Remembering Sheila Tweedie

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Sheila Tweedie, a beloved Board Member Emerita and a cornerstone of the Mane Stream family for over fifty years.

Sheila’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of our organization. From our early days as the Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Club (SHHRC), when we operated on a shoestring budget out of a private backyard, to the thriving facility we call home today, Sheila was there. She wore every hat imaginable: instructor, volunteer, board member, and generous donor.

A Legacy of Service and Strength

When Mane Stream moved to Oldwick, Sheila and her husband, John, were front and center on work days, clearing wild roses from pastures and building stalls within what was then a simple landscaping shed. Board Member Cynthia Barkman fondly recalls Sheila’s formidable yet kind presence:

"I will always be grateful that our paths crossed and thankful for the critical role she and John played in ensuring the success of Mane Stream and helping to shepherd it through the transition from a backyard organization with a couple of horses and a handful of adaptive horsemanship clients to the offerings of today."

Her Lasting Impact

Sheila’s spirit remains a tangible presence at the farm, perhaps most notably through her gift of Minnie, our wonderful Norwegian Fjord. Minnie has enriched our therapy services immeasurably, carrying on Sheila’s legacy of connection with every session. Beyond the arena, Sheila’s physical labor and steady wisdom helped build the very foundation of our Oldwick facility, turning a vision into the home we share today.

Her artistry and warmth also continue to greet our community every day. The beautiful, handmade quilt she created for our 50th Anniversary currently hangs in the Mane Stream vestibule, serving as a vibrant welcome to all who enter. Many in our family will also fondly remember the joy Sheila and John brought to the world through the beautiful Golden Retrievers they raised, a testament to a life defined by a deep love for all living things.

We are forever grateful for Sheila’s wisdom, her kindness, and her lifelong commitment to our mission. Her influence remains a guiding light for us all.

Rest in peace, Sheila. You will be deeply missed.

Arrangements for Mrs. Tweedie are pending and will be posted when they are available.
SHEILA TWEEDIE OBITUARY

Nancy Jaffer Equestrian Sports Writer - article

Limited Edition Merch - Available Now Through May 20th

The Mane Stream Stars & Stripes Collection

In honor of the upcoming 250th anniversary, Mane Stream is going "Stars and Stripes!" We’ve launched a brand-new, limited-edition apparel collection that blends patriotic pride with your love for the farm. Whether you’re at the stable, the gym, or out celebrating the 4th of July, this gear is designed to show off your Mane Stream spirit in style.

Something for Every Mane Stream Fan. Our online store is packed with high-quality options for the whole family:

  • Performance Wear & Tanks: Stay cool and comfortable during those summer rides or workouts with our moisture-wicking fabrics.

  • Women’s V-Necks: A classic, flattering fit that’s perfect for everyday wear.

  • T-Shirts & Youth Sizes: From our smallest riders to our longtime supporters, we have sizes for everyone!

Shop with Purpose. Every purchase directly supports Mane Stream’s mission of providing unbridled possibilities for our participants. You get great gear, and our programs get the vital support they need to thrive.

Don’t Wait, The Clock is Ticking! The online store officially closes at midnight on May 20th. Once the doors close, these exclusive 250th-anniversary designs will be gone for good.

SHOP THE COLLECTION NOW

Items will be processed after the store closes and will be available for pickup starting June 19th. Show your stripes and support Mane Stream today!

EMBROIDERY MERCH STORE

The Mane Stream EMBROIDERED Merch Store is open all year. We specialize in high-quality, embroidered hoodies, jackets, and hats designed specifically for the frigid cold. Choose your favorite logo, and even get your name embroidered for a personalized touch. Don't get caught out in the cold—get your orders in now to stay warm and comfortable all season long!
SHOP TODAY

Building for the Future

Welcoming Development Director Vicki Lowrie

Mane Stream is pleased to announce the appointment of Vicki Lowrie as the organization’s new Development Director. Joining the team in February 2026, Vicki brings more than 20 years of nonprofit experience and a proven track record of leadership to the Mane Stream community.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Capella University with a concentration in nonprofit management and leadership. Prior to joining Mane Stream, Vicki served in development and program roles at NewBridge Services, Inc., the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, and, most recently, as Program Director at the Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey.

