From Tacos to Triumph...

HOW yOU MADE FIESTA AT THE FARM A SUCCESS

Last weekend, our community came together under the big tent for a night that was vibrant, filled with purpose, and just plain fun. Fiesta at the Farm kicked off with an incredible show of spirit with guests dressed the part in festive colors, embroidered tops, and even a matador jacket! Colorful umbrellas transformed the tent into a fiesta dreamscape, thanks to the hardworking event committee and amazing volunteers who helped set the scene.

Volunteers kept the kids occupied with activities so that parents could relax and enjoy the evening. This meant that kids had just as much fun as the adults with games like Pin the Tail on Minnie (the banner, not the horse!), and the Peso Toss, plus they spent time painting our patient ponies, Minnie and Cody. But the biggest hit of the night? The epic battle with two impressively strong piñatas—a handcrafted Mane Stream logo and a bottle-shaped Teremana piñata (for adults) that finally burst open after a hilarious tag-team effort by Jen and Kelly.

And while the sky gave us a quick rain shower, it also gifted us one of those signature Mane Stream rainbows that arced beautifully over the barn and pastures, an unforgettable moment that reminded us why we gather: to celebrate and support a place that fosters independence and connection.

This year, the heart of the evening was getting to know the Mane Stream participants themselves. Many guests spoke directly with participants and their families, while others scanned QR codes that linked to personal stories shared online. These powerful moments reminded everyone why they came: to help raise vital funds for our programs and for the daily care of the incredible horses that make our mission possible.

And a big shout out to The Food Architects’ flavorful Mexican-themed menu (shrimp with mango salsa was the fan favorite!). Guests sipped a variety of margaritas courtesy of Teremana Tequila, and mocktail lovers enjoyed our Orange Fiesta Fizz and Zippy Lemonade—both youth- and adult-approved.

Midway through the evening, guests took a break to catch the Kentucky Derby on the big screen and were blown away by a surprise performance by mentalist Jesse Dameron, whose card tricks and uncanny predictions left jaws on the floor. Minds = blown!

The Kentucky Derby broadcast brought everyone together for a thrilling pause in the evening, and guests gathered to cheer for their favorites. Meanwhile, our year-old tractor and utility vehicle were displayed proudly as a thank you to last year’s donors whose generosity during the 2024 paddle raise made those much-needed purchases possible.

We ended the night on a high note as our 50/50 raffle winner, Kimmie Turiansky, generously donated her entire winnings back to Mane Stream! That incredible gesture, along with ticket sales, silent auction, and donations throughout the night, raised essential funds that will directly support our therapy programs, adaptive riding, summer camp, and horse care. It’s not too late to show your support - Click Here!

From the tiniest piñata whack to the biggest community impact, Fiesta at the Farm was a night to remember. Thank you to everyone who joined, supported, and celebrated. We’re already dreaming about next year—stay tuned for the theme and date, because you won’t want to miss it!

thank you event sponsors!

Don Julio - $3,500
Red Tail Farm

Patron - $1,000
The Cavalero Family
The Durden Family
The Greifeld Family
Karen & Steve Kaufhold
The Sudler Family Foundation
The Turiansky Family

EVENT VOLUNTEERS
Neeve Canniffe, Tess Coffey, Catherine Costa, Debi DeLorenzo, Juliet Dermody, Lily Fosburgh, Nancy Grossweiler, Leroy Hunninghake, Amy Mahoney, Karen Zavaglia

EVENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Tina Corcoran, Laura Edelson, Nancy Grossweiler, Karen Kaufhold, Jordan McLellan, Kerry Scholz, Michele Stevens, Laurie Willard, Dara Woitkowski, Mary Ellen Yen

Special thanks to Wolfy Nicolaides who volunteered his photography services, providing these great shots for your enjoyment.

Volunteers -- Just Our Cup of Tea!

Volunteer Appreciation Week - A Perfect Blend of Kindness

At Mane Stream, we truly believe that volunteers are the perfect blend of kindness, commitment, and heart, and last week, we took a moment to sip, savor, and say thank you during our TEA-rific Volunteer Appreciation Week.

With mugs raised and plates full of cookies, scones, and sweet treats, all week long volunteers enjoyed a cozy tea- and coffee-themed celebration to honor those who pour their energy into every grooming session, every therapy session, every riding lesson, and every joyful moment in the barn. Whether they're tacking up horses, leading, sidewalking, supporting therapy sessions, or helping our participants build social skills, our volunteers do it all, and always with a smile.

