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:
Evelyn Dietz riding Charlie (Off-Lead MFS: The Magnificent Seven)
April Dzamba riding Oh Genius BSH (1st Level MFS: The Cotton Candy Fairytale)
Katie Berger riding Libbie & Lila Rockmore riding Petey (1st Level MFS: pas de deux – blend of Simon & Garfunkel and Toto)
Judith Lalley riding Fezzik (1st Level MFS: selection of Herb Alpert songs from Whipped Cream and other Delights)
Marie Fodor riding Fair Secret (3rd Level MFS)
Abby Fodor riding Dazzle (Grand Prix MFS: Country Music Theme)
Paige Zimmerman riding Madam’s Marth AKA Marky (1st Level MSF – Lion King Theme)
Cheryl Rosendale “riding” Sir Gallops A Lot (the fiercest, funniest, and most stubborn legend to ever set hoof in our arena)
Alessia Morgan riding Charlie (Training Level MFS: A Compilation of Journey Songs)
Jessie Steiner riding Red Snapper (Intermediate 1 MFS: Jazzy Freestyle)
Tea Uzman riding Griffie (Grand Prix MFS: Never-Before-Seen Routine)
Melissa Capozzoli riding Cooper (Intermediate 1 MFS)
Maggie O’Leary riding Sweet Rosali & Paige Zimmerman riding Ducati (PSG Pas De Deux)
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!
