Boots, Buckles & Big Generosity

Uniting Country Style, Community Passion, and Vital Support for Mane Stream

The Ryland Inn was the perfect place for an elevated ranch retreat as friends, donors, and supporters gathered for EQUUS XXXIV: Boots, Buckles & Bourbon. Embracing the golden rule of the evening, “If it looks great with a pair of boots and a nice glass of bourbon, you’re doing it right!” guests arrived in stylish Western attire, ready for an unforgettable night. Rich textures of brown suede and pops of turquoise brought the theme to life; while cowboy boot artwork by our summer campers and photographs of our riders and clients, were proudly displayed throughout the venue. As Mane Stream’s primary fundraiser, this annual event plays a vital role in securing the critical funds needed to deliver therapy services, adaptive riding, and specialized programs to over 600 children and adults with special needs each year.

THANK YOU SPONSORS!

Single Barrel $10,000
The Greifeld Family
Kathy & Hal Kamine
Emily Maillet Kellogg & Kirk Kellogg
Red Tail Farm
Kimberly & Eric Turiansky

Small Batch $5,000
The Bezer Family
Karen & Steve Kaufhold
Kevin & Arie Krier

High Rye $2,500
The Brucker Family
Maryjo & Terry Pigott
Brandon Robinson
The Rogalin Family
The Saladino Family
The Siegfried Group, LLC

From the moment guests stepped onto the grounds, the celebratory atmosphere set the tone for the night. Attendees enjoyed delicious ranch-style dishes alongside a featured bourbon tasting by Whiskey Proposition, giving everyone a true sample of craft bourbons. Attendees spent time at the Bullet Belt Bar, where custom leather belts and wallets were embellished & branded on the spot, with more than a quarter of attendees becoming happy owners!

Auctioneer Matt Newsom was back in top form, stepping down from the podium to walk directly among the tables to work the crowd. With humorous banter and high-energy encouragement, Matt had the crowd joining in as a chorus, shouting “One more time!” to urge bidders on. Excited bidding broke out over high-demand live auction packages, including Professional Bull Riders (PBR) tickets, a fly-fishing getaway to Montana, and an exclusive outing to Hudson Farm.

The highlight of the evening came when Horses for Healing participant Wendy took the stage to share her personal journey with Mane Stream. Accompanied by her son Kyle, whom she lovingly introduced as her "support human," Wendy spoke about the profound impact of Mane Stream’s programs on their lives. Her words resonated deeply, earning her a moving standing ovation from an inspired audience.

Throughout the night, live bluegrass and jazz from Nick Dunbar and Sad Cowboy filled the air. Guests danced on the patio, gathered around crackling firepits, and enjoyed cocktails under the stars near the outdoor bars. It was an intimate and warm evening, leaving everyone with full hearts and a shared commitment to Mane Stream's riders and therapy clients.

Events like EQUUS XXXIV are only possible through the incredible generosity of our donors, event co-chairs Jill Dolan and Lauren Johnson, the dedicated Gala Committee, and our corporate and family sponsors. Every dollar raised directly ensures our riders and therapy clients continue to thrive.

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Garden State Snaps Photo Booth Pics

Garden State Snaps: Here is the link to the photo booth captures from the event: https://boothpics.com/5MZW 

Volunteer Milestones - November 2026

Celebrating Our November Volunteer Milestones! Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and every milestone reflects their incredible dedication. This month, we’re proud to recognize those marking 1, 5, and 10-year anniversaries! Thank you all for your time, energy, and steadfast support of our participants and horses.

Emmanuelle Van Vleet
(10 Years & 500+ Hours)

“E” as she prefers to be called, brings a world-class equestrian background straight to Mane Stream! Before joining us, she spent over 25 years riding and competing internationally—from UK Eventing (up to Intermediate level) and Pony Club coaching, to riding up to Prix St. Georges (PSG) dressage in the US.

Mane Stream's Lead Therapist, Melanie Dominko-Richards, MS, CCC-SLP, HPCS describes E's contribution to our therapy program as "invaluable!" Melanie said, "I have had the pleasure of working with E in too many therapy sessions to count over the years! Her experience with not just horse-handling but equines in general is a wealth of knowledge, and one that I have found myself taking advantage of before and after treatment sessions. E's personality pairs so well with working with our therapy clients, and she is never one to shy away from doing something silly as our clients work towards meeting their functional treatment goals. I am always excited to see when E is on my schedule, as I know that the quality of movement she is going to encourage our therapy horses to give will have immeasurable benefits for my clients and that I am going to learn a thing (or two!) along the way."

