CURRENT HAPPENINGS
the ways YOU can stay connected!
We're going to miss you something fierce! Sending out a HUGE thank you to Centenary University Equestrian Center for sharing Gabun with us for the summer. From the moment he arrived volunteers, riders, campers, and staff alike were captivated by this BIG gorgeous boy. Gabun was equally serious in the ring as he was playful in the barn.
50 People for 50 Years: Ilaria Borghese, MS, MA, OT and Entrepreneur
Career paths often twist and turn before arriving at a final destination and profession. Ilaria Borghese’s journey began after she received a master’s degree in neuroscience from the University of Connecticut. She was hired as the Clinical Coordinator for the Brain Research Center at Children’s Hospital in Washington, DC. It was her experience at the center that made Ilaria realize she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare and she applied to both medical and occupational therapy schools.
Ilaria’s first exposure to occupational therapy began when she volunteered at a facility near UConn. She had observed an OT who utilized horses in treatment and it was a profound experience. She recalls, “After applying to schools, I was going to go to the first place I received an acceptance letter from, and that happened to be an occupational therapy program at New York University.” Side note, Ilaria never even opened letters from other schools. Soon after receiving her master’s degree in occupational therapy, Ilaria moved to New Jersey with her husband. This is where fate leads Ilaria to the Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center (now Mane Stream).
Ilaria saw a flyer for an organization looking for volunteers at a local town hall. Upon completing the application, she met Karen Bocksel, Executive Director, who responded “You’re an OT? Do you want to start a program here?” Ilaria spent the next six years, in the early 2000’s, developing the first OT program at Mane Stream. Her first impression was that “It was such a welcoming and positive environment. I enjoyed how I could collaborate with other professionals who may not have necessarily been healthcare professionals, but were disability experts. I remember how supportive everyone was of one another.”
Ilaria’s favorite horse to use in therapy was Sue. While Sue definitely had her own likes and dislikes, Ilaria enjoyed working with her due to her movement and personality. Many years later, Ilaria was looking for a mare as a companion horse. She knew some people at Mylestone Equine Rescue and put in a call; they said that had just the horse for her. When Ilaria went to go and meet the horse, it was none other than Sue! Of course, Sue went home with Ilaria and spent the rest of her years on the farm. Ilaria also took another SHHRC horse home when a career in adaptive riding wasn’t quite the job for him. Kieffer is still at Ilaria’s farm today (and even sometimes helps her bring the garbage can up the driveway!)
When asked to share a treasured memory, Ilaria quickly shared the story of a local equestrian who became a quadriplegic due to a serious car accident. The woman’s husband reached out to Ilaria asking for help, and though the client was against coming at first, she was eventually convinced to try therapy at Mane Stream. In the beginning it took many people to get her safely on the horse and to support her once astride. However, after a couple of sessions, Ilaria could see that the client was accepting of her treatment sessions and gains were being made. With a feeling of deep satisfaction Ilaria recalled the day this client was not only able to transfer herself on and off the horse, but also when she was able to post at the trot because her muscles had the memory of doing so. Using her OT skillset and helping her client work towards her goal of riding again is a memory that Ilaria cherishes.
In addition to horses, Ilaria has a special interest in Greyhound dogs and their unique medical issues. She has lectured and written articles on paw-related conditions in ex-racing Greyhounds and has conducted and co-authored one of the largest epidemiological studies on the breed. While practicing at Mane Stream, Ilaria extended her special interest and became the creator, designer, and innovator of therapeutic devices for animals. In 2001, she started Thera-Paw, Inc. a company that to this day still develops, manufactures, and distributes splints, braces, soft orthoses, protective garments, mobility aids, and other assistive products for animals with special needs. Ilaria eventually left Mane Stream so she could focus her time custom-fabricating these devices and working closely with small animal practitioners to develop novel approaches to custom splinting and bracing.
