New Year Changes

Jen Dermody, Director of Program Services

We are excited to announce that Jen Dermody has been promoted to Director of Program Services. Jen’s responsibilities will now include the administrative/scheduling portion of our therapy services program as well as continuing to manage the adaptive riding and field trip programs.

You’ll still see Melanie Dominko-Richards around the farm though. She will continue to treat clients at Mane Stream in a part-time capacity as she has taken a full-time position with local nonprofit, Our House.

More About Jen Dermody:

Jen has been with Mane Stream for 13 years and her responsibilities have grown with the organization. In addition to her new role in the therapy services program she will retain her responsibilities as the equine manager and event coordinator. As equine manager, she is responsible for finding and assessing potential new members of our herd. Not an easy job in this economy! We are always on the lookout for horses and ponies who would be a good fit with our programs so send Jen an email if you know of any.

Jen is a PATH Intl. Advanced Certified Registered Instructor and specializes in teaching our more advanced riders. She strives to get the most out of her riders while developing their skills. Utilizing what she has learned from her own extensive riding experiences, she helps her riders reach their goals and become as independent as possible.  

In 2015, Jen became the event coordinator for Mane Stream. She quickly discovered she had a passion for planning events. When one event ends she is immediately planning to make the next one a success.

Jen spends her free time riding her own horse, helping friends at shows, and spending time with friends, family, and her two kittens Hall & Oats. She has also had success showing in the Adult Hunters, Adult Equitation, and Amateur Owner Hunters. 

Summer Camp Intern Opportunities

Potential College Credit for Multiple People! 

This is an ideal opportunity for individuals looking for experience working with children of ALL abilities and our amazing horses. Create and implement camp activities, take photographs, and assist certified instructors with daily horseback riding lessons. Help with all 10 weeks OR have a flexible schedule. Days start at 8AM and end at 1PM leaving plenty of time to enjoy your summer.

Learn More

Car Donations Soar in 2022

TEN Vehicles donated IN 2022!

Everyone knows the used car market was at an all-time high last year. We were lucky enough to ride that wave when 9 generous people donated a total of 10 vehicles resulting in $19,647.77 for the Mane Stream mission.

Thank you donors!
Shawn Carty, Ruth Fanjoy, Leroy Hunninghake, Zohar Kfir, Barry Kirkpatrick (x2), Steven Messineo, Preston Postlethwaite, Saket Trivebi, and Patrick Wormser

A Volunteer’s Sense of Accomplishment

50 People for 50 Years: Mary Ellen Yen, Current Volunteer

Mane Stream volunteers are the heart and soul of the organization! How many times have we said it during our 50 People for 50 Years series? But it’s true, and we wouldn’t be here without them. When we think about our current dedicated team, there are a few names that come to mind, and one of them is Mary Ellen Yen. She’s a model volunteer who is super flexible, eager to learn, and willing to fit in wherever you need her.  We also appreciate that she’s committed to volunteering at least once, and often, twice a week.

About five years ago Mary Ellen heard about Mane Stream from a friend, and since her retirement was on the horizon, she looked up the website as soon as she got home. “I knew this would be my next journey after retiring from Corporate America after 40+ years. I’m an animal lover and used to ride in high school. In college, as a special education major, I volunteered for many events for people with special needs. Mane Stream’s combination of two of my passions sealed the deal, and I started volunteering in September 2021!”

Since then Mary Ellen has racked up a total of 165 hours of service, in addition to numerous hours helping with our fundraising events, and she considers volunteering at Mane Stream a truly rewarding experience. “Being around and working with horses again is so therapeutic for me. The staff and volunteers are a pleasure to work with as everyone works together as a team. Watching the instructors and therapists working with the participants, watching them learn and improve, and the smiles on their faces makes it all worthwhile.”

Mary Ellen’s first impression of the organization was very positive. Since she hadn’t been around horses for many years, she had to re-learn pulling tack, grooming and tacking a horse. She shared, “I required assistance many times, and someone was always there willing to help with a smile on their face. NOW, I’m able to assist the new volunteers and enjoy helping them. It’s very gratifying to feel such a sense of accomplishment when I leave the farm. I know I have helped make an impact on the quality of life of a participant.”

