Win Big with the Golden Horseshoe 50/50!

What would you do with an extra $7,500?

Whether it’s booking a bucket-list summer vacation, finally finishing that "Home Project" renovation, spoiling your horse with new tack, OR a summer of Horse Show entry fees, the Golden Horseshoe 50/50 Raffle is your ticket to making it happen.

The Details:

  • Price: $100 per ticket

  • Grand Prize: Up to $7,500 (half the pot!)

  • The Odds: Only 150 tickets will be sold.

Don’t wait for "Paradise" to call; with such limited tickets, they won't last long. The winning ticket will be drawn on June 13th, and you do not need to be present to win!

Claim your lucky number before they’re gone: 📞 Call 908-439-9636 or stop by the Mane Stream office today!

A Winning Hand

Mane Stream’s First Mah Jongg Event

On April 7, Mane Stream traded the arena for tiles at our inaugural Mah Jongg fundraiser. Led by board members Kimmie Turiansky, Kathy Mikita‑Kaufhold, and Emily Maillet Kellogg, the afternoon brought together 42 players and raised nearly $21k for our mission.

With 2026 being the Year of the Horse, the theme couldn’t have been more fitting, right down to the custom Mah Jongg mats featuring a colorful horse design. The atmosphere was upbeat and relaxed, with light bites, sweet treats, and refreshing drinks keeping the competition friendly. An on‑site instructor supported new players and kept seasoned ones on their toes.

We are so grateful to everyone who made this debut event such a success. We’re already looking forward to the next time we hear the “clack” of tiles in support of Mane Stream.

Volunteer Appreciation Week

As we dive into another busy spring here at Mane Stream, we are absolutely bubbling over with gratitude for the impact our volunteers make on our participants and our community. Just like the perfect lather, our volunteers provide the support that makes our programs shine.

All week long, we’re celebrating with a refreshing spread of drinks and snacks to enjoy during their shifts. To make sure the week is extra "scent-imental," we have special bars of handmade soap for volunteers to take home, crafted by a wonderful local mother-daughter duo from Mt. Lebanon Soap Company.

Not scheduled this week? Don't let our thank-you wash away! Swing by the barn anytime. We’d love to see your smiling face and give you your gift in person.

Thank you for being such SUD-sational volunteers and for helping us keep things "Bubbling" along!

Meet our 2026 SUD-Sational Spotlights

This year, we’re shining a light on three specific volunteers who truly embody the Mane Stream spirit.

Alison Crowley — Amy Mahoney — Karen Ruffner

More joy than i could have imagined

MEET ALISON CROWLEY

Ten years ago, recently retired Alison Crowley was on the hunt for a volunteer opportunity that she felt passionate about. She frequently drove past Mane Stream, but never inquired due to her lack of horse experience. After trying a few opportunities locally, Alison never felt that spark that she was searching for. Finally, she reached out to Mane Stream and was shocked to discover that she could volunteer without any horse experience. The rest is history!

655 volunteer hours later, Alison has made her mark on our community. Volunteer Coordinator, Emily De Jong, speaks highly of Alison, stating, “She's been such a fixture of the Therapy Services program since I started working at Mane Stream. Her passion for the program and care for the participants is truly heartwarming to see, regardless of the population she helps. It's been a pleasure getting to know Alison and seeing all that she does for our participants!” 

Throughout her time with Mane Stream, Alison has volunteered with a variety of programs, but says that volunteering with Therapy is always her first choice. She also speaks fondly of her time volunteering with the Pillar School, and remarks on the impact of seeing therapy using the horse's movement (hippotherapy) at work with such a wide variety of children. She has spent time volunteering with visiting Senior programs, and saw therapeutic benefits from brushing the horses, and of course, from snuggling with them too! 

Not only has Alison impacted Mane Stream, but she says that Mane Stream has left a huge impact on her. “The connection and the rewards of working with the clients have brought me more joy than I could’ve imagined. Seeing their hard work combined with so much fun has had such an impact on me. To help contribute to making that happen has been incredible over the years. To witness their progress in real time has been amazing.”

Friends, family, and acquaintances always say that Alison lights up when talking about Mane Stream. “Between the clients, the staff, the volunteers, and the horses, I’m in heaven. It’s my therapy for sure.”

Mane Stream has been lucky enough to have Alison as a member of the community for ten amazing years. We hope to see her for many more years to come.