As our Volunteer Coordinator shared, “All your hard work & dedication creates the perfect blend of independence & support to allow our participants to thrive!” We couldn’t brew this magic without you, and we’re so grateful you’re part of the Mane Stream family.

Here’s to the incredible individuals who keep our programs steeping with success—you're simply TEA-rific!

Corporate Days of Service Make All the Difference!

Last week, two incredible corporate volunteer groups rolled up their sleeves and gave their time, energy, and talent to help Mane Stream shine for the FIESTA at the FARM.

Teva Pharmaceuticals brought a powerhouse team that tackled an impressive list of projects in just one day. In addition to assisting with event prep, they took on garden maintenance, scraped and painted trim, sorted and moved our Shoes for Shoes donations, and even began sprucing up our iconic horse statue by the road. Their hardworking, can-do attitude helped us cross off major to-dos just in time for the event.

Liberty Mutual Insurance followed with their own small but mighty team, diving into both event preparation and farm improvements. They painted colorful umbrellas and a chalkboard, moved the bars and event equipment to the tent site, reset bricks at the front entrance, finished painting our horse statue, and packed up a truck full of 105 bags of donated shoes.

Thanks to these dedicated corporate teams, Mane Stream was more than ready to welcome guests to our Cinco de Mayo-inspired event, FIESTA at the FARM. We are incredibly grateful to Teva Pharmaceuticals and Liberty Mutual Insurance for their support, enthusiasm, and commitment to giving back. Your efforts helped us create a meaningful and memorable event, and your impact will last well beyond the weekend!

Interested in coming to Mane Stream for a Corporate Day of Service? Contact Emily De Jong at volunteer@manestreamnj.org

Shoes for Shoes Campaign is a wrap!

After more than 13 years of collecting used shoes, our Shoes for Shoes campaign has officially come to a close. Just last week, we filled half a box truck with 105 bags, totaling an incredible 5,250 shoes! These shoes will now begin their journey around the world, helping individuals build micro-businesses by reselling them within their communities.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed over the years. While we once received thousands of shoes annually, the growing number of donation options has made it increasingly difficult for us to collect the 100 bags required in a timely manner. For that reason, we’ve decided it’s time to retire the campaign.

Thank you again to all who faithfully supported this effort, helping us raise funds to offset our farrier costs and keep our herd happy and healthy. You’ve made a lasting impact—one step at a time.

Summer Spirit Wear for the Heat!

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

Show your Mane Stream spirit wherever life takes you!

Spirit wear isn’t just for days at the barn, it’s a fun and meaningful way to share your pride in our incredible community, whether you’re hitting the gym, cheering at school events, or just out and about.

Take a moment to browse our latest collection! From unisex t-shirts, women’s v-necks, and tank tops to youth sizes, cozy cotton, wicking performance wear, baseball caps, and even a windbreaker, there’s something for everyone. Every purchase supports Mane Stream’s mission, so gear up and wear your heart on your sleeve!

Volunteer Appreciation Week 2025

Celebrating Our TEA-rific Volunteers!

With another spring brewing here at Mane Stream, we are again reminded of how much of an impact each volunteer makes with our participants and greater community. Together our volunteers make our programs a perfect blend of independence and support for all of our participants. 

You’re all the most TEA-rific group of volunteers we could ask for!

All week long, we’re celebrating YOU—our amazing volunteers—with a cozy spread of drinks and snacks during your shift. Craving a favorite tea, coffee, or cookie? We’ve got you covered—and don’t forget to grab a treat bag to take some goodies home!

Not scheduled this week? No problem—swing by anytime! We’d love to see your smiling face and say thank you in person. Thank you for being such TEA-rific volunteers!

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We’re Shining the Spotlight on four dedicated Volunteers

janie murphy:
"I’ll Quit My Job Before I Quit Mane Stream!"

Janie first discovered Mane Stream the way many locals do—biking and driving by the farm on weekend family outings. She’d often tell her husband, “When life slows down, I want to volunteer there.” That opportunity came the summer before her second child started college. Together with her youngest child, then-15-year-old son Kevin, Janie enrolled in Mane Stream’s volunteer training. They began side-by-side, supporting sessions in the indoor arena. Eventually, Kevin moved on to a paying job—but Janie stayed. Kevin is now 28, and Janie has donated over 900 hours of service in the 13 years since. Her favorite horse? KEEP READING

Janie Murphy leading Joe at the 2023 Horse Show.

