Wine Fundraiser to Benefit Mane Stream

Wait! Before you purchase all the wine you'll need for the holiday season, stock up with ONEHOPE wine and 10% of your purchase will go to Mane Stream! Make staying home special with a selection of wonderful California wines. They have a selection of reds, whites, roses, and sparkling, to chose from all while supporting Mane Stream.

This fundraiser was graciously set up by a therapy client's mom who just wanted us to know, "You have done such amazing work with Carmine and we all know how much he loves Mane Stream!" THANK YOU NICOLE!

Designing OT Activities for Results

Level I OTA Fieldwork Student, Robin Mayer, shares her reasoning and results for the activity she designed for Izzy during a recent Occupational Therapy Session at Mane Stream.

THE IDEA: Take Izzy’s favorite song and incorporate activities (dancing, games and drumming) that would work on some of her goals. And make it fun!

THE TOOLS: Drumsticks, maracas, two small conga drums, and the crash pad.

THE ACTIVITY: We started out with a heel to toe walk but quickly moved on to weight shifting in time with our drumsticks (Izzy’s were decorated in shades on pink ribbon). Then came Izzy’s favorite part of the session - Izzy, Ms. Gina, Ms. Kerese and I all formed a train and walked in time to the beat of our sticks to Izzy’s favorite song “Beat It”. When the guitar solo came on we crashed into the pad, maneuvered into a cross-legged position and then resumed tapping our sticks.

By the end of the solo the adults were tired but Izzy’s endurance was spectacular!! When the singing came back on she yelled, “Let’s do that again!” So we got up quickly and started our rhythm train again. It was amazing and I’m really happy she enjoyed it. Izzy’s Occupational Therapist, Gina Taylor, mentioned there were a lot of musical toys in the music box, so we took out the drum heads, clapper, wrist bells, and just jammed for the remaining session time. Of course, her movements still need of practice but most importantly Izzy had fun and wants to do something music-based again.

ROBIN’S EXPERIENCE: When asked about her experience at Mane Stream, Robin said, “It’s been one of the most influential experiences I have had in my life. I couldn't wait to get to the grounds to start sessions and soak up every particle of knowledge from Gina (excuse me, RVCC Professor Taylor), Mel, Katrina, and the team of volunteers, the horses and most of all the children. To have been given the opportunity to observe and then have three sessions where we planned our own interventions for a child, in my case IZZY Warrior Princess was an honor.

WHY STUDY AT MANE STREAM? We know it is imperative to the future of the industry to provide hands-on learning experiences for today’s students. We also like to share the impact therapy (OT, PT, SLP) at Mane Stream can have on our clients. Whether it’s hosting monthly observation sessions or clinical fieldwork opportunities we love sharing the JOY and SMILES and RESULTS that therapy at Mane Stream provides.

#GivingTuesday 2020 Results

The Barn Elf is jumping for joy!!

The last-minute rush of donors (both on our website and on Facebook) and donations from Wednesday pushed us way over our #GivingTuesday goal of $3,500 with a TOTAL RAISED OF $6,928! This ensures we'll be covered for all our 2021 dental, bedding costs, and even help with some of the farrier costs. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

With so many valuable charities seeking your time, money, and attention this year, Mane Stream is extremely grateful that so many of you made a gift toward our future.

THANK YOU #GivingTuesday DONORS

Tori and Tom Anderson, Nancy and Paul Audet, Louisa Bartok, Nicole Bently, Jane Bergman, Peggy Berkery, Christine Brenner, Robert Bridgeman, Laura and Hank Brucker, Cynthia Barkman and Ron Caruso, Carol and Frank Chimento, Mary Elizabeth Cisneros, Patricia Colbert, Nancy Cunningham, Mary and Alan Dickey, Roos Distelbergen-Cecil, Jason Pintar and Rachel Gardner, Sarah Globenfelt, Holly Goodman, Barbara Goodson, Chloe and Doug Hegeman, Nina Higgins, Kathy Hollerith, Suzanne Johnson, Steve and Karen Kaufhold, Dana King, Laura Kinney, Lisa and Ralph Lee, Victoria Leone, Barbara Maisel, Mary McDonough, Pamella Fernot and Randy Mitchell, Kathy Mosquera, Peggy Murray, Ashley Pankow, Debbie Pettrit, Kim Politsky, Anne Poltorak, Jeanne and Roger Rogalin, Piper Rotolo, Lynn Santos, Joanne Schiding, Edward and Virginia Schrum, Mary Schwenkler, Alex Taylor, Melissa Thomas, Catherine Coloff and Doug Verge, Sandra Phillips and Don Vosseller, Maryann Zeira

Did you follow along on social media? If not our Barn Elf demonstrates our “Bedtime Routine” below.

