Calling All Riders: Get Ready for the Mane Stream Annual Horse Show this Spring!

A blast from the past…Mane Stream Horse Show 2003 at the USET. Is that Anne Davenport we see?

It’s time to saddle up and show your stuff! We are thrilled to invite all Mane Stream riders and campers AND the local therapeutic riding community, to participate in our Annual Horse Show on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

This year, we are moving back to a truly legendary venue: the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation in Gladstone, NJ. Walking down the same stable aisles as Olympic champions, our riders will have the chance to compete in the historic main arena.

Why this year is extra special: This show is an official qualifier for the Therapeutic Riding Championships at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show’s "Foundation Friday" in October 2026. This is your chance to compete for coveted ribbons and a potential spot on the national stage!

Ready to ride?

  • When: Saturday, June 13, 2026 | Horse Show: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ( exact start time TBD)

  • Where: USET Foundation, School House Lane, Gladstone, NJ

  • How to Register: Contact Jen@manestreamnj.org for the registration link if you haven’t received one yet.

  • Become a Champion: We encourage all riders to create their own fundraising page to share their story. There are great prizes for the top fundraisers in the Camper, Junior, and Adult categories! CREATE A PAGE

  • Horse Show Program: Want to give a shout-out for a rider? Purchase an ad in the program! EVENT WEBSITE

  • Come Celebrate: Join us for the "Toast to the Champions" party starting at 4:00 PM to celebrate our riders' hard work with food, drinks, and a Tricky Tray. Tickets can be purchased through the EVENT WEBSITE

Deadlines to Remember:

  • T-Shirt Orders: Must be placed by May 6th [LINK coming soon]

  • Rider Registration Deadline: May 1st (Contact Jen@manestreamnj.org for registration link)

  • Toast to the Champions cocktail party: June 1st EVENT WEBSITE

We can’t wait to see our Mane Stream stars shine at the Team!

Celebrating 20 Years of Dedication, Leadership, and Heart

Volunteer Spotlight: Nancy Cunningham

This month, we are beyond honored to celebrate a true pillar of the Mane Stream community: Nancy Cunningham. For two decades, Nancy has brought her expertise, calm spirit, and unwavering dedication to our barn, our herd, and our riders. A natural leader and gifted horsewoman, she possesses a quiet demeanor that the horses truly adore, making her an exceptional mentor to our new volunteers.

A Journey That Began with a Connection
Nancy’s journey started in the early 2000s through a chance meeting of a Mane Stream instructor at the barn in East Amwell, where she boarded her horse. A few years later, her horse sadly passed away, and she was drawn back to the magic of horses, this time with the "amazing work" being done at Mane Stream. From the moment she was welcomed by our early team, she was hooked.

"The staff and volunteers were so friendly and helpful, and the herd so kind and willing! Just like today!"

The Heart of the Horse Show
While Nancy is most commonly seen leading horses for adaptive lessons, if a Mane Stream Horse Show is happening, you can bet Nancy will try to be there. She fondly remembers the early days of group lessons and trail rides through the back fields of Cold Brook Preserve, but Nancy really loves seeing the pride in a rider’s eyes when they earn a ribbon in the show. Nancy has always been a steady, encouraging presence for those "beaming" students. But let’s not forget the horses! Nancy has a soft spot for the Fjords (especially Beyra and Minnie!), and through the years she’s also favored horses like Gracie, Tink, and Myrell.

Above and Beyond the Distance
What many might not realize is that Nancy now lives quite a distance from Mane Stream, yet her dedication has never wavered. She keeps a close eye on her inbox for "subs needed" emails. Whenever there is a gap in her schedule, Nancy will step up and pick up a shift, proving that no drive is too long when a horse or a rider is in need.

Witnessing Growth and Expansion
Nancy has been a firsthand witness to how Mane Stream has evolved to serve more of our community. She shares:

"Today there are so many great programs offered to a wide variety of people, including Horses for Healing, Field Trips for Groups and Paddock Pals. It is wonderful to see the expansion of opportunities reaching out to diverse groups of people in the neighboring communities."

Nancy, thank you for your 20 years of service and it is a privilege to have you as part of our family!

Spring Into Progress at Mane Stream

What’s therapy is like on the farm?

At Mane Stream, therapy goes beyond the traditional clinic setting. Our licensed therapists utilize the horse’s rhythmic movement called hippotherapy to help clients achieve functional goals established during their initial evaluations. Whether it’s improving core strength, fine motor skills, or speech production, the horse’s gait provides a unique neurological foundation that simply can't be replicated in an office.

The "Plan of Care" Advantage

Our services operate in focused 3–6 month Plans of Care. This structure allows for intensive work toward specific milestones. Because progress is a journey, many of our clients take periodic breaks to generalize their skills at home before returning to tackle new goals. This "coming and going" ensures therapy stays fresh and effective, often allowing children to transition between disciplines like Occupational Therapy (OT) and Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) as their needs evolve.

Now Enrolling for Spring!

