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 5/7

PADDOCK PALS (2-4 years old)

5-Week Program: MAY 7 thru JUNE4 ON Wednesdays 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!

LATE Spring session begins MAY 7th

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

Calling All Photographers

May 12-17 & May 19-24

Amateur and professional alike! Come make an impact with your lens during our Spring Photography Week! We're looking for volunteers to help capture stunning photos for our 2025 marketing, social media, and fundraising campaigns.

Dates & Times:

  • Monday - Thursday: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

  • Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Whether you’re an experienced photographer or someone looking to give back through your craft, we need YOU to help us tell our stories. We’re looking for impactful images that showcase the life-changing work happening at Mane Stream – from adaptive riding to therapy services and summer camp fun!

Why Participate?

  • Help us recruit new volunteers & participants

  • Capture moments that will inspire donors

  • Contribute to a powerful, visual campaign for 2025

With your talent behind the camera, we can share the magic of Mane Stream with the world and ensure that our programs continue to grow and thrive. Spots are limited, so sign up today to reserve your time!

Ready to make a difference through your photography?
To sign up or get more details, email us at louisa@manestreamnj.org or call 908-439-9636.

Online Embroidery Store - NOW OPEN

Click on the Mane Stream Tab for Items!

We’re thrilled to collaborate with Riverfront Design Creations for all our embroidery projects!

Now’s your chance to show off your Mane Stream pride with a new vest, jacket, or bag—customized just for you! Add your name or monogram and choose from a selection of stylish fonts to make it your own.

Check back often to see what new items are added to the store—you never know what fun gear might pop up next!

Welcome Eli!

The Next Chapter: From Show Ring to Changing Lives

Eli (previously known as Elijah) had quite the career before arriving at Mane Stream! Born on April 8, 2009, this 16.1-hand chestnut Warmblood/Thoroughbred spent many successful years competing in the hunter/jumper show ring, achieving everything his owner, Leslie Plum, had hoped for. Knowing Eli still had so much more to give, she made the heartfelt decision to donate him to Mane Stream, where he could stay active and continue making a difference in the lives of many more riders.

Eli made the journey all the way from sunny Florida to New Jersey in the heart of winter, and we were immediately drawn to his sweet and gentle nature. It didn’t take long to see that he was a perfect fit for our program. His exceptionally smooth canter has quickly become a favorite among our riders, and his kind temperament makes him an incredible partner in both the barn and the arena.

We are incredibly grateful to Leslie Plum for trusting us with Eli’s next chapter. While his show days may be behind him, his impact is just beginning—helping riders of all abilities build confidence, strength, and independence in the saddle.

Searching for a PT & SLP

Spread the word! Looking for a setting where therapy sessions are more than just four walls? At Mane Stream, you’ll team up with incredible volunteers, use the farm as your therapy room, and see kids light up as they build strength and skills—without even realizing they’re in therapy! Part-time weekday afternoons & Saturday mornings. If you’re licensed in NJ, have pediatric experience, and love thinking outside the (therapy) box, we want you on our team! Know someone who’d be a great fit? Send them our way!

FIND OUT MORE

Summer Camp Intern Search Begins!

Do you know someone?

Mane Stream’s summer camp is the perfect place to combine your love for helping others with a passion for horses! As a Summer Camp Intern, you’ll play a key role in creating meaningful connections, supporting campers of all abilities, and sharing the joys of horsemanship. Gain hands-on experience, build leadership skills, and make a real difference—one ride at a time!

This internship is ideal for college students pursuing degrees in special education, art education, psychology, equine studies, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, or related fields. Interns gain valuable experience in adaptive recreation, assist with daily camp activities, and learn from professionals in equine-assisted services. Internships are volunteer positions and may qualify for college credit depending on the school. Many past interns have said their time at Mane Stream helped shape their career paths and provided lifelong memories. Learn more about our internships!

NEW Therapy Partnership Starts 3/7

Spring DBT Skills Groups & Individual Therapy at Mane Stream starts 3/7!

We’re pleased to announce a NEW partnership with Liz Johnson, LCSW, and Lizzy Ellman, PsyD., who are both intensively trained and experienced DBT therapists. Join Liz & Lizzy for equine-assisted Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills groups, where participants will learn valuable strategies for emotional regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness—all alongside our incredible herd.

🗓 Fridays, Beginning March 7th
✨ Adult Group (18+) – 3:00 PM
✨ Adolescent Group (14-18) – 4:30 PM

In addition to group sessions, this partnership also offers:
🐴 Individual DBT Sessions with Equine Interactions
🐴 Individual Trauma Therapy with Equine Interactions
These one-on-one sessions provide personalized support and will be scheduled separately.

Space for group sessions is limited—sign up today!

For more info, contact Liz 551-264-1014 OR liz@thebtcollective.com
thebehavioraltherapycollective.com

Toddler Program Starts Back Up!

PADDOCK PALS (2-4 years old)

5-Week Program: March 5 thru April 2
Wednesdays 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!

Spring session begins March 5th

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

Holland@manestreamnj.org