Spending Quality Time at Home

Wish Holland & Hadleigh a happy holiday season! Send an email

It’s true Holland has decided to stay home with little Hadleigh!

After 12 years….we said goodbye to our long-time Barn Manager and Summer Camp Director, Holland Kochanski in the beginning of November. But don’t worry, she promised to come back to visit and may even be around again teaching or covering shifts in the barn.

Everyone at Mane Stream, especially our 13 horses, misses her and wishes her well on her adventures with Hadleigh!

#GivingTuesday: Bedtime Routines

What’s your bedtime routine?
(Brushing your teeth jumping into some warm PJs, and snuggling under the covers)

Follow along on Facebook for more Barn Elf antics!

Now imagine the Mane Stream herd (many of whom are in their later years) snuggling up in a stall of fresh shavings, wearing a warm blanket after they’ve brushed their teeth. Well, that last part isn’t quite realistic but each horse does see the dentist once a year and that cost adds up.

2020 has been tough, but we have met the challenge of keeping program going each and every day (except during the 3 month shutdown). Now we have the cold dark winter to make it through. With 13 hard-working horses in our herd, this year more than any other, we need you to show your love for them by making a gift now. We hope to raise $3500 to help with the costs of bedding and dentist bills for our herd in 2021.

Your gift will help keep, help Mane Stream keep…Buzz, Dorito, Elli, Flicka, Joe, Judge, Justin, Mel, Minnie, Myrell, Po, Sam, and Tink warm, safe and healthy.

Please consider making a donation anytime between now and #GivingTuesday. Whatever amount you decide to give, you are directly impacting the horses so we can continue to provide therapy sessions, adaptive riding lessons, and summer camp in 2021 in spite of COVID-19. Gifts of every size are vital to the success of Mane Stream's programs and are truly appreciated! 

NOTE: There are NO processing fees thru Facebook and your donation made on 12/1/20 only may also be matched by Facebook. Don’t delay! DONATE ON FACEBOOK

For more information about Mane Stream visit us at www.manestreamnj.org

2020 Fall Tack Sale

A year in the making!

When the line of people starts forming at 6:40 am, you know the day is going to be EPIC! And that's exactly what happened on Sunday, November 1st for the Mane Stream Fall Tack Sale.

According to Equine Manager, Jen Dermody and Barn Manager, Holland Kochanski, this was by far the largest Mane Stream Tack Sale EVER, resulting in a whopping $8,500 of sales. Due to the large number of donations accumulated over the past year and the required social distancing protocols, the event spread over the whole indoor arena, storage area, and mounting area. Several shoppers mentioned they really enjoyed the extra space and the way everything was laid out.

Some still available: a selection of BRAND NEW EGo7 apparel in a variety of sizes from Show Coats, Paddock Boots and Half Chaps as well as an extensive selection of KEP Helmets that are all DEEPLY DISCOUNTED!!

As the first 50 people streamed into the arena the great deals on saddles, tack trunks, Baker blankets, girths, and bridles were scooped up well before 10am. In addition to the generous donations from the surrounding horse community this year we also received a HUGE selection of BRAND NEW EGo7 apparel in a variety of sizes from Show Coats, Paddock Boots and Half Chaps as well as an extensive selection of KEP Helmets that were all DEEPLY DISCOUNTED!!

We still have a selection of styles and sizes so contact Jen Dermody if you are interested in purchasing for the Holiday Season.

The @silly.girlzz were there too! Selling their NEW fall line of cute bracelets. We all got one how about you? Check them out on Instagram and find out where you can get yours. All proceeds go to Mane Stream and these amazing girls have already raised almost $3K!!