Dedicated and deeply experienced, she travels a long distance whenever she can to support our team. Whether leading Adaptive Riding, stepping in for Horses for Healing, or lending her rare skills as a Therapy Longliner, we are so grateful for her 10 years of incredible service!

Mary Ellen YeN
(5 Years & 425+ Hours)

Mary Ellen is the absolute definition of heart, loyalty, and dependability! A cornerstone of "Cliffie’s Ladies" in Adaptive Riding, she has seamlessly fit right into a wonderful group of women who share a deep bond, so much so that their connection extends far beyond the arena, with regular get-togethers and genuine friendships outside of their Mane Stream shifts.

Whether she is serving as a dedicated year-round sidewalker or jumping in wherever needed, Mary Ellen is always ready to step up for our horses, participants, and team. From pitching in at our Spring events and Equus Galas to answering last-minute calls for extra hands during Summer Camp, her generosity and warmth know no bounds. In fact, when we launched our new Paddock Pals toddler program, Mary Ellen was the very first volunteer to raise her hand to help lead the way!

Thank you, Mary Ellen, for five amazing years of incredible dedication, vibrant community, and steadfast heart!

A huge thank you to everyone celebrating their 1st anniversary! We’re thrilled to have you on the team!

1st Year Anniversaries:
Jill Dolan, Karen Evans, Carole Strickroth

Big Stage, Bigger Smiles!

Congratulations to Stella and Justin on an unforgettable EXPERIENCE AT Harrisburg!

From our arena to the bright lights of Harrisburg, it was a Kentucky Derby-sized thrill for Mane Stream on Friday, October 16th! Two of our riders, Stella and Justin, represented us at the prestigious Pennsylvania National Horse Show. Qualifying for the LifeVac Therapeutic Riding Championships is a huge honor earned at our Spring Horse Show at USET, and both riders represented Mane Stream with skill, sportsmanship, and pride.

The atmosphere in Harrisburg was electric. Justin’s mom, Debbie, shared how thrilling the day was from a competitor’s perspective, noting that Justin thought walking into the grand arena felt as exciting and impressive as entering the Kentucky Derby! Justin, who has been riding with us for eight years and is always first in line to sign up for the Fall Horse Show, embraced every moment in the walk-trot division with his characteristic calm demeanor.

For Stella, who started with Mane Stream as a five-year-old therapy client in 2021 before moving into adaptive riding, the big stage was second nature. Supported by her trusted partner Tink, Stella brought home a fantastic 3rd place ribbon! When asked before stepping into the ring if she was feeling nervous, Stella casually replied with total poise: "I'm not nervous, I'm a professional!"

The team spirit stretched all the way back to Mane Stream, too, while Stella's classmates and teachers at Millington School gathered around the big screen to cheer her on live, our own staff was watching online back home, rooting for both riders every step of the way!

It takes a village to make a trip like this happen! A massive thank you to Director of Programs Jen Dermod, Barn Manager & Instructor Rachel Doyle and Instructor Kathy Dermody for safely trailering our horses the 2+ hour drive to Harrisburg and back. Thank you also to Instructor Kelly Champion for cheering on our riders in person. A huge shoutout goes to Kelly O’Donnell for doing a classy braiding job on Don and a special braiding job on Tink, complete with unicorn charm & purple thread (Stella's favorite color!) to perfectly match Stella's helmet, hair bows, and belt!

THANK YOU SPONSORS!

Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors who helped make this unforgettable experience possible for our riders: Cynthia Barkman | Teresa Callahan | Beverly Garner | Karen Kaufhold | Horseflight | Christine Nagy | Deborah Nagy | Mary Beth Nagy | Marianne Saladino | Carole Strickroth | Melissa Thomas

Congratulations to our riders and team on an incredible national horse show experience!

6th Annual Holiday Portrait Fundraiser

CLICK HERE to contact Jessica Sanders and get your session scheduled!

Jessica Sanders is so excited to present the 6th annual holiday fundraiser for Mane Stream! Please see below for all of the details and email Jessica at jessica@jessicasandersphotography.com to get your barn on the calendar!

HOLIDAY PORTRAIT DETAILS

Designed for groups of 3 or more participants at each barn, each participant gets their very own mini session that results in three high-resolution digital images to download, share, and print for personal use.

$395 per horse (or dog!) includes:

• a $50 donation to Mane Stream NJ

• your choice of black background or natural horse & rider portrait

• selection of holiday garlands

• 3 digital images for sharing online and printing up to 8x12

• 25% off all wall art, prints, and custom holiday cards

• Jessica has donated over $4,000 so far!! Thank you!

