It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Sheila Tweedie, a beloved Board Member Emerita and a cornerstone of the Mane Stream family for over fifty years.
Sheila’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of our organization. From our early days as the Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Club (SHHRC), when we operated on a shoestring budget out of a private backyard, to the thriving facility we call home today, Sheila was there. She wore every hat imaginable: instructor, volunteer, board member, and generous donor.
A Legacy of Service and Strength
When Mane Stream moved to Oldwick, Sheila and her husband, John, were front and center on work days, clearing wild roses from pastures and building stalls within what was then a simple landscaping shed. Board Member Cynthia Barkman fondly recalls Sheila’s formidable yet kind presence:
"I will always be grateful that our paths crossed and thankful for the critical role she and John played in ensuring the success of Mane Stream and helping to shepherd it through the transition from a backyard organization with a couple of horses and a handful of adaptive horsemanship clients to the offerings of today."
Her Lasting Impact
Sheila’s spirit remains a tangible presence at the farm, perhaps most notably through her gift of Minnie, our wonderful Norwegian Fjord. Minnie has enriched our therapy services immeasurably, carrying on Sheila’s legacy of connection with every session. Beyond the arena, Sheila’s physical labor and steady wisdom helped build the very foundation of our Oldwick facility, turning a vision into the home we share today.
Her artistry and warmth also continue to greet our community every day. The beautiful, handmade quilt she created for our 50th Anniversary currently hangs in the Mane Stream vestibule, serving as a vibrant welcome to all who enter. Many in our family will also fondly remember the joy Sheila and John brought to the world through the beautiful Golden Retrievers they raised, a testament to a life defined by a deep love for all living things.
We are forever grateful for Sheila’s wisdom, her kindness, and her lifelong commitment to our mission. Her influence remains a guiding light for us all.
Rest in peace, Sheila. You will be deeply missed.
Arrangements for Mrs. Tweedie are pending and will be posted when they are available.
SHEILA TWEEDIE OBITUARY
Nancy Jaffer Equestrian Sports Writer - article