In 2010, Ilaria co-founded STAAR, the Symposium on Therapeutic Advances in Animal Rehabilitation, a conference for veterinary professionals that brings advanced courses in comprehensive animal care taught by the leaders in the field. By 2020, Ilaria also co-founded Vital Vet, a multi-platform supercenter dedicated to improving the lives of animals. Through this platform, all things related to animal rehabilitation, physical therapy, and pet fitness can now be found in one central location to help veterinary professionals and pet owners learn, connect, and make more informed decisions about their animal companions.
Mane Stream is fortunate that Ilaria’s path took her to Mane Stream where she established the first occupational therapy program which has benefitted hundreds of children and adults over the years.
50 People for 50 Years: Tess Coffey, Previous Camper and NEW Volunteer
Tess Coffey has been coming to Mane Stream summer camp forever, at least it feels like forever, in the best way possible. She has loved every minute of camp and for the past few years, she has been patiently waiting to turn 14. Why 14 you might wonder. Well, that’s the magic age for becoming a Mane Stream volunteer! This past June Tess FINALLY turned 14 and she wasted no time getting trained and jumping in as an official camp and program volunteer. Tess shared, “The people are so welcoming and patient. Each client is lovely to interact with. One therapy client I volunteer with has improved so much. It’s so exciting to see first-hand.” Tess is a jack of all trades too. “[I’ll do] Whatever is needed - adaptive leader, side walker, summer camp, therapy header, and I’m always happy to do barn chores too.”
Tess’s passion for horses all started with her older sister Catrionia. “My sister loves riding horses. Years ago, she started off as a volunteer at Mane Stream and then eventually became part of the barn staff. I am so grateful to her for sharing this incredible equestrian world with me.”
Tess remembers, “Mane Stream was a safe and well-organized barn, one that we trusted as a great place for me to start riding.” At camp each year, Tess learned all about beginner horsemanship and worked very hard learning new skills. “Whenever I rode a different horse at camp, I forgot everything else in my life and just focused on my riding.” Each summer at camp Tess became more independent with her riding, increasing her strength and connection with the horses. A couple of years ago, Tess decided that riding at camp wasn’t enough and she started taking lessons at Valley Crest Stables in Lebanon and currently rides a Haflinger named Makeeta. This fall she hopes to join the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) with Valley Crest to get some show experience.
As a camper, Tess worked with many instructors and reflects on those who have made a difference in her riding, “Kelly is super fun and never fails to brighten your day. Jen brings tough love when needed, but underneath that hard shell, she truly cares. Holland has taught me the basics and put up with ‘little me’ and for that, she is a saint.” Tess has also competed in several Mane Stream Horse Shows in the Camper Class, which gave her a chance to see all of the other Mane Stream riders.
Looking back at her years as a camper, Tess loved riding bareback and getting covered in glitter. As Tess moves forward from camper to volunteer, her sentiments remain the same, “Thank you to all of the wonderful staff that have taken care of me for so many years. Mane Stream has truly left a special mark on my heart.”
50 People for 50 Years: Laura Brucker, Equus - Gratitude Gala Co-Chair, and Board Member
Laura Brucker’s daily commute led her right to Mane Stream’s door. After learning more about the mission and meeting some people involved with then Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center, she attended the 2003 pirate-themed Equus Gala. “That evening, I met Board Member, Marianne Walsh Saladino, as well as, then-Executive Director, Nichola Redmond, who both encouraged me to join the Board of Directors.” Laura had worked in marketing professionally and had planned lots of events as a volunteer, which, coupled with her years as an equestrian and passion for our mission, made joining the Mane Stream Board the perfect fit.
Laura chaired her first Equus Gala in 2005 and since then co-chaired several others. Over the years Laura has worked with many co-chairs including Jaimie Morais, Sofia Cocoziello, Jill Friedland, Emily Maillet Kellogg and Marianne Walsh Saladino. Laura recalls, “I’ve seen it all while planning for Equus…from Katie Borghese standing tippy toe on a ladder at all hours of the night hanging dried leaves for a fall event at the USET to Sofia Cocoziello stuffing her entire arm into centerpiece filled with decorative jelly while glamorously dressed for our 2018 Fire and Ice Equus Gala.”
