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.

Put Your Business in the Winner’s Circle!

We’re offering Prime Real Estate for Your BUSINESS

We are looking for community partners to feature in our 2026 Ad Journal & Horse Show Program, seen by hundreds of local families, equestrian enthusiasts, and community leaders at our Toast to the Champions VIP cocktail party at the historic USET Foundation in Gladstone on Saturday, June 13th.

When you place an ad, you aren't just marketing; you’re showing our community that you stand behind a mission that changes lives. We have several high-visibility options available to make your business stand out:

• The Ultimate Spotlight: (Full Page Back Cover) $1,000 – Be the last thing everyone sees!

• Premium Placement: (Full Page Inside Back Cover) $750 – High-impact visibility.

• Full Page Ad: $500 – Plenty of room for your logo and mission statement.

• Half Page Ad: $250 – A perfect way to show your community spirit.

Fueling the "Horsepower"

Let’s be real, providing the best adaptive riding and therapy services in the region takes a lot of heart (and a lot of hay!). Every dollar raised through these ads goes directly to the care of our hardworking herd and the specialized programs that make Mane Stream so special.

Your business isn’t just buying an ad; you’re helping us provide the "best ride possible" for our riders.

The deadline for all business ads is May 1st. Don't miss out on this chance to align your brand with one of the most beloved non-profits in the area.

From the Arena to Global Advocacy

Alumnus Spotlight: DOUG MCCULLOUGH

We love staying connected with our former riders, and Doug McCullough has a story that truly inspires. Doug was a rider at Mane Stream in the early 2000’s, and while his career eventually took him further away from the barn, his heart and his support as a regular donor never left.

During a distinguished 23-year career at Johnson & Johnson, Doug became a powerhouse advocate for disability inclusion. He helped launch and lead their global disability employee group, growing the community to over 4,000 members worldwide.

A New Chapter:
A Billion People in the Shadows

Since retiring two years ago, Doug has channeled his expertise into authorship. His first book, A Billion People in the Shadows: The Ultimate 1-Hour Guide to Understanding Disability, recently hit #1 in Amazon’s Business Diversity & Inclusion category!

The book is designed to be a concise yet impactful read, helping readers understand the nuances of disability in both professional and personal contexts. We are so proud of Doug’s success and his continued mission to increase visibility for the disability community.

• Learn More: You can find details, reviews, and ordering information at Disability Leadership Ventures.

• Meet Doug: Stay tuned! Doug will be joining us at our upcoming Horse Show on June 13th to say hello and share his book in person.

Calling All Riders: Get Ready for the Mane Stream Annual Horse Show this Spring!

A blast from the past…Mane Stream Horse Show 2003 at the USET. Is that Anne Davenport we see?

It’s time to saddle up and show your stuff! We are thrilled to invite all Mane Stream riders and campers AND the local therapeutic riding community, to participate in our Annual Horse Show on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

This year, we are moving back to a truly legendary venue: the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation in Gladstone, NJ. Walking down the same stable aisles as Olympic champions, our riders will have the chance to compete in the historic main arena.

Why this year is extra special: This show is an official qualifier for the Therapeutic Riding Championships at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show’s "Foundation Friday" in October 2026. This is your chance to compete for coveted ribbons and a potential spot on the national stage!

Ready to ride?

• When: Saturday, June 13, 2026 | Horse Show: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ( exact start time TBD)

• Where: USET Foundation, School House Lane, Gladstone, NJ

• How to Register: Contact Jen@manestreamnj.org for the registration link if you haven’t received one yet.

• Become a Champion: We encourage all riders to create their own fundraising page to share their story. There are great prizes for the top fundraisers in the Camper, Junior, and Adult categories! CREATE A PAGE

• Horse Show Program: Want to give a shout-out for a rider? Purchase an ad in the program! EVENT WEBSITE

• Come Celebrate: Join us for the "Toast to the Champions" party starting at 4:00 PM to celebrate our riders' hard work with food, drinks, and a Tricky Tray. Tickets can be purchased through the EVENT WEBSITE

Deadlines to Remember:

• T-Shirt Orders: Must be placed by May 6th [LINK coming soon]

• Rider Registration Deadline: May 1st (Contact Jen@manestreamnj.org for registration link)

• Toast to the Champions cocktail party: June 1st EVENT WEBSITE

We can’t wait to see our Mane Stream stars shine at the Team!