This fundraiser ends December 15th, 2026, and images will be delivered via a private password-protected online gallery within 3 weeks of the session date. Check Jessica’s website out for more glorious shots!

Record Turnout at Red Tail Farm’s 4th Annual Musical Freestyle

What a wonderful summer evening it was at the 4th Annual Evening of Musical Freestyle at Red Tail Farm! The night was a resounding success, bringing together horse lovers, community members, and spectacular sport to benefit Mane Stream. Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone who attended, "voted," and donated to their favorite riders, this year’s turnout was the largest crowd in the event’s four-year history, raising an impressive $11,540 in just a few short hours!

The atmosphere was electric as 14 talented freestyle acts took to the arena, delivering beautifully choreographed performances set to music. Spectators were treated to an incredible variety of dressage work, spanning everything from lower-level routines to high-flying Grand Prix movements, complete with fun costumes, painted ponies, and sparkling outfits.

Guests enjoyed delicious food trucks, thanks to Paradise Taqueria and Get Waffl’d, because who says you can't have dessert first? 😉 To complement the great eats, this year’s event featured beer, wine, margaritas, and a crowd-favorite specialty drink: The Hawk, Freddy's secret signature concoction of bourbon, cider, and ginger beer.

A standout highlight of the night was a special meet-and-greet with two mounted units from the New Jersey State Police. Attendees of all ages were thrilled to snap pictures, meet the horses, and chat with the officers. The officers stayed for the entire evening, thoroughly enjoying the showcase and taking in all the different levels of dressage set to music.

The exciting lineup of riders included:

1. Evelyn Dietz riding Charlie (Off-Lead MFS: The Magnificent Seven)

2. April Dzamba riding Oh Genius BSH (1st Level MFS: The Cotton Candy Fairytale)

3. Katie Berger riding Libbie & Lila Rockmore riding Petey (1st Level MFS: pas de deux – blend of Simon & Garfunkel and Toto)

4. Judith Lalley riding Fezzik (1st Level MFS: selection of Herb Alpert songs from Whipped Cream and other Delights)

5.  Marie Fodor riding Fair Secret (3rd Level MFS)

6.  Abby Fodor riding Dazzle (Grand Prix MFS: Country Music Theme)

7.  Paige Zimmerman riding Madam’s Marth AKA Marky (1st Level MSF – Lion King Theme)

8.  Cheryl Rosendale “riding” Sir Gallops A Lot (the fiercest, funniest, and most stubborn legend to ever set hoof in our arena)

9.  Alessia Morgan riding Charlie (Training Level MFS: A Compilation of Journey Songs)

10.  Jessie Steiner riding Red Snapper (Intermediate 1 MFS: Jazzy Freestyle)

11. Tea Uzman riding Griffie (Grand Prix MFS: Never-Before-Seen Routine)

12. Melissa Capozzoli riding Cooper (Intermediate 1 MFS)

13. Maggie O’Leary riding Sweet Rosali & Paige Zimmerman riding Ducati (PSG Pas De Deux)

14. Tea Uzman riding Griffie & Madison Rezaei riding Maximus (Grand Prix pas de deux: Jersey Shore Dance Club Theme)

We extend a heartfelt thank you to the NJ State Police Mounted Units for spending the evening with us, and to Linda Dietz, owner of Red Tail Farm, for opening up her beautiful venue once again. Special thanks also go to trainer Erika Olijslager for her coordination and dedication to preparing our youth riders. Additional thanks to Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer based in Lehigh Valley, PA, Cara Klothe, for judging and bringing expert insights to the arena. Finally, to all the incredible riders, generous donors, and enthusiastic attendees, your support made this event a triumph and ensures Mane Stream can continue its vital work!

Our Newest Board of Directors Addition

Welcome Hannah Van Campen

Hannah brings over a decade of human resources leadership to our board, currently serving as the Head of People and Recruitment at Auquan as well as an ICF-certified executive coach. Her expertise in navigating growth, team building, and workplace culture will be invaluable as Mane Stream continues to thrive.

Many of you already know Hannah from her active involvement over the past two years as a dedicated volunteer. From sidewalking and serving as an Adaptive Leader to assisting at every horse show, helping with Horses for Healing, assisting with field trips, and attending our fundraising events, she has jumped in wherever needed with enthusiasm and heart.

Her hands-on experience in our programs gives her a deep connection to our mission, participants, and community. Please join us in giving Hannah a warm welcome to her new role on the Board!