Thanks to Laura’s creativity and hard work, she, her co-chairs, and their committees have raised over $2 million through the years to support the participants and programs offered at Mane Stream. Part of their success is making sure that Equus guests feel connected to our mission and the participants who benefit from their generosity. One of the best ways to do that is to invite families and participants to tell their stories. “Probably the most special memory for me at Equus was when Jill Friedland’s daughter Lucy created a video about her brother Adam, one of our all-time favorite clients, who passed away. The video is used today to introduce our Helping Hands Pyramid component at Equus. The first time the video was shared at the event will remain with me forever - watching Adam’s family’s response and witnessing how it inspired the audience who remained silent and thoughtful while it was playing.”
Laura believes it is vital to assist local organizations to better our community. It has been extremely rewarding to spread the word about Mane Stream’s mission, and to gather generous friends and family to support the initiatives. Being involved with Equus has given Laura’s children wonderful opportunities to get involved and learn the benefits of supporting a nonprofit organization too. Her son, Jack, helped to produce a video that was shown to hundreds of people at Equus one year. And her daughter, Paige, has helped at Mane Stream horse shows and behind the scenes at Equus. “Mane Stream has become the one of the leading organizations of our extended family’s philanthropic efforts over the years.”
This year Laura is co-chairing 2022 EQUUS – Gratitude Gala with Marianne Walsh Saladino and Emily Maillet Kellogg, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Mane Stream. “I love to introduce new people to Mane Stream, and will continue to think of new ways for people to get involved or benefit from our programs.”
We know that with Laura and co-chairs at the helm, this year’s 50th Anniversary celebration will be a night to be remembered for And knowing Laura, she will bring new faces and friends to EQUUS at USET, this year and it will be a night to be remembered.
As many know, Marianne Walsh Saladino has been involved with Mane Stream and our fundraising events for years. Over twenty years in fact! She joined the Board of Directors in 2001 and that same year, co-chaired the Equus X gala with Penelope Ayers at Beval Saddlery. They say time flies when you are having fun, and Marianne has enjoyed every moment of being a part of Mane Stream. She has especially loved her involvement with our Equus galas - from Carnival in Venice to Disco Inferno to Sundance and so many more.
Marianne learned about Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center (now called Mane Stream) when she spotted an article in a local paper about the capital campaign to purchase and build our current facility. As a life-long rider, Marianne knew this organization would be a perfect fit for her skill set. She remembers, “One day a week I had a babysitter to watch my daughters Kara and Casey (who were one and two) at the time, and I decided to devote part of that day to SHHRC.” Before long Marianne was asked to be part of the organizing committee for the opening of the new facility in Oldwick, and from there she was asked to join the Board.
As both rider and volunteer, Marianne knows how special horses are. “So, it’s not that I was surprised when I heard a non-verbal rider’s first word was ‘pony’, but I will say that it took my breath away. Or when another rider was told they would never walk, and now they do. All the riders know how special the horses are. Just a common bond that riders share, no matter one’s ability.”
As Marianne’s commitment to Mane Stream grew, her daughters grew as well. For years Kara and Casey would watch lessons, play on the property and help set up events with their mother. “It was never a question if they would volunteer at Mane Stream, it was just a matter of when,” said Marianne. “The girls volunteered because they loved it!”
In 2013, Marianne “retired” as an active Board member and became an Emeritus Director. Recently she served on Mane Stream’s Strategic Planning Committee, bringing a very useful historical perspective to the process. In addition to her other valuable contributions, Marianne does have a true super power as a silent auction display creator. Year after year she swoops in to package baskets and setup the auction tables, making all of the items look fantastic and enticing for potential bidders.