"We are very excited to have Vicki as part of the Mane Stream fundraising team," says Executive Director Trish Hegeman. "She will have an important role in expanding our foundation grant program and with our special events. Her experience is a great match for Mane Stream!"

Driven By Mission
Vicki was drawn to Mane Stream by its unique mission and the opportunity to support an organization that creates such meaningful impact in people’s lives. In her first few months at Mane Stream, Vicki has enjoyed getting to know the organization, its mission, and the dedicated team behind its work. She has especially appreciated learning more about the horses and the important role they play in supporting participants. As she continues settling into her role, she looks forward to experiencing more of Mane Stream’s programs firsthand and deepening her understanding of their impact.

Inspired by the commitment of the staff, volunteers, and community, Vicki is excited to help expand opportunities for Mane Stream’s future. She looks forward to strengthening relationships, welcoming new sponsors and donors, and building partnerships that support the organization’s continued growth and long‑term sustainability.

Life Outside the Farm
When she isn't at the farm, Vicki enjoys a busy home life, spending time with her husband, their two children, their dog Jerry, and their two cats.

Volunteers Make Mane Stream Shine

A SUD-sational Success: Volunteer Appreciation Week Wrap-Up!

What a way to wash away the winter blues! Our Volunteer Appreciation Week was graced with some beautiful spring weather as the staff celebrated the "scent-imental" impact our volunteers have on everything we do. From the handmade soaps by Mt. Lebanon Soap Co. to the refreshing treats in the breezeway, the farm was alive with gratitude and SUD-sational spirit.

We kicked off the week by diving into the inspiring stories of three incredible volunteers spotlighted on our website: Alison Crowley, who finds "more joy than she could have imagined" after a decade of service; Amy Mahoney, who continues to leave "sunshine in her path" during therapy sessions; and Karen Ruffner, who reminded us all of the simple "Power of Showing Up."

It wasn't just about the gifts; it was a high-energy week of programming that kept everyone on their toes. Our volunteers provided the perfect "lather" of support for a packed schedule of adaptive riding lessons, therapy sessions, and energizing visits from the Pillar Elementary School and Mt. Bethel Village day program. We even trained 12 new volunteers who are jumping right in to ensure the high level of safety and fun we are known for.

How Many Bubbles in Bubble’s Bubble Bath?

Of course, it wouldn't be a party without some friendly competition! Our "How Many Bubbles in Bubble’s Bubble Bath?" contest had a bunch of people guessing, but the 1st Place Winner Leroy Hunninghake, 2nd Place Winner Karen Mikita-Kaufhold, 3rd Place Winner Mike Murphy took home the top prizes with the closest guesses to 233!

To keep our hardworking crew fueled, there was a massive selection of homemade treats, salty snacks, and a legendary candy spread courtesy of M&M Mars and our former volunteer coordinator, Emily Seguine.

Most importantly, this week was a chance to say a heartfelt thank you. Whether you’ve been with us for days or decades, your commitment to coming back week after week is what changes the lives of our participants. Thanks to this incredible team, we saw 100 participants visit the farm this week, all supported by a dedicated crew of 75 volunteers (most of whom we didn’t get pics of…sorry!).

To everyone who donned their boots and lent a hand: thank you for your unwavering dedication and for helping Mane Stream shine!

May 2026 Volunteer Milestones

This month, we are celebrating a wide range of commitment, from those just finishing their first year to a truly monumental achievement by one of our most dedicated team members. Volunteers at every stage, whether you’ve been here for one year or eight, are the heartbeat of Mane Stream, and each milestone represents countless lives touched by your hard work.

2,500+ Lifetime Hours | Leroy Hunninghake

Over the last eight years, Leroy Hunninghake has transitioned from a weekly volunteer to a deeply valued member of the Mane Stream family. This year, we are thrilled to celebrate his latest 500 hours, reaching 2,500 lifetime service hours.

