Saddling Up for Fun: Inside Mane Stream's Paddock Pals Pilot

On your mark, get set, go!

The Paddock Pal participants were raring to go the minute they ran into the lobby. No one could contain the enthusiasm of these 3 young ladies. For the five-week session, the Paddock Pals participated in many activities involving our fantastic herd. The pilot program included storytelling, crafting horse treats, learning all about taking care of a horse, and creativity with paint that used the horse as the canvas. The highlight of the program was the instructional ride on the final Wednesday of the session, which also just happened to be the day before Halloween!

Parents were thrilled to watch their children embrace this new experience, growing more comfortable each week in barn environment and with such large, majestic animals. Many shared how heartwarming it was to see their kids light up with confidence and excitement as they connected with the horses and learned new skills.

Everyone, including the volunteers, were all smiles, and all have been asking when the next Paddock Pals session is taking place.

Stay tuned for future dates! This session took place over five Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:30PM. In the Spring we are considering shifting to a late-morning time slot since several families were unable to join the pilot program this Fall due to timing conflicts.

A Special Gift for Participants & Volunteers

Happy Holidays!

As a token of our appreciation, this year we are thrilled to offer a ‘Campfire Mug’ to keep all your drinks toasty warm! Limited amounts will be available for Mane Stream participants and volunteers at our upcoming Jingle and Mingle Holiday Open House on Tuesday the 17th!

This gift was made possible by the 4OnebyOne grant from 4imprint.

Event Details:
https://tinyurl.com/35mjtfc7

A Heartfelt Contribution to Mane Stream

Marni’s Bat Mitzvah Project is an Overwhelming Success!

As part of her Bat Mitzvah, Marni Bogdanoff took on the meaningful challenge of completing a Mitzvah Project—a good deed that makes a positive impact on the world. For Marni, the choice was clear: she would support Mane Stream, an organization close to her heart.

Marni’s love for horses and horseback riding inspired her decision. Two ponies she used to ride have been part of Mane Stream’s equine programs, including her very first pony, Snappy. Knowing that Snappy now helps others learn to ride and provides therapy for kids made this project even more special for Marni. Through her efforts, and with the incredible support of her family and friends, Marni raised over $4,200 for Mane Stream!

At Mane Stream, we are deeply grateful to Marni for her generosity, thoughtfulness, and the love she has shown for our mission. Her support will bring joy and healing to so many riders and therapy clients. Marni’s kindness reminds us of the incredible difference one person can make in the lives of others.

Thank you, Marni, for choosing Mane Stream as your Mitzvah Project and for supporting our programs in such a heartfelt way.

Help Us Reach New Heights

At Mane Stream, our horses do more than walk and trot. Many riders learn to canter and a growing number are even learning to jump!! Our wonderful horses help children and adults with special needs build confidence, strength, and connection.

This year, we need your help to raise $6,000 to keep our herd healthy and ready to serve! Your donations will go toward essential horse supplements, lightweight aluminum jumps, and hoof care for our 6 jumpers for a whole year. HELP US NAIL THE DISTANCE! Every gift, no matter the size, is a stride closer to our goal.

Together, we can help Mane Stream riders reach new heights!

  • Daily supplements keep our horses' JOINTS & HOOVES healthy and strong.

  • Farrier services are needed every 6-8 weeks to keep our horses in TIP-TOP SHAPE!

  • LIGHT-WEIGHT aluminum standards are MORE DURABLE in all kinds of weather and make it easier for instructors to set up courses for a variety of riders each afternoon.

  • Jump cups are needed for every set of aluminum standards so our riders can REACH NEW HEIGHTS!

Your donations will bring us closer to a year of HEALTH and HAPPINESS for our herd, ensuring they’re ready to help our riders with special needs REACH NEW HEIGHTS!

Empowering Lives Through Adaptive Riding

Horses for Healing: Fall 2024 Parkinson’s Program

Horses for Healing: Parkinson’s program recently concluded another transformative session, leaving participants and volunteers alike inspired by the power of adaptive riding. This FREE program provides individuals living with Parkinson’s disease (or cancer) a unique opportunity to improve mobility, balance, and confidence through horseback riding guided by a PATH Intl. Certified Riding Instructor.