Thank you to everyone who helps spread the word about our Tack Sales, you made this one an EPIC success! Tell your friends and share on social media - it makes a big impact. THANK YOU and keep it up!

Don’t forget Mane Stream accepts donations of tack and other horse related items ALL YEAR LONG. You can help make the Fall Tack Sale a success by donating now or setting up a tack drive at your barn or school!

Contact Jen Dermody jen@manestreamnj.org if you need to schedule a pick for large quantities.

Exercising During the Pandemic

It’s good for the body and the soul!

What can we say? 2020 has been an interesting year. Pretty much achieving anything seems a little more challenging than it used to. For Mane Stream, the pandemic has meant no orientations, no training sessions, no fundraising events. And sadly we have not been able to invite all of our riders and therapy clients back to the farm as we move through our “Phased Reopening”.

In the Adaptive Riding portion of our business, this has provided an opportunity for some. We now have an ever-growing number of riders who have signed up for 2 lessons a week and are enjoying the extra time in the saddle.

Everyone knows that exercising multiple times a week is beneficial in many ways, like increasing your strength and flexibility while reducing your chances of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Then there are the mental benefits of exercise which let’s face it, during a pandemic don’t we all need a little help dealing with day to day life?! Some of these benefits have been listed as mood-boosting and reducing depression and anxiety.

Our Head Instructor, Jen Dermody enjoys teaching riders twice a week. “It means I can introduce something new on the first day and then continue working on it the next day. Shorter time between lessons increases muscle memory which usually helps achieve results faster.”

So we went straight to the source and asked our riders…why they chose to come more than once a week, what are they looking forward to most, and what outcomes are they hoping to achieve with a more consistent regimen.

Here’s what they had to say…

“The biggest reason we do twice a week is simple…Laura loves to ride! :) With the pandemic, it was a good safe activity so we decided to do twice a week because she also needed the exercise. Most of her other activities are indoors, thus we are nervous about sending her. We feel very safe going [to Mane Stream].” Marilyn Karg, Laura’s Mom

“It’s fun & I learn more with 2 different instructors & different horses.” Tess Coffey, “Since music lessons and school activities are all virtual, lessons at Mane Stream has allowed Tess to socially & physically interact (with social distancing) while doing what she loves. In these unusual times, being able to engage more than once a week has been a great emotional benefit too.” Tess’s Mom, Colleen

“I need to get more exercise and riding is my best option. I think [riding twice a week] will help me improve before the horse show. I've [occasionally] ridden twice a week in the past, and I found I make much more progress. I am hoping for improved strength, balance and more fun!” Victoria Leonne

“I love riding twice a week! It's great to see the horses (and people!) more often. Riding different horses, and having the opportunity to build up "muscle memory" is a wake-up call for me...I have a much clearer idea of what I need to do to ride well. And of course, it's fun!” Sandra Phillips, H4H 2.0 Rider

GS Troop 65120 Earns Badge

Learning and Fun, All in One!

Girls Scout Troop 65120 of Warren

On October 22nd eight Junior Girl Scouts from Troop 65120 of Warren came to Mane Stream to earn their Horseback Riding badge. In a normal year, we might have close to 40 girls visit the farm to earn either their Horseback Riding or Animal Helper Badge but 2020 is different. So when this handful of Girl Scouts came to the farm we were as excited as they were!

During their field trip at Mane Stream they learned a little about horse anatomy, horse care & safety, how to make horse treats, grooming, tacking, and took a short riding lesson with our PATH certified instructor, Miss Kelly.

The girls were so excited to meet our horses up close and personal and were amazed at how friendly, calm, and patient they were even when playing “Parts of the Horse”.

When everyone was finished and the group shot was taken their Moms were saying, “Wouldn’t it be fun to have a Girls Afternoon Out?!” …We’re looking into it ladies!

Contact Jen Dermody to find out more information and to schedule a Fall/Spring Field Trip.

Fall Horse Show a Heartwarming Event

Congratulations!