Leroy is the definition of dependable. While he still assists with lessons, therapy sessions, seniors’ trips, and field trips, he’s also been known to stock the bathrooms and tidy up wherever he sees needs tidying. He has become a vital mentor and coordinator for the young men from Bonnie Brae during their weekly visits. Whether he’s leading them through barn chores or tackling farm projects that are perfect for strong teen guys, Leroy’s leadership and appreciation for their hard work shines through.

We are constantly moved by Leroy’s commitment to our mission and his willingness to tackle anything the farm needs with a smile. His passion for seeing every participant succeed is matched only by his tireless work ethic.

We are also proud to recognize those celebrating their first and third years with us.

3rd Anniversary: Andrea Greenspan

1st Anniversary: Neeve Canniffe, Patrick Crawford, Sameera Jaggi, Joe Lynch, Nicole Randazza, Colette Shovlin, Sara Sturtevant

Win Big with the Golden Horseshoe 50/50!

What would you do with an extra $7,500?

Whether it’s booking a bucket-list summer vacation, finally finishing that "Home Project" renovation, spoiling your horse with new tack, OR a summer of Horse Show entry fees, the Golden Horseshoe 50/50 Raffle is your ticket to making it happen.

The Details:

  • Price: $100 per ticket

  • Grand Prize: Up to $7,500 (half the pot!)

  • The Odds: Only 150 tickets will be sold.

Don’t wait for "Paradise" to call; with such limited tickets, they won't last long. The winning ticket will be drawn on June 13th, and you do not need to be present to win!

Claim your lucky number before they’re gone: 📞 Call 908-439-9636 or stop by the Mane Stream office today!

A Winning Hand

Mane Stream’s First Mah Jongg Event

On April 7, Mane Stream traded the arena for tiles at our inaugural Mah Jongg fundraiser. Led by board members Kimmie Turiansky, Kathy Mikita‑Kaufhold, and Emily Maillet Kellogg, the afternoon brought together 42 players and raised nearly $21k for our mission.

With 2026 being the Year of the Horse, the theme couldn’t have been more fitting, right down to the custom Mah Jongg mats featuring a colorful horse design. The atmosphere was upbeat and relaxed, with light bites, sweet treats, and refreshing drinks keeping the competition friendly. An on‑site instructor supported new players and kept seasoned ones on their toes.

We are so grateful to everyone who made this debut event such a success. We’re already looking forward to the next time we hear the “clack” of tiles in support of Mane Stream.

Volunteer Appreciation Week

As we dive into another busy spring here at Mane Stream, we are absolutely bubbling over with gratitude for the impact our volunteers make on our participants and our community. Just like the perfect lather, our volunteers provide the support that makes our programs shine.

All week long, we’re celebrating with a refreshing spread of drinks and snacks to enjoy during their shifts. To make sure the week is extra "scent-imental," we have special bars of handmade soap for volunteers to take home, crafted by a wonderful local mother-daughter duo from Mt. Lebanon Soap Company.

Not scheduled this week? Don't let our thank-you wash away! Swing by the barn anytime. We’d love to see your smiling face and give you your gift in person.

Thank you for being such SUD-sational volunteers and for helping us keep things "Bubbling" along!

Meet our 2026 SUD-Sational Spotlights

This year, we’re shining a light on three specific volunteers who truly embody the Mane Stream spirit.

Alison Crowley — Amy Mahoney — Karen Ruffner

More joy than i could have imagined

MEET ALISON CROWLEY

Ten years ago, recently retired Alison Crowley was on the hunt for a volunteer opportunity that she felt passionate about. She frequently drove past Mane Stream, but never inquired due to her lack of horse experience. After trying a few opportunities locally, Alison never felt that spark that she was searching for. Finally, she reached out to Mane Stream and was shocked to discover that she could volunteer without any horse experience. The rest is history!