Cynthia Barkman, Vice President of the Board of Directors and a dedicated volunteer, shared her heartfelt perspective, “Life throws us all curveballs, and for some, that means living with a chronic disease that manifests in many ways. But disease doesn't temper our enthusiasm for activities that bring joy. Several times a year, I meet remarkable men and women living with Parkinson's who courageously ride with us at Mane Stream. The horse’s movement at a walk mimics our own gait, making it an effective way to strengthen mobility and balance. Being part of their journey is indescribable.”

Participants in this session shared stories of empowerment and transformation. Barbara Noe reflected on her experience with Tux, her equine partner, and the program’s supportive volunteers: “Seeing the world from the back of a horse was a rare feeling of empowerment since my Parkinson’s diagnosis. I’m looking forward to more riding in 2025!”

Susan Behling described how the program revitalized her spirit: “I left the program thinking I could do anything I put my mind to. Everyone was so wonderful. I left rejuvenated, ready to face whatever the day sent my way.”

Kelly Champion, a PATH Intl. Certified Riding Instructor, emphasized the sense of community and personal growth that defines the program: “The first day was filled with nervousness, but by the second week, that apprehension was gone. It became ‘game on!’ Watching riders achieve goals, like Team Sassy mastering two-point position after weeks of work, is incredibly rewarding. Every rider's journey is unique, and we tailor strategies to build their confidence.”

Mane Stream’s Horses for Healing program is more than adaptive riding—it’s a celebration of resilience, a fostering of community, and a pathway to new possibilities. Through courage, determination, and the support of a skilled instructor and dedicated volunteers, participants leave the program empowered and ready to embrace life’s challenges.

For more information about Horses for Healing, Mane Stream’s adaptive riding program for people living with cancer and Parkinson’s, visit www.manestreamnj.org/horses-for-healing.

Winter Break Schedule

Limited office hours December 18  -  January 5th

December 18 Through January 5th

The Horses and Staff are taking some time to recharge and prepare for 2025! Please note that our office hours may be limited, and some staff members may be working remotely so please send an email with your inquiries. We appreciate your understanding, and we wish you a wonderful holiday season as well!

A Record Breaking Success at the Tack Sale

Mane Stream’s annual Tack Sale, held this past Sunday, November 17, was nothing short of amazing. By 3pm, this well-known community event had raised over $11,000—a new record for a one-day sale for the organization!

The excitement began early, with the first eager shopper arriving at 6:45am, well before the doors officially opened. By 7:00 am, cars were pouring into the parking lot, several people were setting up lounge chairs, and by 8:30am at least 100 people had already made their way through the doors.

A major highlight of this year’s sale was the substantial donation of brand-new items from Weatherbeeta, including fly sheets, saddle pads, boots, bell boots, bridles, girths, and more. These new items, combined with a generous assortment of saddles, tack trunks, winter blankets, and other donations from the local horse community, created a “Worth-the-Trip” shopping experience. And remember every dollar raised goes directly to supporting Mane Stream’s programs!

The Mane Stream Tack Sale has a reputation for amazing deals and unique finds that draw shoppers from NJ and PA, many of whom mark their calendars months in advance for the event.

Mane Stream extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated, shopped, and helped spread the word. Your support is what makes events like this such a resounding success.

How You Can Help

Don’t forget, Mane Stream accepts tack and horse-related item donations year-round! Consider setting up a tack drive at your barn, school, or organization to contribute to next year’s success. For large donations or to schedule a pickup, contact Alex Willard at alex@manestreamnj.org.

Let’s make next year’s Tack Sale even more epic!

Help Us Reach NEW Heights!

Together, we can help Mane Stream riders reach new heights!

#GivingTuesday is right around the corner!

At Mane Stream, our horses do more than walk and trot. Many riders learn to canter and a growing number are even learning to jump!! Our wonderful horses help children and adults with special needs build confidence, strength, and connection. 💙

This year, we need your help to raise $6,000 to keep our herd healthy and ready to serve! Your donations will go toward essential horse supplements, lightweight aluminum jumps, and hoof care for our 6 jumpers for a whole year.

Help us nail the distance! Every gift, no matter the size, is a step closer to our goal.

We’re thrilled to present our NEW video!

Owen’s Journey at Mane Stream

When we gathered to discuss who should be featured in our new video for the EQUUS Gala, everyone agreed that Owen’s journey was a story worth telling. And with Owen recently turning 18, his parents informed us that it was his choice to share his experiences.

We were delighted when Owen agreed! NBPro Media had a fantastic time collaborating with Owen and Mane Stream, and we must say, that they made the entire process so seamless that we wish we could create a new video every year.