Leaving Sunshine in her Path

MEET AMY MAHONEY

As a new resident of Tewksbury, Amy Mahoney was searching for a worthwhile organization to dedicate her time to and become a part of the community. As is the case for many of our volunteers, Mane Stream caught Amy’s eye one day while driving by the farm. 

A retired mental health counselor, Amy was thrilled to discover Mane Stream and experience a different perspective on therapy. Over her three years as a sidewalker, she has witnessed the power of equines at work in Therapy Services offered at Mane Stream. Along with therapy sessions, Amy has volunteered with Horses for Healing and Adaptive Riding lessons and has become a familiar face in the Tuesday morning group occupational therapy sessions with the Pillar School.

Amy particularly enjoys volunteering with the students from the Pillar School. “Experiencing the evolution from a first-time client, where the child often appears uncertain, to the lightness and confidence that gradually builds, is nothing short of miraculous!” Amy shared.

Throughout her 80+ hours spent volunteering with Mane Stream, Amy has always been willing to jump in and help wherever she can, and has also become reliable as a substitute volunteer. “Amy has been a wonderful volunteer in our programs and really shown a talent in adapting to the needs of whatever population she works with. Whether they need physical support or a friendly ear to listen, she's always ready to jump in and help! She's been a huge asset to our volunteer team, and truly embodies what we're trying to do in our programs!” says Volunteer Coordinator, Emily De Jong.

Riding and Horses for Healing Instructor Kelly Champion shared, “She's such a sweet and kind person, who really excels at interacting with the participants. Her happy attitude always brings a smile to my face and the faces of the people she works with!”

Amy describes her time serving as a Mane Stream volunteer as “a gift and a privilege.” She also remarked on her time spent alongside other volunteers and staff, writing, “Working alongside other dedicated volunteers and Mane Stream staff is a heartwarming experience, week after week, reminding me that there is so much good in our world”.

Amy is an invaluable member of the Mane Stream team. Her passion and enthusiasm for her volunteer work is infectious to everyone who crosses her path!

The Power of Showing Up

MEET Karen Ruffner

When Karen Ruffner first searched Google for a way to combine her love for horses with a desire to help people, Mane Stream was the perfect match. She joined the team in the spring of 2022, eager to dive into the barn and the arena.

While Karen’s heart has always been with the herd, her journey over the last four years hasn't been a straight line. Due to some minor health challenges, Karen had to take an extended sabbatical from the barn for over a year. After an initial attempt to return, she found she needed a bit more time away to heal before stepping back into her boots for good in January 2025.

Since her return, Karen has been a model of reliability. While she keeps her weekly shifts to a focused 1.25 hours, she makes every minute count. To date, Karen has contributed nearly 80 volunteer hours to the mission!

"I can't thank Karen enough for her flexibility and adaptability. Whether it's Adaptive Riding, Therapy Services, or a field trip, Karen is always willing to help if she can!" said Volunteer Coordinator, Emily De Jong. "From the moment she joined the team, she has understood our mission. Watching her connect to the participants has been a pleasure, and we're so glad to have her as a volunteer!"

In the arena, Karen has formed a special bond with one of Mane Stream’s Adaptive riders, Penelope. Karen has loved watching Penelope's skills and confidence grow, noting that she feels inspired by watching her work hard and progress.

Of course, the horses provide their own kind of therapy. Karen describes the herd as patient and gentle, especially her favorite horse, Buzz. “One of my favorite memories at the farm is when Buzz nuzzled me while I was currying him,” she recalls, citing his curiosity and friendly personality as the reasons she loves working with him.

When asked about her favorite part of volunteering, Karen’s enthusiasm is as bright as ever: “It’s hard to choose because I love it all, being in the barn getting the horses ready, walking beside the rider, and working alongside the other volunteers are all rewarding!”

Karen’s dedication and her commitment to returning to Mane Stream after her time away is truly admirable. We are so lucky to have her back in the barn!

Bridging the Barn and the Business

Centenary University Intern Reese Gallagher dives behind the scenes to see how the Mane Stream magic is made.

Hi everyone! My name is Reese Gallagher, and I am honored to join the team as Mane Stream’s first-ever Academic Intern. Currently, I am a double major at Centenary University, specializing in Equine Studies: Business as well as Media & Public Relations. My journey with horses began at age ten, and today I am proud to compete on Centenary’s IHSA team. Most recently, I achieved my PATH Intl. CTRI certification this past October. I am thrilled to combine my academic background and my passion for therapeutic riding to support the Mane Stream community!