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shelley levin:
"There’s still so much to learn—and so much joy to be found."

Shelley Levin sidewalking during a Pillar School Occupational Therapy Session.

After retiring from a long and fulfilling career as an occupational therapist, Shelley Levin was looking for a meaningful way to give back. Having passed Mane Stream countless times on her travels, she finally decided to take a closer look when a friend encouraged her to volunteer. “I went to the website and was immediately impressed by what I read,” she recalls. “It was clear this wasn’t just any program—it was something special.” Now, nearly two years and almost 100 hours of service later, Shelley continues to be inspired by what she sees at Mane Stream every day. “There is such a sense of accomplishment and joy here. It’s different from the clinical setting I came from, but no less powerful.” KEEP READING

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andrea greenspan:
“Helping Riders Grow in Confidence—One Lap at a Time”

Andrea Greenspan having a moment with Judge before lessons.

For Andrea Greenspan, volunteering at Mane Stream felt like a natural fit. As a pediatric physical therapist with a lifelong love of horses, she had heard about our founder, Octavia Brown’s pioneering work long before Mane Stream became the organization it is today. “We used to drive by often,” she recalls, “and I always told myself I’d get involved when I had the time.” Once her children were older, she reached out—and has been a cherished part of the Mane Stream family ever since. Combining her clinical background with her passion for horses, Andrea brings a unique perspective to every session she supports. She's seen countless moments of growth, but one memory stands out…KEEP READING

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katie heinemann:
"The smiles say it all."

Katie leading Eli up to the outdoor for a Saturday morning riding lesson.

Katie Heinemann joined the Mane Stream family nearly two years ago, bringing with her a lifelong love of horses and a genuine desire to make a difference. With 32 hours of service under her belt, Katie is a reminder that even a few hours can have a big impact—on both our participants and the volunteers themselves. “What drew me to Mane Stream was the idea of combining my passion for horses with helping others,” Katie shares. “Seeing the smiles on participants’ faces is everything.” That joy and positivity shine through in her approach to volunteering. From day one, Katie noticed…KEEP READING

Become an Ambassador for Mane Stream

We are an official Charity Partner!

Mane Stream has been selected to join Seen Through Horses, a national campaign that brings together 95 organizations from across the country. This effort is all about one thing: making sure more people can access mental health support through the healing power of horses.

This May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, we’ll be joining forces with organizations, businesses, and individuals nationwide to raise awareness and support for this kind of life-changing work. It’s a grassroots movement at its core—built on community, compassion, and connection.

Mane Stream is recruiting Ambassadors to help us raise funds to support our mental health services through a Peer to Peer campaign. This simply means raising money by asking the people who know and trust you most. Even 10 friends donating $50 each makes a huge impact!

If you are unable to become a fundraiser, don’t worry! You can participate by making a one-time donation and/or sharing our donation page with your friends and family through social media, text messages, or word of mouth.

For more information about how to become an Ambassador for Mane Stream, contact Trish at trish@manestreamnj.org or 908-439-9636.

Seen Through Horses is an initiative of Horses for Mental Health. 

Get Your 50/50 Raffle Tickets Now!

1 FOR $5   5 FOR $10   15 FOR $20

The winning ticket will be pulled at the Fiesta at the Farm at Mane Stream in Oldwick on May 3rd at 7:30pm but you need not be present to win. 

4 easy ways to
purchase your tickets:

Call the office at 908-439-9636
or
Stop by the office before 5/2
or
Mail your check to Mane Stream
PO Box 305 Oldwick, NJ 08858
or
Come to Fiesta at the Farm
(Do you have your tickets yet?)

DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!!

For questions regarding raffle tickets or the Fiesta at the Farm event please contact:
Jen Dermody at Jen@manestreamnj.org  OR  908.439.9636

Paddock Pals Starts Again 5/8

PADDOCK PALS (2 1/2-5 years old*)

5-Week Program: MAY 8 thru JUNE 5 ON thursdays 10:30 - 11:30AM

Creative play is important for kiddos! There are several milestones that lead up to being able to play creatively, so come to the barn to give your little ones plenty of opportunities to practice. We limit the group to a max of 6 little adventurers with a caregiver each.