When we asked about the people who Mary Ellen has worked with during her time at Mane Stream, she quickly mentioned the two special riders that she assists as a sidewalker. “I was fortunate to be paired with volunteers Debi DeLorenzo and Laura Edelson who have been assisting these riders for many years. They helped me learn the ropes which even included a little bit of sign language. I also really enjoy watching how the instructors Kelly and Gia work with them during their lessons. And I love viewing the progress made, it’s so encouraging.” Mary Ellen realizes that something so simple for some is such a challenge for them and the riders work so hard. At the end of the lesson, she feels fulfilled in knowing that the team has made a difference in the riders’ day. “It’s the best feeling!”

Mary Ellen also volunteers in therapy sessions with speech-language pathologist, Melanie Dominko-Richards. She noted, “Observing how Melanie works with the clients and how far they come by the end of the session is incredible.” 

What’s Mary Ellen’s favorite part about being part of the Mane Stream Team? All of it! “Working with the amazing staff, volunteers, clients, and of course the herd. Everyone works well together and is willing to help out as needed, all the while having fun. And of course, seeing the positive impact Mane Stream has on the participants. The joy on their faces while riding the horses says it all.”

Mary Ellen has also helped out in an area that not many adult volunteers do – that’s volunteer at summer camp. Those who do are a special group and love to see the campers blossom. This past summer, Mary Ellen assisted several campers who have a variety of special needs. She noticed at times that some of the campers struggled to stay focused and participate. But when they were riding their horse she noticed how happy and focused, they became. They enjoyed pulling the tack, grooming, tacking and of course, painting the horses too. Mary Ellen was also impressed with Camp Director, Paige Ball, who always had plenty of daily tasks to keep the campers busy and engaged. “She did an excellent job at managing the many personalities and abilities during camp.” 

And though Mary Ellen thinks each day at Mane Stream is special, one particular moment stands out in her mind. “I was volunteering at the Equus Gala this past fall and when the rider, Anna and her mother spoke about how Mane Stream has improved Anna’s quality of life (LINK TO EQUUS ARTICLE?). It brought a tear to my eye. Their speeches had such an impact on me and it really enforced how Mane Stream impacts our clients' lives in such amazing ways.” 

While Mary Ellen thinks Mane Stream is pretty special we think the same about her! Director of Program Services, Jen Dermody says, “She's awesome and always upbeat! The way she interacts with the participants, volunteers, and staff adds a level of fun every time she volunteers.”

Thank you for your service Mary Ellen and we look forward to a bright future with you in our ranks!

Annual Tack Sale Brings in the Cash!

Thank you for shopping!

As always, the cars started pouring in at 7:00 am, that’s a full HOUR before the doors actually opened on Saturday, November 6th for the Mane Stream Tack Sale.

According to Equine Manager, Jen Dermody, this was one of the largest Mane Stream Tack Sale EVER, resulting in $8,500 raised in 8 hours. There were great deals on a bunch of saddles and a mountain of winter blankets, but that isn’t the only reason why some people save this date months in advance and drive more than an hour to shop til you drop. This year, in addition to the TONS of generous donations from the surrounding horse community, we also had a substantial donation of NEW sheets, shoes, boots, bridles, girths, reins, and more from Weatherbeeta.

Thank you to everyone who helps spread the word about our Tack Sales, you made this one pretty EPIC! Tell your friends and share on social media - it makes a big impact. THANK YOU and keep it up!

Don’t forget Mane Stream accepts donations of tack and other horse related items ALL YEAR LONG. You can help make next year’s Tack Sale a success by donating now or setting up a tack drive at your barn or school!

Contact Jen Dermody jen@manestreamnj.org if you need to schedule a pick for large quantities.

#GivingTuesday2022 Meets Goal

50 Items for 50 Years

We have finished tallying everything up and wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who donated on #GivingTuesday (11/29/22). In keeping with this year’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations, #GivingTuesday’s theme was 50 Items for 50 Years. The staff identified 50 ITEMS that the hard-working herd either uses daily or are found around the barn and farm. We then set a GOAL of $5,050 with the option to DONATE or SHOP our Amazon Wishlist. But we were really hoping people would do a bit of both!

