Rutgers Study Looking for Male Participants

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Rutgers Equine Science Center study

Effects of Equine Assisted Activities on Veteran with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Research Study

Study Participants will be compensated
looking for both veteran and non-veteran males

Are you a male combat veteran?
Are you a non-veteran male who would like to help veterans?

The Equine Science Center is looking for both veteran and non-veteran males between the ages of 18 and 75 to participate in a research study on the effects of equine assisted activities on veterans with PTSD.

For more information contact:
Ellen Rankins, Study Coordinator
848.932.3761 or RutgersEAAT@NJAES.Rutgers.edu


Celebrating Our 50th Anniversary at the USET!

The EQUUS Gala is always the most glamorous event of the year and this year was no exception. Celebrating Mane Stream’s 50th Anniversary made it even more special with the chance to show gratitude and thanks to everyone who made it possible! From the moment the guests arrived at the USET (United States Equestrian Team) on October 1st was like coming home once again.

It has been 20 years since Mane Stream last celebrated at this historic location which was definitely a draw for many of the 250 attendees. Greeted with a glass of bubbly, as guests in festive formal attire walked through the grand arch into the octagon rotunda with fired brick walls and floors, decorated with plaques from international competitions. The Cheers to 50 Years Cocktail hour continued as guests wandered through the aisles of the varnished hardwood stalls with brass finials perusing the selection of silent auction items and live auction experiences. Layered amidst the grandeur were a 50-year timeline and large color posters of riders, therapy clients, and volunteers showing Mane Stream’s mission at work.

When it was time for dinner, guests moved down to the transformed indoor arena. (Who took the groovy party bus?)  From the forest of trees and bushes provided by Country Nursery of Chester to the chandeliers and twinkling lights, the stage was set for an evening of dinner and dancing.

To commemorate the visionaries of the past, this year in attendance were Octavia Brown (SHHRC founder), Tracy Cole, Octavia’s 1st rider, Sheri Marino, MA, CC-SLP, the organization’s 1st therapist, and Karen Bocksel, former Executive Director, While additional important industry partners included, Kathy Alm, CEO of PATH Intl. , Adria Peterson, Assistant Executive Director of AHA, Inc., Major George Paffendorf, HRH of NJ Board President, Bonnie Jenkins, Executive Director at the USET, and Maureen Pethick, Communication & Facilities Coordinator at the USET.

After honoring the people of the past, current adaptive rider Anna, took the stage giving a heartwarming and comedic description of how time at Mane Stream is helping her body become stronger which helps to increase her speech capabilities.

Energetic auctioneer, Charles Antin did a fabulous job getting the crowd pumped up and bidding on those previously mentioned live auction experiences. Then it was time for Charles to start off Adam Friedland’s Helping Hands Pyramid. Spurred on by Anna’s compelling story the generous giving of partygoers raised enough funds to support the many programs offered including adaptive riding, therapy services (OT, PT, and Speech-Language), Summer Camp, Horses for Healing for those living with cancer, and the many field trip groups who visit all year long. 

The vision and tireless work of the committee co-chairs, Laura Brucker, Emily Maillet Kellogg, and Marianne Walsh Saladino, and the whole gala committee came together resulting in a truly special evening worthy of celebrating the 50-year accomplishment of providing consistent, quality programming for the local special needs community. And take note the dance floor was rocking right up until 11pm!

THANK YOU to everyone who gave generously this year, especially our Sponsors and Underwriters!

 

EQUUS COMMITTEE

Co-Chairs: Laura Brucker, Emily Maillet Kellogg, Marianne Saladino

Penelope Ayers, Kristin Brucker, Lora Butler, Erin Chesson, Debra Chipman, Marcella Criscola, Jill Dolan, Dawn Drozjock, Elizabeth Durden, Amy Durling, Carolyn Fahey, Stephanie Glickman, Shelby Godfrey, Sarah Gore, Jazz Johnson, Rachel Kalafer, Karen Kaufhold, Kelley Ketterson, Michelle Lawse, Nancy McCaffrey, Priscilla Miller, Jill Moriarty, Jamie Murphy, Liz Nardone, Trish Reiter, Betsy Parman, Kristen Sameth, Tanya Sameth, Liz Sobel, Maria Takacs, Ali Thebault, Kim Turiansky, Rael Welsh

EVENT VOLUNTEERS

Kyle Boylan, Tina Corcoran, Debi Delorenzo, Juliet Dermody, Tom Dermody, Nancy Grossweiler, Michelle Geise, Grace Harvey, Kerry Scholz, Mary Ellen Yen,

EQUUS SPONSORS

24 Karat $10,000
Frazier Industrial Co., Emily Maillet Kellogg & Kirk Kellogg, Red Tail Farm, Marianne & Jake Saladino

18 Karat $7,500
Maureen & Steve Bezer, Gus & Bucky's, Jeanne Rogalin - Midtown Direct Properties | Keller Williams, Seal-Spout Corporation

14 Karat $3,500
GIBBONS P.C., Karen & Steve Kaufhold, Petillo Companies, Betsy & Kevin Sullivan

10 Karat $2,000
Sacha & Justin Marcucci, Melissa & Mike Refer

EQUUS UNDERWRITERS

Platinum + : Lynn & Bill Mascharka
Platinum: Elizabeth & Jonathan Sobel
Silver: Pine Woods Farm
Bronze: Merck

Welcome Cody!

