When apprehension turns into big smiles.

Field Trips to the farm are where it’s at in 2023!

A morning at Mane Stream can do wonders for your soul. When students get off the bus, it’s all about learning, and connecting with the horses. So far, 10 school groups with 160 students, have visited the farm this spring alone, with more scheduled for the fall. For many of the students from the New Jersey Regional Day School in Newark, a trip to the country was something totally new with many never having been around a barn or touched a horse.

Our specially trained riding instructors always ensure activities are tailored to each group's ability level and age. And the team of Mane Stream volunteers who assist are an additional layer of safety in our relaxed environment. With all this in place, we still find it impressive to see apprehension turn to smiles. Whether this happens a few minutes after meeting the horses or after a trip or two, it is obvious that our horses help break down those barriers.

Mane Stream’s school field trips vary in group size, age, and ability but everyone ends up enjoying the activities that may include: making treats or feeding, painting a horse, grooming and tacking, leading a horse through an obstacle course, or a quick riding experience. Some groups spend more time connecting with the horses or exploring the whole farm during a scavenger hunt.

But in the end, Mane Stream is excited to share the farm with so many new faces!

Thank you for visiting!

Far Brook School (4th Grade)
Middlesex County School (2 Groups)
NJ Regional Day School of Newark (8 Trips)

Interested in a Field Trip? Share the news with your friends as Fall dates will soon be booked solid.

Welcome NINE New Volunteers!

Most are now ready to jump into our morning and afternoon programming. Those who want a little more time to learn the ropes will come back for a second training session.

Welcome: Charlie Auerbach, Jane Dominik, Jarrett Hansen, Katie Heinemann, Susan Kinney, Holly McDonald, Joseph O'Leary, Cathy Rohrbach, and Laura Sharon

The next training session is on June 14th (right before summer camp starts). Save your space to ensure you are ready to help with what will probably be a FULLY BOOKED summer schedule. contact: volunteer@manestreamnj.org

Who is that 'dark stranger'?

Welcome Dawn (a.k.a Don*)

We excitedly announce the newest member of the herd, Don* standing at a magnificent 17 plus hands. This gorgeous, black Irish Draught with a bright white star also has a white sock above his left front hoof that closely resembles the cuff of a sleeve peeking out from a tuxedo jacket. This incredibly handsome horse is giving Judge a run for his money in the looks department and will no doubt confuse a few volunteers as to who is who.

During Don’s month-long trial, all eyes were on this gentle giant. Strong enough to carry our larger and more experienced riders, but also calm enough for our inexperienced riders, Don knows his job. That’s not to say he isn’t a big puppy dog that is always on the lookout for some love from the volunteers and staff.

Thank you Melissa Thomas for entrusting Don to Mane Stream! He’s going to be a camper favorite for sure!!

*The Celtic meaning of the name Donald/Don is Dark Stranger.

Derby Hats & Fundraising for a Cause

It was a beautiful early spring evening on May 6th for Mane Stream’s inaugural, Party in the Paddock. The first event held at the farm in years, this event showcased Mane Stream’s programs with demonstrations by participants from our adaptive riding and therapy programs, great food and drink, raffles, and tons of Kentucky Derby-themed fun. Highlights of the evening included our LIVE Kentucky Derby Race streaming, Kentucky Derby “Betting” and our 1st Staff Derby featuring Instructors Kelly Champion and Elke Phillips, Volunteer Coordinator Assistant Renae Flanagan, and Barn Manager Alex Willard. It was a nail-biter, but Renae managed to clinch the win…thank you to all of our Staff Derby sponsors and guests who “bet” on our staff participants! The grand prize of the event, the Red Rose Ticket, was won by Marianne Saladino, which included a hand-painted Lawn Jockey, limited edition Courtly Horseshoe from MacKenzie Childs, Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby Edition Bourbon, and a set of Derby and Oaks glasses.

We hope everyone enjoyed the evening! All proceeds from the event go directly to support the children and adults with special needs who participate in Mane Stream’s adaptive riding, therapy services, summer camp, field trips, and Horses for Healing programs.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone again next year! Please mark your calendars for May 4, 2024….to celebrate Mane Stream and the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby

Special thanks to Eric Yagoda Photography who volunteered his photography services providing these great shots for your enjoyment. To see ALL the shots or to purchase high-resolution files or prints please go directly to Eric’s Website.

SPONSORSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES

WIN - $3,000

The Greifeld Family
Kathy & Hal Kamine
Red Tail Farm

PLACE - $1,500

Maureen and Steve Bezer
In Memory of:
Jenny & Phil Casciano
In Memory of:
Anne Irene
Karen & Steve Kaufhold
Jeanne Rogalin:
(Midtown Direct Properties / Keller Williams Properties)

SHOW - $750

Redfield Farm
The Saladino Family

DEMONSTRATIONS: Stella Andresky, Elliott Bentley, Ben Burghardt, Alexa Nacamuli, Reagan Reed, Chloe Timko

EVENT VOLUNTEERS: Nikki Blair, Tina Corcoran, Tess Coffey, Juliette Dermody, Lola Dermody, Laura Edelson, Grace Harvey, Cate Hegeman, Ellie Hegeman, Leroy Hunninghake, Elaine Milano, Janie Murphy, Kerry Scholz, Sam Yagoda, Mary Ellen Yen

EVENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Joyce Andreski, Laura Edelson, Nancy Grossweiler, Justin Hendrickson, Karen Kaufhold, Jesse and Kara McMahon, Sandra Phillips, Kerry Scholz, Stacy Timko, Sally Walker, Mary Ellen Yen

Mane Stream Derby Shenanigans

Mane Stream Derby Sponsors

Thank you: Advantage Pools, Custom Cakes by Renae, The Buchsbaum Family, The Cavalero Family, The Coffey Family, The Ginger Jar, Horseflight, Amy & Steve Mahoney, Pine Woods Farm, Red Tail Farm, Melissa and Mike Renfer, Jeanne & Roger Rogalin, Schmidt Landscaping, Jennifer & Steve Smith

Seniors Bring Joy to Mane Stream

Morning Visits with The Adult Day Center of Somerset County

“Our lives are the tapestry of all our experiences and I never walk away from a morning with the seniors without adding a couple of stitches to my tapestry.” Volunteer and Board Member, Cynthia Barkman eloquently stated. “It takes 2 seconds to start a conversation that often leads to a colorful and interesting story about their lives – it’s important to remember that before they reached the stage of their lives where they benefitted from a day center, they led full, independent lives and these are the stories I love to hear. It matters not whether it’s a gentleman who was an accomplished surgeon or a gentleman who spent his working days in the garment district, that couple of hours I spend with them enriches my life in ways difficult to describe and I can only hope that they enjoy it as much as I do.”

The Adult Day Center of Somerset County started visiting Mane Stream in 2018. All of the participants are non-riders, so they spend their time here interacting with our herd and the small team of volunteers who are there to provide assistance. One such volunteer is Julia Greifeld who has true empathy for this group due to her own personal reasons. Julia enjoys seeing everyone happy and relaxed at the barn. “The best is watching them with the horses. Everyone is willing to interact with our angel horses and give the brushing and patting a try. Some of the people in each group are animal people and talking about the horses brings back happy memories of dogs, cats, and even some horses that have been a part of their lives. They seem to love the calmness and serenity of our gentle sweet horses and I think that this little interlude in their day really makes them feel happy and at peace.  The weather this spring has been beautiful for their visits and we have had lovely picnics outside which has been fantastic!”

Another volunteer who has stepped in to help when the seniors visit is Leroy Hunninghake. While his main task is to help the Barn Manager with chores, Leroy has a wonderful report with the seniors. Leroy shared, “I am fortunate to be available in the barn to spend some time with the Somerset seniors.  Thank you! I'm always amazed how Mane Stream's gentle giants can turn a senior's initial awe/fear into love so quickly! I’m looking forward to their next visit!

So you now understand why WE GIVE THANKS for the seniors that visit Mane Stream!!

Pushing Further to Get Results

HORSES FOR HEALING makes a difference

This session of Horses for Healing (H4H) for individuals living with cancer was a tad different than usual. Why? This spring the two participants were Mane Stream Volunteers. One is a current volunteer and the other retired a few years ago after many years as our Head Barn Volunteer.

Why were there only two participants? Shortly before the session started two participants had to pull out because they were not well enough to join the group. Mane Stream sends healing thoughts their way and hopes to see them at the farm in the future!

