50 People for 50 Years: Tess Coffey, Previous Camper and NEW Volunteer
Tess Coffey has been coming to Mane Stream summer camp forever, at least it feels like forever, in the best way possible. She has loved every minute of camp and for the past few years, she has been patiently waiting to turn 14. Why 14 you might wonder. Well, that’s the magic age for becoming a Mane Stream volunteer! This past June Tess FINALLY turned 14 and she wasted no time getting trained and jumping in as an official camp and program volunteer. Tess shared, “The people are so welcoming and patient. Each client is lovely to interact with. One therapy client I volunteer with has improved so much. It’s so exciting to see first-hand.” Tess is a jack of all trades too. “[I’ll do] Whatever is needed - adaptive leader, side walker, summer camp, therapy header, and I’m always happy to do barn chores too.”
Tess’s passion for horses all started with her older sister Catrionia. “My sister loves riding horses. Years ago, she started off as a volunteer at Mane Stream and then eventually became part of the barn staff. I am so grateful to her for sharing this incredible equestrian world with me.”
Tess remembers, “Mane Stream was a safe and well-organized barn, one that we trusted as a great place for me to start riding.” At camp each year, Tess learned all about beginner horsemanship and worked very hard learning new skills. “Whenever I rode a different horse at camp, I forgot everything else in my life and just focused on my riding.” Each summer at camp Tess became more independent with her riding, increasing her strength and connection with the horses. A couple of years ago, Tess decided that riding at camp wasn’t enough and she started taking lessons at Valley Crest Stables in Lebanon and currently rides a Haflinger named Makeeta. This fall she hopes to join the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) with Valley Crest to get some show experience.
As a camper, Tess worked with many instructors and reflects on those who have made a difference in her riding, “Kelly is super fun and never fails to brighten your day. Jen brings tough love when needed, but underneath that hard shell, she truly cares. Holland has taught me the basics and put up with ‘little me’ and for that, she is a saint.” Tess has also competed in several Mane Stream Horse Shows in the Camper Class, which gave her a chance to see all of the other Mane Stream riders.
Looking back at her years as a camper, Tess loved riding bareback and getting covered in glitter. As Tess moves forward from camper to volunteer, her sentiments remain the same, “Thank you to all of the wonderful staff that have taken care of me for so many years. Mane Stream has truly left a special mark on my heart.”