Show name: Keeping it Blue

From the moment this 14.2 hand Palomino gelding came to the barn he was a favorite with riders and volunteers alike. He has a playful personality and loves lots of attention. We are very excited to have him as the newest member of our herd and we send out a SPECIAL THANK YOU to Elizabeth Salituri for donating this amazing pony!

Participant, Joseph O'Leary in the News!

Echoes-Sentinel - LONG HILL TWP.
Trotting to Success: Joseph O’Leary wins first place at Mane Stream
Gripping the reins, Millington resident Joseph O’Leary, 15, nudged his white horse with his heels, ushering his steed into the competition ring. After taking a few deep breaths, O’Leary led his horse into a walk. He changed up the horse’s rhythm, bringing it into a trot and then a canter. Standing in anticipation with his parents, Kathy and Tom O’Leary, an announcement bellowed over the sound system. Joseph O’Leary had won in his…Continue Reading

Highlighted in the AHA Magazine

We're in the news! This time in the Winter 2022 edition of the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc. magazine HIPPOTHERAPY.

Mane Stream Celebrates 50 Years
AHA, Inc. Facility Member Mane Stream is celebrating 50 years of unbridled possibilities. Founded by Octavia Brown in 1972 (formerly the Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center) is the 2nd oldest center of its kind in the nation and was the 1st one opened in the state of NJ. Mane Stream was at the forefront of adaptive riding and therapy services…Continue Reading

Record Breaking Horse Show!

Family Fun & Stiff Competition

Joseph O’Leary accepting the Abby Clay Rutgers High Point Independent Rider trophy.

The Annual Horse Show, a highlight and the most heartwarming event of the year, was extra special this year because of the record-breaking number of rider registrations, sponsorship checks, and donations poured in day after day. What better way to celebrate Mane Stream’s 50th Anniversary than adaptive riders spending an action-packed day of competition with family, friends, volunteers, staff, and our amazing horses?

Despite being overcast and a bit breezy, the parking lot filled up bright and early on October 23rd and didn’t empty out until almost 5pm. A bountiful breakfast spread donated by Jeanne Rogalin of Midtown Direct | Keller Williams was available to get the volunteers off on the right foot. The packed day was made even more special by the Family Fun Day activity table filled with fake tattoos, pumpkin crafts, and face painting all graciously provided and manned by the Checket Family.

And to make this year’s horse show feel even more like all the local horse shows we brought in Norma’s Food Truck! From breakfast sandwiches to a variety of lunch options, everyone enjoyed being able to grab a little something hot on a blustery day.

Once the dust had settled and the generous donations were tallied, a recording-breaking $14,000 was raised by 43 riders, 10 volunteers, and 17 sponsors!! The riders bringing in the largest amounts for Mane Stream were Mary Glaser - Adult, Joey & Stella Andreski - Youth, Blake & Colton Checket - Campers, and Tess Coffee - Volunteer.

Special thanks go out to our Judge, Andrea Davies (Dorito’s mom), who spent ALL day alone on the hill paying close attention to each and every rider as they competed. In addition to the ribbons awarded to each class, eight champion and reserve champion ribbons were also distributed by the tiny and tireless Hadleigh Hendrickson.

Winners Circle

Abby Clay Rutgers Memorial Award – Joseph O’Leary
Champion AM Adult – Danny Nerone
Reserve Champion AM Adult – Josh Ciccione
Champion AM Junior – Dylan Smith
Reserve Champion AM Junior – Stella Andreski
Champion PM Adult – Ben Burghardt
Reserve Champion PM Adult – David Santos
Champion PM Junior – Zoe Timko
Reserve Champion PM Junior – Myla Schultz

Additional thanks go out to our announcer Justin Hendrickson and all our photographers: Michelle Geise, who captured the day’s competitive events, while Michael Gaugler and Maggie Conroy captured all the smiles and hugs throughout the day. And finally, the Pumpkin Patch Photo Booth was set up by Jeanne and Roger Rogalin so that participants, their horses, and families had an opportunity to have pictures taken together. (tons more pictures still to come)

Our sincere thanks to everyone who made the day such a success!