Celebrating 20 Years of Dedication, Leadership, and Heart

Volunteer Spotlight: Nancy Cunningham

This month, we are beyond honored to celebrate a true pillar of the Mane Stream community: Nancy Cunningham. For two decades, Nancy has brought her expertise, calm spirit, and unwavering dedication to our barn, our herd, and our riders. A natural leader and gifted horsewoman, she possesses a quiet demeanor that the horses truly adore, making her an exceptional mentor to our new volunteers.

A Journey That Began with a Connection
Nancy’s journey started in the early 2000s through a chance meeting of a Mane Stream instructor at the barn in East Amwell, where she boarded her horse. A few years later, her horse sadly passed away, and she was drawn back to the magic of horses, this time with the "amazing work" being done at Mane Stream. From the moment she was welcomed by our early team, she was hooked.

"The staff and volunteers were so friendly and helpful, and the herd so kind and willing! Just like today!"

The Heart of the Horse Show
While Nancy is most commonly seen leading horses for adaptive lessons, if a Mane Stream Horse Show is happening, you can bet Nancy will try to be there. She fondly remembers the early days of group lessons and trail rides through the back fields of Cold Brook Preserve, but Nancy really loves seeing the pride in a rider’s eyes when they earn a ribbon in the show. Nancy has always been a steady, encouraging presence for those "beaming" students. But let’s not forget the horses! Nancy has a soft spot for the Fjords (especially Beyra and Minnie!), and through the years she’s also favored horses like Gracie, Tink, and Myrell.

Above and Beyond the Distance
What many might not realize is that Nancy now lives quite a distance from Mane Stream, yet her dedication has never wavered. She keeps a close eye on her inbox for "subs needed" emails. Whenever there is a gap in her schedule, Nancy will step up and pick up a shift, proving that no drive is too long when a horse or a rider is in need.

Witnessing Growth and Expansion
Nancy has been a firsthand witness to how Mane Stream has evolved to serve more of our community. She shares:

"Today there are so many great programs offered to a wide variety of people, including Horses for Healing, Field Trips for Groups and Paddock Pals. It is wonderful to see the expansion of opportunities reaching out to diverse groups of people in the neighboring communities."

Nancy, thank you for your 20 years of service and it is a privilege to have you as part of our family!

Spring Into Progress at Mane Stream

What’s therapy is like on the farm?

At Mane Stream, therapy goes beyond the traditional clinic setting. Our licensed therapists utilize the horse’s rhythmic movement called hippotherapy to help clients achieve functional goals established during their initial evaluations. Whether it’s improving core strength, fine motor skills, or speech production, the horse’s gait provides a unique neurological foundation that simply can't be replicated in an office.

The "Plan of Care" Advantage

Our services operate in focused 3–6 month Plans of Care. This structure allows for intensive work toward specific milestones. Because progress is a journey, many of our clients take periodic breaks to generalize their skills at home before returning to tackle new goals. This "coming and going" ensures therapy stays fresh and effective, often allowing children to transition between disciplines like Occupational Therapy (OT) and Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) as their needs evolve.

Now Enrolling for Spring!

With several clients currently completing their current plans of care, we are excited to announce new openings for the upcoming season.

• OT & SLP Openings: We currently have space available for new or returning clients to begin a plan of care this Spring.

• Expert Care: At Mane Stream, it’s not just one-on-one with NJ-licensed therapists dedicated to your child's specific developmental path; you’ll have a whole therapy team (volunteers & horse) helping your child to achieve their goals.

Paddock Pals is Back!

PADDOCK PALS (3-5 years old)

5-Week Program: April 30 thru May28 ON thursdays 3:00 - 4:00PM

Creative play is important for kiddos! There are several milestones that lead up to being able to play creatively, so come to the barn to give your little ones plenty of opportunities to practice. We limit the group to a max of 6 little adventurers with a caregiver each.