WINNERS CIRCLE

Abby Clay Rutgers Memorial Award
(High Point Independent Rider)
Ben Burghart

Gracie Memorial Award
(High Point Youth Rider)
Michaela Hernandez

Adult Division
Champion – Brandon Shambo
Reserve Champion – Ben Burghart

Youth Division
Champion – Michaela Hernandez
Reserve Champion – Alex Verge

_____________

HORSE SHOW VOLUNTEERS

Amy Barkman, Cynthia Barkman, Maggie Conroy, Anne Davenport and son, Will, Nancy Grossweiler, Ellie Hegeman, Karen Kaufhold, Laura Kinney, Jennifer Smith, Karen Vogt, Wendy Waters

On Sunday, October 18th the crisp Fall morning turned gloriously warm as the first of 18 riders entered the ring. This year’s contingent included some of the usual riders, a few campers, and some Phase 3 riders who only had a week or two back in the saddle before walking into the ring. It had been almost 7 months since some have ridden, but it didn’t take much to shake the dust off and shine thanks to the support of their instructors and volunteers.

Given the current circumstances, we were excited to have the perfect amount of riders and spectators this year. Pair that with the overwhelming generosity of our sponsors, donors and all the riders who got out there to fundraise, this event raised over $8,200 for the Mane Stream Adaptive Riding program. That’s almost the same amount as last year with 32 riders!

The Gracie Memorial Award Winner (High Point Youth Rider) Michaela Hernandez, shared this with us. “I live far away from Mane Stream but the reason I always come back is that Mane Stream feels like a family.  Mane Stream helped me get out of my shell and everyone is so friendly that it is calming especially when I'm nervous. I will keep coming back to Mane Stream for as long as I can because it feels like a second family and because it's my safe place. I am so grateful that I came across Mane Stream because I love all the horses and everyone who works there.”

Now what about our amazing volunteers? This year 13 dedicated souls came to assist the riders making this event run like clockwork.

Maggie Conroy, dedicated Saturday Volunteer for 2.5 years stated enthusiastically, “I love the smiles of friends & family watching in wonder as their rider maneuvers an obstacle course on a 1,000 lb. horse, when everyday tasks may be a struggle for them.”

Special thanks to our three photographers of the day! Michele Geise, who handled all the shots in the ring during the competition (to come), Jessica Sanders Photography (to come) who captured everything outside the ring and some ribbon awards too. And Jeanne Rogalin (with husband Roger) who once again set up their “Pumpkin Patch” photo booth so riders could take home a picture of them and their trusty steed.

OUR SINCERE THANKS TO EVERYONE
WHO MADE THE DAY SUCH A SUCCESS!

HORSE SHOW SPONSORS

Clinton Honda
Cynthia Barkman & Ron Caruso
Fancy Foods, Inc
Flemington Car & Truck Country
Land Rover & Jaguar of Princeton
Anne & Steve Davenport

RIBBON SPONSOR

Mary & Alan Dickey

CHAMPION/RESERVE ADULT SPONSOR

Suzanne & John Higgins

CHAMPION/RESERVE CHILD SPONSOR

H4H 2.0 Riders

DIVISION SPONSORS

The Keiling Family
Karen & Steve Kaufhold

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

Julie Doyle - Judge Sandra Phillips - Prizes Greg Tucker - Corn Stalks

Alanna's Para-Dressage Nationals Experience

USEF Para-Dressage National Championship/CPEDI3* (Oct. 23-25)

Taco and I wrapped up the USEF Para-Dressage National Championship and CPEDI3* at Tryon International Equestrian Center! 2020 has been filled with many challenges for everyone, but Taco has been the bright light of my year through it all.

When the pandemic started, my trainer Sara Schmitt made sure I had a safe way to continue riding and training. She and her assistant trainer, Maggie O’Leary, have helped me push and focus on certain aspects of my riding. We worked on things such as developing Taco’s gaits, my confidence to ride more forward in the trot work, my accuracy and geometry, my ability to school him myself, and my feel as a rider.

All our hard work paid off! We had three consistent and quality rides with our scores increasing each day. We rode in a big, brand new arena and Taco felt the most relaxed at any show we’ve ever attended. I felt like our rides were the most harmonious at a show yet! Most importantly, I had the most fun and felt more confident going into the ring with him than before.

Taco and I are now Grade 2 National Champions and 3rd overall in the 2020 National Championship!

If you want to learn more about Para-Dressage check out my website and FB Page or feel free to ask me any questions!

www.alannaflax-clark.com
FB: @Alanna Flax-Clark Para Equestrian