept the pinwheels spinning.  The two tents were filled with 250 guests and casual farmhouse tables with festive beach themed centerpieces. Guests strolled along the “Mane Stream Pier” getting that boardwalk vibe by playing ring toss, ping pong toss and spinning a candy wheel. Competition mounted as the night went on with guests hoping to go home with one of the three GIANT stuffed animals (Dog, Chick, Unicorn). You know, boardwalk games are never complete until someone goes home with a giant stuffed animal!

 The boardwalk theme continued with a little taste of shore favorites including sausage & peppers, crab cakes, pierogies, onion rings, and more.  Desserts included all the usual suspects like waffles & ice cream, cotton candy (in 5 flavors, what?!), and candy apples. Of course we also couldn’t do without s’mores.  Everyone loves sitting by the fire pit and roasting marshmallows on a summer’s evening.

Therapy Services Demo: All of our therapists (OT, PT, SLP) specialize in utilizing equine movement as part of an integrated plan of care, but how does the horse help someone master everyday tasks?

Though the evening was full of fun and games, our goal was to raise funds for our important Mane Stream programs and horses. The successful silent auction and therapy services demo did just that. Our demo focused on making the connection between hippotherapy and home. All of our therapists specialize in utilizing equine movement as part of an integrated plan of care, but how does the horse help someone master everyday tasks?  Audience members were privy to the inside scoop when they saw how during a speech and language session, a client is at eye level when on the horse and is able to initiate and maintain eye contact; this is an important skill when you are having a conversation with a friend on the playground or ordering off a menu at a restaurant.  With all disciplines represented during the demo, our therapists were able to show how sitting astride, and standing up or sitting down in stirrups can translate to the skills and strength needed to stand up from a chair or any other seated position.  The audience also saw how during an occupational therapy session, a client might work on weight bearing on their hands so that they are able to play appropriately with their peers on the floor. 

Clearly the demo achieved its goal when over $35K was donated in support for our new “Fjord Fund”. This generous offering has enabled us to increase search efforts for a pair of much needed sturdy and symmetrical therapy horses/ponies who can be long-lined. Thanks to everyone who made a donation, we will keep you posted on our search. In the mean-time we have the funds to take wonderful care of the two Fjords (Ian & Minnie) already in the herd.

Throughout the evening the DJ from Colorblind Entertainment provided a mix of music to keep everyone happy with the line dance instructor mixing in a few of the favorite dances. Participants, volunteers, therapists, and instructors enjoyed this special time together and even boogied on the dance floor. At 10pm the 50/50 raffle winner smiled as she left for the evening with $1,300 in her pocket!

Thank you to everyone that came to Boots on the Boardwalk to support Mane Stream's mission and let’s not forget the team of Mane Stream volunteers who worked all night long clearing tables, selling raffle tickets, running the games, and a myriad of other tasks throughout the night. Thank you: Maggie Conroy, Sylvia Donaldson, Sam Gonzalez, Nancy Grossweiler, Laura Edelson, Jesse McMahon, Gina Murchant, Karen Ricciardi, Kara Riegel, Kim Roswech, Megan Roswech, Will Rothpletz, Emily Seguine, Kerry Scholz, and E Van Vleet.

The Whole 2019 Boots on the Boardwalk Gallery

Boots on the Boardwalk Sponsor Levels

BEAT THIS SUMMER - $5,000
Linda & Alvin Dietz

SOMEWHERE ON A BEACH - $3,000
AON, Cynthia Barkman & Ron Caruso, Julia & Bob Greifeld, Kathy & Hal Kamine, MUFG

SUNRISE, SUNBURN, SUNSET - $1,500
Laura & Hank Brucker, Karen & Steve Kaufhold, Kevin & Betsy Sullivan

ROLLER COASTER - $1,000
Stephen & Maureen Bezer, Land Rover of Princeton, Ralph & Bonnie Tursini

SOME BEACH - $500
The Kosjek Family, Redfield Training

Goods and Services Donors

 Costco of Flemington, Foley, Inc - Caterpillar Dealer, Little Bros Beverage Outlet, Melick's Town Farm, Profeta Farms, Red Tail Farm, Stop & Shop of Flemington, Tito's Handmade Vodka, and Wegmans.

Event Committee

Tori Anderson, Maggie Boreland , Andrea Davey, Kathy Dermody, Tom Dermody, Laura Edelson, Nancy Grossweiler, Justin Hendrickson, Mark Hendrickson, Shari Hendrickson, Ed Holloway, Karen Kaufhold, Jesse McMahon, Cheryl Pfleger, Sandra Phillips, Kara Riegel, Megan Roswech, Kim Roswech, Will Rothpletz, Kerry Scholz, Tony Tambasco, Wendy Waters

The Geek Squad Comes to the Rescue

NEVER BEFORE SEEN - 2018 HORSE SHOW PICTURES

After many months we are excited to present pictures from the 2018 Horse Show. Our long-time dedicated photographer was cautiously hopeful that everything hadn’t been lost on her external hard drive and, thanks to some serious work, the Geek Squad from Best Buy were able to resurrect these shots and many other precious files.