Spend each jam-packed one-hour session with excitement, from circle time, captivating horse tales, horse-themed adventures including arts & crafts, and music. The grand finale is a pony ride for each tyke!

*We've updated the age range for our Paddock Pals program to 2.5 to 5 years old to ensure each child is ready to fully engage in the activities and get the most out of their experience!

For more information & to sign up contact: 
Holland Kochanski
PATH Intl. Certified Registered Instructor & Proud Mom
Holland@manestreamnj.org

Never Stop Believing in Your Potential

Celebrating the Rider, the Journey, and the Heart Behind Every Stride

In 2024, Daisy DeSimone won Champion of the advanced division and the Abby Clay Rutgers Memorial Award (High Point Adult Rider).

At Mane Stream, we strive to make our participants as independent as possible so that they can truly achieve great things. One of our adult riders, Daisy DeSimone, embodies that completely. She is extremely dedicated and hardworking, which shows through her riding and barn skills. Daisy, like many of our other riders, has taken advantage of multiple programs that Mane Stream offers, such as adaptive riding, adult camp, riding in the demonstration at the spring event, and the Annual Horse Show. 

Daisy’s journey at Mane Stream started during the pandemic when her previous lesson barn unfortunately shut down. She had ridden there for over 15 years, so it was very important to her and her family that she find a barn that continued to help her grow as a rider, while keeping her safe. After an 18-month hiatus due to the pandemic, Daisy found her “home” at Mane Stream. Daisy’s parents were also pleased that Mane Stream works with the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) for funding of all her lessons! Without that resource, Daisy would likely not be able to afford to ride. While the time off from riding did affect her confidence for a bit, she quickly adjusted and is now one of our most advanced riders. Not only do her skills shine on the back of the horse as she can confidently walk, trot, canter, and jump, but her skills also shine in the barn. Daisy loves getting her horse ready on her own as she says that it gets her excited and ready to ride. Her parents love the connection she has built with the horses through grooming, her favorite horse being Don.

 While Daisy participates in our adaptive riding program throughout most of the year, she also loves participating in the adult weeks of our summer camp program. They offer a fun experience for adults with special needs. Not only do they ride every day, but there are a plethora of educational and fun activities for them to do with each other. Daisy says, “It is very fun to ride with others and spend the day with them around the horses.” Her parents love that Daisy gets to participate in our camp program, especially that she can “be with her peers in a sport that she is committed to.” And even though camp can be “hot and dirty,” she truly loves every minute of it!

Daisy has also participated in some of Mane Stream’s special events. Daisy was asked to show off her skills in the riding demonstrations during The Party in the Paddock spring event in 2024. She demonstrated how to walk, trot, and canter poles in front of a large crowd, which she handled with enthusiasm and grace, as always. Her mom said, “Watching Daisy do an exhibition ride at the Mane Stream fundraiser and thinking back to where she started, all the things the doctors said she would never be able to do, put a lump in my throat. It reminded me to never stop believing in her potential.” And that’s truly what Mane Stream is all about: reaching one’s full potential no matter the challenges along the way.

Another event that Daisy loves is competing in the Annual Horse Show! Daisy always put in hard work during her lessons, and that really shined through at the last show. In 2024, she won Champion of the advanced division and the Abby Clay Rutgers Memorial Award (High Point Adult Rider). When asked about her achievement, Daisy said that she was very excited and proud of herself. Her parents shared in Daisy’s excitement, stating, “Just like any parent, there is a sense of pride when you see your child succeed. As the parent of a special needs child, that feeling is exponentially higher. There are fewer opportunities for them to experience success, so when they get the chance, you are proud, but also very grateful for the opportunity.” Although Daisy is very competitive, she also showed great sportsmanship by rooting on her friends and fellow competitors.

While Daisy and her family love the programs offered by Mane Stream, they say that the people here are what make the experience so special. Her parents beamed, “Mane Stream has staff and volunteers that give so much of themselves and create an atmosphere of fun, caring and skill development.” Creating an inclusive, fun, and safe environment is at the heart of Mane Stream’s mission—something Daisy and her family truly appreciate. Staff and volunteers alike agree that Daisy is an absolute joy to work with, and successes like hers, in any form, are what it’s all about. Daisy wanted to add, to any riders looking for a barn to call home as well, “You should ride here!!!” 

Written by: Alex Willard, Barn Manager & Instructor