October Volunteer Milestones

Celebrating Our October Volunteer Milestones! Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and every milestone reflects their incredible dedication. This month, we’re proud to recognize those marking 1- and 5-year anniversaries, 100-hour and 1,000-hour achievements, and a monumental 25th anniversary! Thank you all for your time, energy, and steadfast support of our participants and horses.

25th Anniversary
Anne Davenport - Puffy Paint, Costumes, and a Serious Heart of Gold

5th Anniversary
Robert Vogel (200 hrs)

1st Anniversary
Mary Ann Wurst, Dawn Eisele, Daisy Desimone

1000+ Hours 
Dan O’Donnell - The Mane Stream Horse Whisperer

100 Hours 
Jessie Crowell, Aimee DiMeo Fine, Irene Preston

50/50 Raffle Tickets Now for Sale

You have to be in it to win it!

Don't miss out on the opportunity to win some serious cash for all the extras in your life! Previous winners have walked home with $1,800 - $2,100 in cold hard cash. What would you do with all that? Possibly TRAVEL or maybe a SHOPPING SPREE for you or your horse?

1 for $5 — 5 for $10 — 15 for $20

Stop in the office to get your Mane Stream 50/50 tickets OR call 908.439.9636. Need not be present to win.

Winning ticket drawn October 25th at the Mane Stream Horse Show - Open to the Public.

DBT Skills Groups Starts 9/25

Including Equine Interactions

Who this is for

These groups are designed for adolescents and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and persistent emotional dysregulation. If you are looking for practical, tangible tools to better manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and build a life worth living, these groups will help!

Our DBT Skills Groups are led by intensively trained DBT therapists, Lizzy Ellman, PsyD., and Liz Johnson, LCSW.

Learn practical skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness you can use in everyday life.

Heal with horses! We thoughtfully incorporate equine interactions into DBT skills training to create unique opportunities for connection, self-awareness, and hands-on skill-building in a supportive, judgement-free environment.

FRIDAYS

Adult DBT Group (1:30pm - 2:45pm)
Adult Graduate Group (3:00pm - 4:15pm)
Adolescent DBT Group (4:30pm - 5:45pm)

CONTACT US
551-264-1014
liz@thebtcollective.com
www.thebehavioraltherapycollective.com

Meet Our Penn National Competitors

We are thrilled to announce that three of our amazing Mane Stream riders, Stella, Justin, and Sara, have qualified to compete in the Foundation Friday show on October 16th at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg! All three riders earned their spots after competing at Mane Stream’s Spring Horse Show at USET, and now they are heading to one of the biggest stages of the year!

Meet the Team

STELLA ANDRESKI
Stella started with Mane Stream as a therapy client when she was just 5 years old in 2021, before joining summer camp and adaptive riding lessons. She is a total "horse girl" who is always eager to learn and has made incredible strides in the saddle!

JUSTIN BEHAR
Justin has been riding at Mane Stream for 8 years. He is a dedicated and enthusiastic year-round rider who is always first in line to compete in our annual shows! You can tell Justin genuinely enjoys his time in the saddle!

SARA REILLY
Sara joined Mane Stream 3 years ago having ridden previously. A quiet, dedicated soul, Sara loves attending our Adult Weeks of summer camp, has marched in the St. Patrick’s Day parade, and recently started volunteering with our Barn Manager, Rachel!

THE equine PARTNERS

TINK (rider Stella)
Birthday: 4/10/04
Breed: Paint Mare
Color: Sorrel
Height: 15 hands
Discipline: Pleasure
Show Name: Invited to the Party

DON (rider Justin)
Birthday: 2003
Breed: Irish Draft
Color: Black
Height: 17+ hands
Discipline: Hunter Jumper
Show Name: Welcome Dawn

JUDGE (rider Sara)
Birthday: 2/3/2002
Breed: Dutch Warmblood
Color: Dark Bay
Height: 16.2 hands
Discipline: Hunter Jumper
Show Name: Eur-Honor

How You Can Help Get Them to Harrisburg!

Sending riders and horses to a prestigious championship like Penn National comes with high costs. To make this dream a reality, we need our community's support!

Your donation directly covers essential competition expenses, including:

• 🚚 Trailering to Harrisburg

• 🧼 Professional Braiding & Stall Bedding for our show horses

• 🎓 Coaching during the show

• 🏅 Incidental Show Expenses

Every dollar helps ensure Stella, Justin, and Sara can focus on what they do best: shining in the ring!