655 volunteer hours later, Alison has made her mark on our community. Volunteer Coordinator, Emily De Jong, speaks highly of Alison, stating, “She's been such a fixture of the Therapy Services program since I started working at Mane Stream. Her passion for the program and care for the participants is truly heartwarming to see, regardless of the population she helps. It's been a pleasure getting to know Alison and seeing all that she does for our participants!” 

Throughout her time with Mane Stream, Alison has volunteered with a variety of programs, but says that volunteering with Therapy is always her first choice. She also speaks fondly of her time volunteering with the Pillar School, and remarks on the impact of seeing therapy using the horse's movement (hippotherapy) at work with such a wide variety of children. She has spent time volunteering with visiting Senior programs, and saw therapeutic benefits from brushing the horses, and of course, from snuggling with them too! 

Not only has Alison impacted Mane Stream, but she says that Mane Stream has left a huge impact on her. “The connection and the rewards of working with the clients have brought me more joy than I could’ve imagined. Seeing their hard work combined with so much fun has had such an impact on me. To help contribute to making that happen has been incredible over the years. To witness their progress in real time has been amazing.”

Friends, family, and acquaintances always say that Alison lights up when talking about Mane Stream. “Between the clients, the staff, the volunteers, and the horses, I’m in heaven. It’s my therapy for sure.”

Mane Stream has been lucky enough to have Alison as a member of the community for ten amazing years. We hope to see her for many more years to come.

Leaving Sunshine in her Path

MEET AMY MAHONEY

As a new resident of Tewksbury, Amy Mahoney was searching for a worthwhile organization to dedicate her time to and become a part of the community. As is the case for many of our volunteers, Mane Stream caught Amy’s eye one day while driving by the farm. 

A retired mental health counselor, Amy was thrilled to discover Mane Stream and experience a different perspective on therapy. Over her three years as a sidewalker, she has witnessed the power of equines at work in Therapy Services offered at Mane Stream. Along with therapy sessions, Amy has volunteered with Horses for Healing and Adaptive Riding lessons and has become a familiar face in the Tuesday morning group occupational therapy sessions with the Pillar School.

Amy particularly enjoys volunteering with the students from the Pillar School. “Experiencing the evolution from a first-time client, where the child often appears uncertain, to the lightness and confidence that gradually builds, is nothing short of miraculous!” Amy shared.

Throughout her 80+ hours spent volunteering with Mane Stream, Amy has always been willing to jump in and help wherever she can, and has also become reliable as a substitute volunteer. “Amy has been a wonderful volunteer in our programs and really shown a talent in adapting to the needs of whatever population she works with. Whether they need physical support or a friendly ear to listen, she's always ready to jump in and help! She's been a huge asset to our volunteer team, and truly embodies what we're trying to do in our programs!” says Volunteer Coordinator, Emily De Jong.

Riding and Horses for Healing Instructor Kelly Champion shared, “She's such a sweet and kind person, who really excels at interacting with the participants. Her happy attitude always brings a smile to my face and the faces of the people she works with!”

Amy describes her time serving as a Mane Stream volunteer as “a gift and a privilege.” She also remarked on her time spent alongside other volunteers and staff, writing, “Working alongside other dedicated volunteers and Mane Stream staff is a heartwarming experience, week after week, reminding me that there is so much good in our world”.

Amy is an invaluable member of the Mane Stream team. Her passion and enthusiasm for her volunteer work is infectious to everyone who crosses her path!

The Power of Showing Up

MEET Karen Ruffner

When Karen Ruffner first searched Google for a way to combine her love for horses with a desire to help people, Mane Stream was the perfect match. She joined the team in the spring of 2022, eager to dive into the barn and the arena.

While Karen’s heart has always been with the herd, her journey over the last four years hasn't been a straight line. Due to some minor health challenges, Karen had to take an extended sabbatical from the barn for over a year. After an initial attempt to return, she found she needed a bit more time away to heal before stepping back into her boots for good in January 2025.

Since her return, Karen has been a model of reliability. While she keeps her weekly shifts to a focused 1.25 hours, she makes every minute count. To date, Karen has contributed nearly 80 volunteer hours to the mission!