I was introduced to Equine Assisted Services in 2018, when I was a summer camp volunteer at HorseAbility, a center near my home on Long Island, New York. After a few years, I became a Barn Intern, then a Barn/Volunteer Coordinator. When I am home, I spend all of my free time at HorseAbility! 

I am very excited to be at Mane Stream as I have never seen another center, so I am interested to see how Mane Stream runs as a business. I am curious to spend some time on the administrative side of things, as I’ve always been working in the barn and in lessons. So far, I have enjoyed my time working with Jen, Emily, Louisa, and Trish. I am hoping to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes, such as scheduling programming, volunteers, and fundraising. 

And of course, I love the horses! I am getting to know the Mane Stream herd and learning what goes into their care and maintenance. I am especially fond of the senior horses that we often see in therapeutic riding. 

I am looking forward to getting to know everybody in the Mane Stream community!

From 1 Year to 10: Celebrating our April Volunteer Milestones

A Decade of Dedication: Gretchen Oberfranc

We’re excited to celebrate Gretchen Oberfranc for her incredible 10 years of service and over 364 hours dedicated to the Mane Stream mission!

As a very strong horse leader, Gretchen is known for her "by the book" approach, following every instruction to a T and arriving early for every shift to ensure she is perfectly prepared. Despite living a fair distance away, Gretchen’s commitment never wavers—she even requests longer shifts to make the most of her time at the barn!

Instructor Kelly Champion was eager to sing her praises: "Gretchen is incredibly patient during lessons. Her calm demeanor is perfect for the horses; she has a natural ability to help them relax, especially if a rider is feeling anxious or shaky with the reins. She is extremely reliable, always positive, and she just truly LOVES being here."

Whether she is mentoring a student like Daisy in the barn or providing the exact level of support a rider needs in the ring, Gretchen is the definition of a versatile volunteer. Even when personal life has required periodic breaks, we are always so grateful that she chooses to come back to us.

Thank you, Gretchen, for a decade of dedication and for being a steady, positive force for our horses and participants alike!

Celebrating Our 1-Year Milestones

We also want to give a huge shout-out to those celebrating their first full year with Mane Stream! Thank you for jumping in and becoming such a vital part of our community: Iqra B., Terry C., Pat C., Grace G., Karen I., and Kevin R.

Put Your Business in the Winner’s Circle!

We’re offering Prime Real Estate for Your BUSINESS

We are looking for community partners to feature in our 2026 Ad Journal & Horse Show Program, seen by hundreds of local families, equestrian enthusiasts, and community leaders at our Toast to the Champions VIP cocktail party at the historic USET Foundation in Gladstone on Saturday, June 13th.

When you place an ad, you aren't just marketing; you’re showing our community that you stand behind a mission that changes lives. We have several high-visibility options available to make your business stand out:

Fueling the "Horsepower"

Let’s be real, providing the best adaptive riding and therapy services in the region takes a lot of heart (and a lot of hay!). Every dollar raised through these ads goes directly to the care of our hardworking herd and the specialized programs that make Mane Stream so special.

Your business isn’t just buying an ad; you’re helping us provide the "best ride possible" for our riders.

PURCHASE NOW

The deadline for all business ads is May 1st. Don't miss out on this chance to align your brand with one of the most beloved non-profits in the area.

From the Arena to Global Advocacy

Alumnus Spotlight: DOUG MCCULLOUGH

We love staying connected with our former riders, and Doug McCullough has a story that truly inspires. Doug was a rider at Mane Stream in the early 2000’s, and while his career eventually took him further away from the barn, his heart and his support as a regular donor never left.

During a distinguished 23-year career at Johnson & Johnson, Doug became a powerhouse advocate for disability inclusion. He helped launch and lead their global disability employee group, growing the community to over 4,000 members worldwide.

A New Chapter:
A Billion People in the Shadows

Since retiring two years ago, Doug has channeled his expertise into authorship. His first book, A Billion People in the Shadows: The Ultimate 1-Hour Guide to Understanding Disability, recently hit #1 in Amazon’s Business Diversity & Inclusion category!

The book is designed to be a concise yet impactful read, helping readers understand the nuances of disability in both professional and personal contexts. We are so proud of Doug’s success and his continued mission to increase visibility for the disability community.

  • Learn More: You can find details, reviews, and ordering information at Disability Leadership Ventures.

  • Meet Doug: Stay tuned! Doug will be joining us at our upcoming Horse Show on June 13th to say hello and share his book in person.

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