With several clients currently completing their current plans of care, we are excited to announce new openings for the upcoming season.

  • OT & SLP Openings: We currently have space available for new or returning clients to begin a plan of care this Spring.

  • Expert Care: At Mane Stream, it’s not just one-on-one with NJ-licensed therapists dedicated to your child's specific developmental path; you’ll have a whole therapy team (volunteers & horse) helping your child to achieve their goals.

Learn more

Paddock Pals is Back!

PADDOCK PALS (3-5 years old)

5-Week Program: April 30 thru May28 ON thursdays 3:00 - 4:00PM

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 grooming and learning about all the tack, to horse-themed adventures, including arts & crafts, scavenger hunts, and music. The grand finale on week 5 includes a pony ride for each tyke!

For more information & to sign up, contact: 
Renae Flanagan
renae@manestreamnj.org

Equestrian Art Fundraiser in Bernardsville

Mark your calendars for an afternoon of art, elegance, and giving back!

On Thursday, February 26th, August Boutique in Bernardsville is hosting a special reception for award-winning artist Christine Seo. Known for her ability to capture the "purity of heart and essence of horses," Christine’s work brings a dynamic, soul-stirring energy to any space.

Enjoy light refreshments as you browse Christine's latest collection and explore the beautiful curated finds at August Boutique.

The Best Part: A portion of all art sales will benefit Mane Stream, supporting their incredible work in the equine-assisted therapy community.

August Boutique | 17 Olcott Square, Bernardsville Thursday, Feb 26 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

National Girls & Women in Sports Day

Celebrating You!

Today, we join the nation in celebrating the strength, confidence, and character of girls and women in sports. At Mane Stream, we see that power in action every day. To celebrate, we’re highlighting four incredible riders (out of the 22 current female riders) who represent the broad spectrum of our community.

 

Wendy: Resilience & Heart Connection

Wendy joined us through the Horses for Healing program, our free program for those living with cancer or Parkinson’s Disease. She loved it so much that she’s stayed on and continues to ride in our Horses for Healing 2.0 program. For Wendy, the "sport" of riding is deeply spiritual and restorative. “The best part is connecting with the horse in a way that is difficult to describe. For me, it’s a heart-to-heart connection with an energetically powerful and majestic creature.”

Riding has become a vital tool in Wendy’s health journey, teaching her that “having a joy in my life like the horseback lessons, is critical to maintaining my resilience as my Parkinson’s Disease progresses.” Her advice to any woman starting out is a beautiful reminder for us all: “Show up with a desire to be present, do your best without pressure, and immerse yourself in the joy.” And while Instructor, Kelly Champion, has taught Wendy a lot, Kelly has learned copious amounts about Parkinson’s Disease, making her an even better instructor for our future riders.

 

Emily: The Future in Motion

Emily has been a part of the Mane Stream family for several years now, and her instructors have watched her confidence soar alongside our ever-changing herd. For Emily, the connection starts on the ground: “The best part about Mane Stream is getting to know the horses.”

When asked what riding has taught her, Emily’s growth shines through. “Riding makes me feel more confident and independent,” she says. Her advice to other girls looking to start? “Horseback riding at Mane Stream is fun. You will love it.” We couldn’t agree more; that ever-present smile on her face says it all!

 

Daisy: From High-Point Rider to Volunteer

Daisy is a powerhouse in the ring. As our 2024 High Point Rider, she takes her sport seriously, and we love that she LOVES to compete in our horse shows! But being an athlete is also about sportsmanship and awareness, and Daisy is always working on her craft: “I am trying my best to watch out for other riders in the ring.”

While working on her advanced skills like jumping, Daisy is now a role model for our younger riders and now also a dedicated volunteer. Her encouragement to others is simple yet bold: “I would say if you can ride like me, then you could ride at Mane Stream.” Thank you for your service and leadership, Daisy!

 

Reagan: Strength & Perspective

Reagan finds her peace and purpose directly in the stable. For her, the magic of the sport is found in the simple, quiet moments of companionship, noting that the best part of her day is simply "spending time with the horses."

But don't let that quiet connection fool you, riding has instilled in Reagan a fierce sense of persistence. When reflecting on what the sport has taught her about her own inner strength, her philosophy is clear: "Never give up and try your best." Reagan’s advice for other girls is perhaps the most poignant reminder of why we do what we do at Mane Stream. She views the bond with horses as a lesson in priorities: "Horses teach you that life is short, so you should do it your way and spend time doing your favorite things." We are so glad Reagan chooses to spend her time with us!

—————

So, as a final thought, whether they are building independence, leading by example, finding resilience, or learning to live life on their own terms, these women prove that an "athlete" is defined by heart and perseverance. Join us in celebrating Emily, Daisy, Wendy, and Reagan!

Discover Our 3 Internship Tracks for 2026

We’re excited to offer three different types of unpaid internships in 2026! Motivated, enthusiastic college students can earn college credit for time well spent on the farm. While working with a wide variety of participants and experienced staff, Mane Stream provides a chance for you to explore career possibilities and interests. Our program is flexible if you have interests outside of the programs detailed below. Scroll down to see our different internship opportunities and apply today!