"I can't thank Karen enough for her flexibility and adaptability. Whether it's Adaptive Riding, Therapy Services, or a field trip, Karen is always willing to help if she can!" said Volunteer Coordinator, Emily De Jong. "From the moment she joined the team, she has understood our mission. Watching her connect to the participants has been a pleasure, and we're so glad to have her as a volunteer!"

In the arena, Karen has formed a special bond with one of Mane Stream’s Adaptive riders, Penelope. Karen has loved watching Penelope's skills and confidence grow, noting that she feels inspired by watching her work hard and progress.

Of course, the horses provide their own kind of therapy. Karen describes the herd as patient and gentle, especially her favorite horse, Buzz. “One of my favorite memories at the farm is when Buzz nuzzled me while I was currying him,” she recalls, citing his curiosity and friendly personality as the reasons she loves working with him.

When asked about her favorite part of volunteering, Karen’s enthusiasm is as bright as ever: “It’s hard to choose because I love it all, being in the barn getting the horses ready, walking beside the rider, and working alongside the other volunteers are all rewarding!”

Karen’s dedication and her commitment to returning to Mane Stream after her time away is truly admirable. We are so lucky to have her back in the barn!

Bridging the Barn and the Business

Centenary University Intern Reese Gallagher dives behind the scenes to see how the Mane Stream magic is made.

Hi everyone! My name is Reese Gallagher, and I am honored to join the team as Mane Stream’s first-ever Academic Intern. Currently, I am a double major at Centenary University, specializing in Equine Studies: Business as well as Media & Public Relations. My journey with horses began at age ten, and today I am proud to compete on Centenary’s IHSA team. Most recently, I achieved my PATH Intl. CTRI certification this past October. I am thrilled to combine my academic background and my passion for therapeutic riding to support the Mane Stream community!

I was introduced to Equine Assisted Services in 2018, when I was a summer camp volunteer at HorseAbility, a center near my home on Long Island, New York. After a few years, I became a Barn Intern, then a Barn/Volunteer Coordinator. When I am home, I spend all of my free time at HorseAbility! 

I am very excited to be at Mane Stream as I have never seen another center, so I am interested to see how Mane Stream runs as a business. I am curious to spend some time on the administrative side of things, as I’ve always been working in the barn and in lessons. So far, I have enjoyed my time working with Jen, Emily, Louisa, and Trish. I am hoping to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes, such as scheduling programming, volunteers, and fundraising. 

And of course, I love the horses! I am getting to know the Mane Stream herd and learning what goes into their care and maintenance. I am especially fond of the senior horses that we often see in therapeutic riding. 

I am looking forward to getting to know everybody in the Mane Stream community!

From 1 Year to 10: Celebrating our April Volunteer Milestones

A Decade of Dedication: Gretchen Oberfranc

We’re excited to celebrate Gretchen Oberfranc for her incredible 10 years of service and over 364 hours dedicated to the Mane Stream mission!

As a very strong horse leader, Gretchen is known for her "by the book" approach, following every instruction to a T and arriving early for every shift to ensure she is perfectly prepared. Despite living a fair distance away, Gretchen’s commitment never wavers—she even requests longer shifts to make the most of her time at the barn!

Instructor Kelly Champion was eager to sing her praises: "Gretchen is incredibly patient during lessons. Her calm demeanor is perfect for the horses; she has a natural ability to help them relax, especially if a rider is feeling anxious or shaky with the reins. She is extremely reliable, always positive, and she just truly LOVES being here."

Whether she is mentoring a student like Daisy in the barn or providing the exact level of support a rider needs in the ring, Gretchen is the definition of a versatile volunteer. Even when personal life has required periodic breaks, we are always so grateful that she chooses to come back to us.

Thank you, Gretchen, for a decade of dedication and for being a steady, positive force for our horses and participants alike!

Celebrating Our 1-Year Milestones

We also want to give a huge shout-out to those celebrating their first full year with Mane Stream! Thank you for jumping in and becoming such a vital part of our community: Iqra B., Terry C., Pat C., Grace G., Karen I., and Kevin R.