Spend each jam-packed one-hour session with excitement, from grooming and learning about all the tack, to horse-themed adventures, including arts & crafts, scavenger hunts, and music. The grand finale on week 5 includes a pony ride for each tyke!

For more information & to sign up, contact: 
Renae Flanagan
renae@manestreamnj.org

Equestrian Art Fundraiser in Bernardsville

Mark your calendars for an afternoon of art, elegance, and giving back!

On Thursday, February 26th, August Boutique in Bernardsville is hosting a special reception for award-winning artist Christine Seo. Known for her ability to capture the "purity of heart and essence of horses," Christine’s work brings a dynamic, soul-stirring energy to any space.

Enjoy light refreshments as you browse Christine's latest collection and explore the beautiful curated finds at August Boutique.

The Best Part: A portion of all art sales will benefit Mane Stream, supporting their incredible work in the equine-assisted therapy community.

August Boutique | 17 Olcott Square, Bernardsville Thursday, Feb 26 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

National Girls & Women in Sports Day

Celebrating You!

Today, we join the nation in celebrating the strength, confidence, and character of girls and women in sports. At Mane Stream, we see that power in action every day. To celebrate, we’re highlighting four incredible riders (out of the 22 current female riders) who represent the broad spectrum of our community.

Wendy: Resilience & Heart Connection

Wendy joined us through the Horses for Healing program, our free program for those living with cancer or Parkinson’s Disease. She loved it so much that she’s stayed on and continues to ride in our Horses for Healing 2.0 program. For Wendy, the "sport" of riding is deeply spiritual and restorative. “The best part is connecting with the horse in a way that is difficult to describe. For me, it’s a heart-to-heart connection with an energetically powerful and majestic creature.”

Riding has become a vital tool in Wendy’s health journey, teaching her that “having a joy in my life like the horseback lessons, is critical to maintaining my resilience as my Parkinson’s Disease progresses.” Her advice to any woman starting out is a beautiful reminder for us all: “Show up with a desire to be present, do your best without pressure, and immerse yourself in the joy.” And while Instructor, Kelly Champion, has taught Wendy a lot, Kelly has learned copious amounts about Parkinson’s Disease, making her an even better instructor for our future riders.

Emily: The Future in Motion

Emily has been a part of the Mane Stream family for several years now, and her instructors have watched her confidence soar alongside our ever-changing herd. For Emily, the connection starts on the ground: “The best part about Mane Stream is getting to know the horses.”

When asked what riding has taught her, Emily’s growth shines through. “Riding makes me feel more confident and independent,” she says. Her advice to other girls looking to start? “Horseback riding at Mane Stream is fun. You will love it.” We couldn’t agree more; that ever-present smile on her face says it all!

Daisy: From High-Point Rider to Volunteer

Daisy is a powerhouse in the ring. As our 2024 High Point Rider, she takes her sport seriously, and we love that she LOVES to compete in our horse shows! But being an athlete is also about sportsmanship and awareness, and Daisy is always working on her craft: “I am trying my best to watch out for other riders in the ring.”

While working on her advanced skills like jumping, Daisy is now a role model for our younger riders and now also a dedicated volunteer. Her encouragement to others is simple yet bold: “I would say if you can ride like me, then you could ride at Mane Stream.” Thank you for your service and leadership, Daisy!

Reagan: Strength & Perspective

Reagan finds her peace and purpose directly in the stable. For her, the magic of the sport is found in the simple, quiet moments of companionship, noting that the best part of her day is simply "spending time with the horses."

But don't let that quiet connection fool you, riding has instilled in Reagan a fierce sense of persistence. When reflecting on what the sport has taught her about her own inner strength, her philosophy is clear: "Never give up and try your best." Reagan’s advice for other girls is perhaps the most poignant reminder of why we do what we do at Mane Stream. She views the bond with horses as a lesson in priorities: "Horses teach you that life is short, so you should do it your way and spend time doing your favorite things." We are so glad Reagan chooses to spend her time with us!

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So, as a final thought, whether they are building independence, leading by example, finding resilience, or learning to live life on their own terms, these women prove that an "athlete" is defined by heart and perseverance. Join us in celebrating Emily, Daisy, Wendy, and Reagan!