We hope you enjoy seeing all your favorite riders and horses from the 2018 Fall Horse Show and that it gets you to thinking…isn’t it almost that time again? Yes, it is! Next month Horse Show Registration Forms will be going out with the hope of beating last year’s record of 28 riders. We are asking that all volunteers start talking it up with your riders. Sometimes they need a little encouragement to take this next step.

Thank you Michelle Geise for once again capturing so many wonderful shots!

Therapists from Around the World Come to Mane Stream

Hippotherapy Treatment Principles Part II

Mane Stream was excited to be a host facility for the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc. Hippotherapy Treatment Principles Part II June 13th-16th. Ten therapists from around the world (including Canada and Chile!) spent four days learning from AHA, Inc. faculty Gina Taylor, MS, OT, HPCS and Meredith Bazaar, MS, CCC-SLP, HPCS about the ins and outs of utilizing equine movement as part of a client's integrated plan of care.

We had a great mix of professionals at the course with all three disciplines (OT, PT, & SLP) represented. Course participants honed their knowledge of equine movement by evaluating members of the Mane Stream herd and then used that knowledge when learning how to match a horse to a patient.

Mane Stream is so thankful to Victoria, Carlo, and Tess for coming to Mane Stream two days in a row to let our course participants practice how to use equine movement during co-treatments. When not with the patients, course participants learned about different types of equipment, handling, and ways to maintain horses utilized for hippotherapy.

A dinner was held Saturday night where course participants got to sit with Gina and Meredith and discuss the different certifications that are available through the American Hippotherapy Certification Board. Mane Stream is excited for all the new friends that we made and wish them all the best in their adventure of incorporating hippotherapy into their treatment session.

The next AHA, Inc. course being held at Mane Stream is AHA Course: The Sensory Connection on October 19 & 20.

More fun than kegels?!

What’s different about this Women’s Pelvic Health Group?

You’ll be riding horses! This women's pelvic health group has you improving your core, pelvic floor and more through the movement of horses, exercises you can do at home, and education and support. The pelvis is the core of our movement experience - it is integral to almost all of our body's movement, balance, and posture.

Sign-up now for this 5-week pilot program starting on Wednesday 7/17 from 1:30-2:30pm to see a reduction in pelvic pain, incontinence, and c-section scar pain all while strengthening your stomach muscles. The group size is limited for personalized attention.

Gina Taylor, MS, OT, HPCS, Licensed Occupational Therapist, PATH Intl. Certified Advanced Instructor and Mom will lead these weekly educational topics and equine mounted exercises. There are NO Internal Exams.

For more information contact:
Gina Taylor, MS, OT, HPCS
gina@manestreamnj.org

Summer Spirit Wear - Store Closes 6/17

Our Therapists’ Commitment Nationally and Globally

A force within the American Hippotherapy Association

As the equine assisted activities and the therapy services industry has grown and evolved over the years, one thing has remained constant - Mane Stream therapists’ involvement with the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc.

AHA Inc. Faculty Member, Gina Taylor, MS, OT, HPCS

Over the years, our therapists have been involved on the national level in a variety of capacities. Gina Taylor, MS, OT, HPCS served as a member of the AHA, Inc. Board of Directors and in that role assisted the organization as the Education Chairperson. In 2008, Gina became a faculty member teaching numerous courses to therapists and therapy assistants about how to incorporate hippotherapy as part of an integrated plan of care for their clients. Gina has taught all over the country and will heading to Saudi Arabia this fall! In addition, Gina assisted with the development of the curriculum for AHA, Inc.'s The Sensory Connection: Sensory Concepts, Theory, and Applications in Hippotherapy course and is one of only 2 OT's in the country teaching about sensory integration and hippotherapy. When not teaching courses, Gina serves as the Committee Chair for the Online Education Sub-Committee. Gina is helping bring AHA, Inc. to the forefront of education by helping to develop online assessments, professional mentoring, and webinars. In recognition of her long-time involvement, Gina was presented with the President’s Award in 2013 for her dedication to the organization.    

AHA Inc. Board of Director, Melanie Dominko-Richards, MS, CCC-SLP, HPCS

Melanie Dominko-Richards, MS, CCC-SLP, HPCS  attended her first conference in 2015 and was excited to meet other professionals in the industry. Mel got to know any different therapists from around the country and she became eager to work with and help the organization in anyway that she could. In 2017, she was asked to be part of the newly formed Social Media and Marketing Committee. This committee was formed to assist AHA, Inc. in marketing through different digital platforms. Mel was later nominated to be the Committee Chair. Mel will also be working with the newly formed Editorial Team to help design and publish the organization’s biennial magazine. Excited to be a part of the organization on the national level, Mel was nominated to the AHA, Inc. Board of Directors and was excited to begin her 3 year term in May 2019.

Look for updates on their experiences and the inner workings of AHA Inc. throughout the year!