The Bentley Family
There’s nothing that makes us happier here at Mane Stream than giving our participants a place to shine where everyone can feel included. Our summer camp program epitomizes this because not only is our camp offered to our riders with special needs, but we also include typically developing riders as well. The Bentley Family has taken full advantage of our programs since enrolling their son, Elliott, in our adaptive riding program in 2021. This year, not only has Elliott been taking riding lessons, but he and his siblings also participated in our summer camp. Elliott has also had his hand in special events like the Mane Stream Horse Show and our Party in the Paddock Fundraiser. He really stole the show at the fundraiser showing up in a dapper seersucker suit for his demonstration ride!
ELLIOTT:
Elliott enjoyed his second year at summer camp, and this year his family joined in on the fun. His younger sister, Annabelle, came as a camper and his older brother, Alfie, came on as a volunteer. The other volunteers and staff members all agreed that it was very heartwarming to see the siblings all enjoying camp together. Elliott said that riding was his favorite part of camp, but more specifically getting to trot on Judge and Buzz.
ANNABELLE:
Annabelle also said that her favorite activity was, of course, riding the horses, but her funniest memory from camp was getting to paint the horses. She also fully embraced Glitter Day and all the crafting activities.
ALFIE:
It was also clear that volunteering at camp made a big impact on big brother, Alfie. He impressed our barn manager, Alex, one day when she needed to adjust tack for a camper. When she asked if he had ridden before, he replied, “No not really. I just learned a lot here. At the beginning of the week, I didn’t know what a forelock was and now I can adjust stirrups and tack up a horse by myself.” However, Alfie wanted us to know that his favorite memory was when the camper he was helping gave him a big hug as he was dismounting. It’s moments like these that we love seeing and hearing about at Mane Stream!
The progress that Elliott has made in our programs over the years has been wonderful to watch for both the Mane Stream staff and the Bentley Family. Elliott’s primary instructor for the current adaptive riding session is Kayla Thau, who also taught him during camp. She commented, “Elliott has a huge personality that really came through during camp and is seen now in lessons during the session.” He is constantly making volunteers and staff members smile and laugh. Kayla also was happy to say, “Elliott really is a pleasure to work with and to see his growth in progress.” His parents have noticed physical progress too, noting that his “balance, posture, and strength have all improved.” Elliott’s mother, Katherine, first learned about Mane Stream from working at Children’s Specialized Hospital. She loves watching him, “continue to love riding, make connections with others and feel good about his accomplishments.” It’s been lovely for the family to see Elliott shine in the Mane Stream Horse Show and our Party in the Paddock Fundraiser Demonstration. However, the real kicker for the family was the week spent at summer camp together. Katherine commented, “Their week of camp was so incredible. It is amazing to find an activity that they all can participate in together.”
And that truly sums up what Mane Stream is all about, bringing everyone together to be included and share a love and passion for horses.
Written by: Alex Willard, Barn Manager & Riding Instructor