What else was different? Program Coordinator & riding instructor, Kelly Champion said, “It was comfortable from the start and it felt right to push the riders further than I might with someone new. I was so excited to get Jess to walk & trot with posting off lead in just 5 weeks and she’s never even ridden before! As for Joy, she hadn't ridden in 30 years but I was able to increase her confidence so much that she was able to walk and trot independently for 4 weeks and then canter on her last day. I’m so proud of them both!!”

H4H RIDER: Jessica KAISER
(4 years cancer free)

“Horses for Healing provided me a space to relax, breathe and face a new challenge. To be able to connect with Tux and gain confidence in riding each week was incredible. Kelly and the volunteers who guided me, cheered me on, and celebrated my accomplishments were amazing! I am grateful to have had this experience and blessed to be healthy to do this rewarding experience. Thank you Mane Stream!” 

H4H RIDER: JOY KOCHANSKI

“I loved my time at Horses for Healing.  Each session was filled with accomplishments I never knew I could have achieved with the thanks going to a terrific instructor, Kelly, and the help of the devoted volunteers.  After each class, I felt uplifted, like I could do anything, and really happy.  Thank you Mane Stream for providing this wonderful class!”

WHY DO THE VOLUNTEERS LOVE HELPING?

VOLUNTEER: Cynthia Barkman

“The name of the program exemplifies truth in advertising - Horses for Healing - and it’s a privilege to share this experience with every H4H participant.  In our lives, we all need to find and embrace our communities and the H4H community can always count on the support of their instructor extraordinaire and volunteers who enthusiastically look forward to our time together each week.  And seeing the participants relax and enjoy their time with their horse, well, it doesn’t get any better than that.”

VOLUNTEER: Laura Edelson

“I love volunteering for Horses for Healing because I love the program and I enjoy watching the participants’ confidence grow little by little each week as they start to relax and enjoy their time on and with the horses.  It is fabulous to interact with the participants and see them blossom and for an hour a week enjoy themselves and not worry about cancer.”

Celebrating Our Dedicated Volunteers

They make our Participants Bloom and Soar!

Mane Stream recently celebrated National Volunteer Week, with 44 of our dedicated volunteers putting in 130 hrs over the course of a week and a half due to weather cancellations. In addition to the regular weekly volunteers, we were excited to welcome 9 new volunteers during this special week and hope they had a blast. Each day the teams enjoyed an abundance of snacks and treats in between riding lessons and therapy sessions and took home either a beautiful succulent (graciously donated by Hionis Greenhouses) or a birdseed ornament made by our Volunteer Coordination Team, Emily De Jong and Renae Flanagan.

This year we also turned the spotlight on 6 volunteers with varying levels of Mane Stream experience. Please take a moment to read what they had to share.

Stellario - Letting Each Lesson Take Its Course
Maggie - The Happiness Trail
Jennifer - The Highlight of My Week
McKenna - Watching Confidence Grow
Jessica - I Always Leave Happier!
Chip - Watching the Progression

We salute our “Village” of dedicated program volunteers who help make the magic happen here at Mane Stream. Without them, we would not be where we are today!

Emma Yarton Wins $270 Gift Card!

Equus Foundation Service Volunteer

Please congratulate EMMA YARTON for being chosen as one of five 1Q2023 EQUUS Foundation Service Volunteers! Emma will receive a $270 gift card for Ariat Boots and we're sure she's pretty excited about that!!

THANK YOU for your service EMMA!

Emma Yarton has been volunteering at Mane Stream for five years and riding for ten years. "Horses offer far more than just companionship," said Emma. "Horses have taught me responsibility, respect, organization, and confidence -- and to experience the freedom that comes from riding." "The most rewarding part about volunteering at Mane Stream for so many years is that I am able to see riders improve from year to year," said Emma - some even starting out afraid of horses.

FREE Parkinson's Program

PAPERWORK DEADLINE: MAY 1st

Based on our popular Horses for Healing program for people living with cancer, we are launching our first session for those living with Parkinson’s.

THE BENEFITS:

Adaptive horseback riding provides both physical and emotional benefits through learning new skills, and interacting with horses, peers, and volunteers. Riding helps to develop balance and coordination and requires good body awareness. Through weekly lessons, your stability and coordination will improve, helping you to communicate with the horse and positively impact your daily life. 

If you or someone you know is interested in our FREE Horses for Healing Parkinson's program, please note our deadline to submit paperwork is quickly approaching (Monday, MAY 1st). The program will be starting in June and only a few spaces are left.

PAPERWORK FOR DOWNLOAD