If you’re interested in being an intern but don’t fit every requirement (i.e., not a college student, interested in a different program than above, etc.), please reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator.

ACADEMIC Year INTERNSHIP

Time Frame/Commitment: 75 to 150 hours over 10-11 weeks (Spring & Fall semesters); Flexible day-to-day schedule

Interns will spend their 10-11 week internship rotating through different areas of Mane Stream by shadowing different members of staff and taking on specific tasks & assignments. Rotations can be tailored to student interests, but will include: Volunteer Management, Social Media & Communications, Administration & Fundraising, Programs, Barn & Equine Management. At the end of the internship, the intern will have a broad knowledge of how a nonprofit therapeutic riding center operates. Interns will have the ability to work on a long-term project if desired, either for personal interest or to fulfill an academic requirement.
APPLY TODAY

SUMMER CAMP INTERNSHIP

Time Frame/Commitment:
Flexible early June through August, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 1:00pm
At least 3 days per week for at least 6 weeks (about 15 to 25 hours per week)

Interns work directly with our inclusive, half-day summer camp, with the opportunity to interact with a wide variety of typical children, children with special needs, & adults with special needs. Interns will be expected to help plan and run inclusive camp activities, assist in managing the campers, & any administrative needs. Interns will also have the opportunity to tailor additional activities to their interests (i.e. barn work, photography, social media, writing articles) and/or speak to other members of staff about their careers. APPLY TODAY

Photography/Social Media INTERNSHIP

Time Frame/Commitment: June through August. Flexible depending on intern's interests/schedule

Interns will work with the Marketing Manager to plan, design, & publish social media & marketing materials and/or take photos, upload, & edit independently. This is a highly flexible internship, allowing interns to craft their activities according to their interests. Interns will also have the opportunity to take on additional activities related to their interests and/or speak to other members of staff about their careers. APPLY TODAY

Volunteer Milestones for February 2026

Celebrating 20 Years of Love: Congratulations, Debi DeLorenzo!

Debi first joined our family two decades ago, and since then, she has become an integral part of the heart and soul of our barn. Whether she is sidewalking to keep our therapy kids safe or assisting our adaptive riders in the ring, Debi’s presence brings a sense of warmth and stability to every lesson and therapy session.

As a long-time volunteer, Debi has often said that there is no other word to describe this place than LOVE. She once shared, "The riders, staff, volunteers, and of course the horses make it an incredibly amazing place, and the smiles show that we are having a wonderful impact!" Over the last 20 years, Debi has certainly created her fair share of those smiles. Each year, she helps at the Horse Show, she’s an active Spring Event committee member, and years ago, she even learned some sign language to better communicate with Cliffie and other riders. By training new volunteers in these vital communication skills, Debi has ensured that Cliffie and every rider feels heard and supported in the ring. Her twenty years of commitment have truly helped shape the vibrant, inclusive community we cherish today.

Please join us in thanking Debi for 20 years of "Unbridled Possibilities" and for her unwavering devotion to the Mane Stream mission!

The Best Mingle of the Season

Cozy Holiday Cheer at Mane Stream

The spirit of the holidays and the incredible warmth of the Mane Stream community shone brighter than any Christmas lights at our annual Jingle and Mingle Open House on Monday, December 15th.

It was the perfect balance of "brrrr" and bliss! Since Mother Nature brought the chill, we turned the indoors into a cozy refuge filled with festive tunes, savory snacks, and plenty of sweet treats. Our guests were total pros at the Barn Dash, popping out to the stable to snap selfies with our equine stars, then dashing back inside to defrost with refreshments before heading back out for one last goodnight nuzzle.

Spreading out a little more this year allowed for some truly heart-centered connections. We were absolutely thrilled to welcome back so many familiar faces, including beloved campers and Paddock Pals participants who stopped by for their winter horse fix" Catching up after several months was wonderful, and their energy served as a great reminder that Summer Camp registration is just around the corner! Be sure to mark your calendars for Monday, February 2nd at 9:00 AM to snag a spot for an unforgettable season.

The event was a true "who’s who" of the Mane Stream family. We were touched to see local community members, Board member’s families, and even a therapy client who returned to the barn after years away. Of course, the barn was filled with our amazing volunteers and participants who keep our hearts full all year long.

Under our Christmas tree, we found an incredible outpouring of love in the form of gifts from the Herd’s Wishlist. To everyone who contributed: thank you for spoiling our hard-working horses and ponies! This event perfectly captures the heartbeat of Mane Stream, bringing people together to connect with our horses and celebrate the meaningful work we do.

Thank you to everyone who Jingled and Mingled with us! We appreciate your unwavering commitment to the herd, and we already can’t wait to see you at our next big milestone: The Horse Show at the USET on June 13th.. Until then, stay warm!