Horse Show Volunteers

Cynthia Barkman, Tess Coffey, Nancy Cunningham, Anne Davenport, Suzanne Davies,
Aimee DiMeo-Fine, Laura Edelson, Lily Fosburgh, Pat Gaugler, Nancy Grossweiler,
Leroy Hunninghake, Gifty Jose, Karen Mikita-Kaufhold, Susan Mallows, Elaine Milano,
Janie Murphy, Mike Murphy, Nancy Poandl, Laura Senator, Emma Yarton, Mary Ellen Yen

Spirit Wear Just in Time for the Holidays

Whether you choose our 50th logo or our traditional logo you can keep warm all winter long while showing your spirit for Mane Stream.

We’ve got something for everyone and it will be ready for pickup before the holidays! Dress it up with a button-down shirt or snuggle up with a hoodie and joggers. You’ll find all that and more in 2-3 colors.

Online Store Closes on 11/20 at Midnight so start your holiday shopping now!

SHOP NOW

Remembering Abby Clay Rutgers

For #ThrowbackThursday this week we are honoring Abby Clay Rutgers. A tiny spitfire of a girl who despite being born with a severe heart defect learned to walk, trot and canter at Mane Stream (then Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center) from 1991-2001.

Her love of horses all started because of My Little Pony and though she loved all sports and cheered her friends on at their events she was unable to participate until she found riding. The years she spent learning to ride formed her direction for her college where she studied practical horse management, theories of riding, methods of teaching equine science, nutrition, and physiology at Centenary College.

While there, Abby re-connected with Mane Stream's founder, Octavia Brown, who had become a faculty member at the time. By her last year, Abby became an assistant instructor, teaching riders without disabilities.

Director of Therapy Services, Melanie Dominko-Richards fondly remembers one specific trail ride in Cold Brook Preserve. The group of instructors and most advanced students were getting ready to canter up the hill back to the barn, when Abby and her pony Rocket came galloping by; Abby had the biggest smile on her face! That amazing sense of freedom from riding was later replaced by driving her Mustang convertible when she was no longer able to ride

In honor of her passing at the age of 22, the Abby Clay Rutgers Memorial Award is awarded to the high-point independent rider at Mane Stream's annual horse show. Twenty years later this impressive trophy is the most coveted of all awards.

Director of Therapy Services, Melanie Dominko-Richards fondly remembers one specific trail ride in Cold Brook Preserve. The group of instructors and most advanced students were getting ready to canter up the hill back to the barn when Abby and her pony Rocket came galloping by; Abby had the biggest smile on her face! That amazing sense of freedom from riding was later replaced by driving her Mustang convertible when she was no longer able to ride.

Photos taken during the demo at the 2000 ribbon cutting ceremony of the 83 Old Turnpike facility.

Catching Up with Mary Pat Gallagher

50 People for 50 Years: Mary Pat Gallagher, From volunteer to Board member and everything in between

Sometimes a simple action can provide the best life experiences. Mary Pat Gallagher visited Mane Stream (then Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center) in the mid-1990s and left a note asking about how she could help at the farm. That note led to Mary Pat becoming a volunteer, then an instructor, and eventually a Board member. She shares, “Being involved in this program helped me to become a more empathetic, grateful, and involved member of the horse community.”

She remembers in the early years that “There were great trail-clearing parties efficiently run like a British military exercise! I did a lot of that clearing by myself with the tractor and chainsaw.” Other great memories include “fun-filled horse shows for clients and volunteers alike with blue ribbons galore, driving around Hamilton Farms Essex horse trials collecting fence judge’s cards, exercising ad evaluating potential school horses around the Cold Brook preserve, and turning Beval Saddlery into a circus tent for a fundraiser.”

As a Board member, Mary Pat was involved with the planning process for the new facility and helped the property transform into the Mane Stream of today. Fellow Board member and friend, Jill Thomas, reflects, “Mary Pat never ran when she saw me coming, fully knowing I was again asking for her help doing a not-so-fun job like distributing tickets throughout NJ for the Far Hills Breeders Cup Steeplechase. She brought a sense of humor when it was needed.”

Mary Pat moved from the area years ago but enjoys keeping up with Mane Stream on social media. “The friendships and relationships were the most rewarding aspects besides watching the beauty of the horses performing their magical therapy!” Mary Pat shared “I felt there was always an adventure waiting [at Mane Stream]!”

Thank you Mary Pat for being an important part of our history!

Holiday Portrait Fundraiser

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

Jessica Sanders and Gianna Trotter are so excited to present this 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

There is a minimum requirement of 3 horses/participants per barn.

$350 per horse (or dog!) includes:

  • a $50 donation directly to Mane Stream NJ

  • 3 digital images for sharing and printing up to 4×6

  • your choice of black background or natural portrait (one or the other per horse – no combinations)

  • selection of holiday garlands

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

  • 25% of all print and product sales will also go to Mane Stream!

This fundraiser ends December 10th, 2022, and images will be delivered via private password-protected online gallery within 3 weeks of session date. Check Jessica’s website out for more glorious shots!