For #ThrowbackThursday this week we are honoring Abby Clay Rutgers. A tiny spitfire of a girl who despite being born with a severe heart defect learned to walk, trot and canter at Mane Stream (then Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center) from 1991-2001.
Her love of horses all started because of My Little Pony and though she loved all sports and cheered her friends on at their events she was unable to participate until she found riding. The years she spent learning to ride formed her direction for her college where she studied practical horse management, theories of riding, methods of teaching equine science, nutrition, and physiology at Centenary College.
(photos taken during the demo at the 2000 ribbon cutting ceremony of the 83 Old Turnpike facility)
While there, Abby re-connected with Mane Stream's founder, Octavia Brown, who had become a faculty member at the time. By her last year, Abby became an assistant instructor, teaching riders without disabilities.
Director of Therapy Services, Melanie Dominko-Richards fondly remembers one specific trail ride in Cold Brook Preserve. The group of instructors and most advanced students were getting ready to canter up the hill back to the barn, when Abby and her pony Rocket came galloping by; Abby had the biggest smile on her face! That amazing sense of freedom from riding was later replaced by driving her Mustang convertible when she was no longer able to ride.
In honor of her passing at the age of 22, the Abby Clay Rutgers Memorial Award is awarded to the high-point independent rider at Mane Stream's annual horse show. Twenty years later this impressive trophy is the most coveted of all awards.
Director of Therapy Services, Melanie Dominko-Richards fondly remembers one specific trail ride in Cold Brook Preserve. The group of instructors and most advanced students were getting ready to canter up the hill back to the barn when Abby and her pony Rocket came galloping by; Abby had the biggest smile on her face! That amazing sense of freedom from riding was later replaced by driving her Mustang convertible when she was no longer able to ride.