Donors were able to follow the Mane Stream “store” map to discover all that it will take to keep the Mane Stream Herd happy, healthy, and ready for work in 2023.

Late in the day, incoming donations increased and we were extremely excited to achieve our goal all because of generous people like YOU!

We hope everyone enjoyed “shopping” for the herd while getting to know everything it takes to keep the horses happy and healthy on the farm. If you missed #GivingTuesday you can still MAKE A DONATION in support of our amazing herd.

And one last really HUGE thanks from all of us to all our #GivingTuesday donors!
(made via Facebook & the Mane Stream Website)

Cynthia Barkman, Louisa Bartok, Molly Ben-Menachem, Christine Brenner, Laura Brucker, Felicer Ciccione, Mary Beth Cisneros, Patricia Colbert, Linda Condit, Owen Confer, Terry Connell, Margaret Conroy, Carol Coriell, Nancy Cunningham, Claudia Dey, Mary Dickey, John Dickey, Caroline Gaffney, Nina Higgins, Jane Hylicke, IT Radix (Coloff & Verge), Karen Kaufhold, Dana King, Elke Phillips, Evelyn Piazza, Jeanne Rogalin, Andrea Stepnosky, Alex Taylor, and Mary Ellen Yen

AMAZON WISHLIST DONORS
Thank you to everyone who purchased items on Amazon. We won't know who the kind souls are until we get the items - but we THANK YOU TOO!

AMAZON WISHLIST

List for Santa

It’s been a super busy year and our hard-working herd has made their list for Santa. Barn Manager, Anna has checked it twice to make sure they didn’t leave anything off. And then for good measure, the staff have added a few things for certain programs.

Now, all that’s needed is for some kind souls (that’s you) to do a little online shopping to make the season merry and bright. Check out the Mane Stream Holiday Wishlist.

SAVE THE DATE:
Come celebrate our 50th Anniversary at
“Jingle and Mingle” Holiday Open House
December 20th from 4:30-6:30pm
There will be lots of shenanigans as usual, for sure!

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.

(photos taken during the demo at the 2000 ribbon cutting ceremony of the 83 Old Turnpike facility)

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.

Providing Support & Consistency Through the Years

50 People for 50 Years: Kathy Kamine, Board Member and Former Volunteer

Many times, new projects bring new people to an organization. And so, in 2005, then President of the Board, Gayle Conover, asked Kathy Kamine to help with the construction of the new barn at the new facility on 83 Old Turnpike Rd. (now Mane Stream). The additional ask to volunteer with therapy sessions would soon follow.

Kathy felt it was most rewarding to see the progress clients made in their therapy sessions all while sharing the love of the horse. “These horses have such great souls and seem to thrive in their partnerships with clients as much as any athletic partnership of horse and rider.” 

An avid equestrian herself, having bred and trained some of the world’s best show jumpers over the past 25+ years, Kathy has developed bonds with many of the Mane Stream herd. She even took Axel, one of our hard-working Norwegian Fjord horses, home to her nearby farm when he was ready for retirement.

Kathy joined the Board in 2008 and has held a variety of positions including Assistant Secretary and Vice President during her tenure. A long-time supporter of Mane Stream’s fundraising events, Kathy’s enthusiasm for our mission rubbed off on her two sons, Matt and Justin, who have helped with our Boot Scootin’ BBQ. They did everything from helping with set-up to encouraging their friends to attend the event and learn more about our programs.

Kathy and her husband, Hal, have been extremely generous for years but undoubtedly one of their most generous acts, that has had the greatest impact on the organization and its riders, has been providing exclusive access to their indoor arena, stalls, and paddocks for 5 months out of the year since 2016. Jen Dermody, Equine Manager, and Head Instructor states, “The Kamines let us run our adaptive riding program at their farm as if it were our own. This makes the transfer between locations as seamless as possible and provides our participants with the consistency that they thrive on, allowing them to continue to build on their skills without months of interruption.”

Kathy’s hope for Mane Stream is, “To continue to serve the community with high standards of practice while continuing to adapt to the needs of every client.”

Thank you to Kathy and the whole Kamine Family!