This year, Marianne is once again co-chairing Equus with Laura Brucker and Emily Maillet Kellogg for our 50th Anniversary celebration and we are back at the famous and historic USET. It will be a family affair for Marianne with her daughters and husband attending that evening. “I’m excited for Equus this year celebrating 50 years of Mane Stream. And if past Equus’ are any indication, we are in for a fabulous night! I couldn’t think of a better place or a better mission to support.”
If you are an active volunteer who has volunteered at least once in 2022 this is your chance to ride one of our amazing horses on Sunday, October 23rd. It's on a first-come, first-served basis so don't delay! After you register you will be prompted to create your own online fundraising "CHAMPION" page which will make it easy to raise money for the horse show OR bring your registration fee on 10/23.
Last year’s competitors had a blast and you can too!
We’re in the home stretch with just 4 more weeks of summer camp to go. In addition to camp director, Paige Ball, there is a team of PATH Intl. Certified Instructors and volunteers helping at camp every day. Our inclusive summer day camp for children with special needs, their siblings, and their typically developing peers is a mainstay for the local community. Registration for camp opens on February 1st and for the past couple of years, parents have been diligent in registering immediately so their children get the weeks they want. Most spots are filled by mid-February, with a waiting list that continues to grow in the months that follow. We love our campers and it seems they love us too (or maybe it’s just our horses?)!
We love sharing camp activities with our community and volunteer photographers help make this happen. Olivia Iskra has come to camp every Monday this summer to ensure each and every camper has great pics to take home with them at the end of the week. These same pics are shared here and on socials. Whether you love the horses or the smiling faces of campers, volunteers, and instructors, without volunteer photographers like Olivia, we would see very little of what goes on each day. THANK YOU OLIVIA! And good luck in college we will miss you very much!
Week 3 was a short week due to the long 4th of July weekend. For those who weren’t on vacation, coming to Mane Stream was a great option. With 2 brothers, 2 sisters, and the rest returning campers, the week got off to an easy start making for tons of smiles and a super cute parade of horses.
Week 4 was the first of two Advanced Rider weeks and the campers worked on mastering trotting on the correct diagonal, going over cavalettis, cantering🐎, and some even tackled small jumps. This group also delved further into horse care with this year’s focus on getting comfortable with clippers! Head Instructor, Jen Dermody, also put everyone through their paces with her scavenger hunt, where campers work in teams to find the pieces of a bridle and then must put it together correctly. 🐎🏅👏
What can we say about Week 5? It was super🔥HOT🔥but the riders were smart and rode early each day. That meant more time for cooler activities like bathing 💦their steeds 🐎. Congratulations to the riders, volunteers, and instructors who had a great time all week, despite the weather.
In addition to daily riding lessons, week 6 riders were up for FUN starting on Day 1! There were backbends, dance-offs, and shenanigans pretty much every single day. They seemed to really know how to make the most of their 5 days. Special note: 3 campers first came to Mane Stream back in 2021 to earn their Girl Scout Horseback Riding Badge. They had so much fun that they also came to camp that year and then again this year.
THANK YOU for joining the team!
Each person has completed an online orientation and a hands-on training session. If you see a new face in the barn please remember to introduce yourself and ask if they need any help.
WELCOME: Merrin Chilcoat, BettyJane Czap, Paige Hall, Catherine Huggins, Claire Imossi, Kirsten Lytle, Julianne Nardi, Florie O'Brien, Grace Rubinstein, Kerri Wilkinson
Ribbons, Divisions, Champion & Reserve, and more! With 10 different sponsorships available in varying sizes there is a category within everyone's reach. Or gather a group of friends and share the burden. This year's event is the last hoorah of our 50th Anniversary! We hope everyone will stop by to celebrate the riders and Mane Stream's mission. Only you can help make this event as special as it can be. Make them smile!
Sponsorship Opportunities >
And he certainly is dreamy but we're calling him Derek. This black, 20-year-old Dutch Warmblood pony stands 14.2 hands and came from Red Oak Farm LLC. He spent most of his career competing on the hunter jumper pony circuit, now he's busy having fun at camp and teaching our smaller riders how to trot, canter, and even the first stages of jumping.
