Camp Registration Opens 2/1 @ 10AM

This is your reminder!

Everything is ready and we’re excited to open up registration at 10AM on Wednesday, Feb. 1st. Set a reminder so you will be assured to get the weeks you want. This year in addition to 2 Advanced Weeks we have also created an Adult Week!

Summer Camp Specifics
All daily lessons and activities are specifically designed for children with developmental, physical or emotional challenges, AND for typically developing children. No experience with horses is necessary to enjoy our summer camp fully. Over the 10-week-long sessions, our Summer Camp offers children 4 years and older an excellent introduction to horses and riding in a safe and nurturing environment. We promote independence, self-confidence, team building, and socialization. 

We can accommodate a maximum of 6-8 campers per week. Camp operates Monday-Friday beginning in June and finishing in late August. The day starts at 8:30AM and ends at 12:30PM. No lunch - snack only. The week of July 4th will be a 3-day week.

Welcome to the Team!

During the last quarter of 2022 Mane Stream was excited to add three wonderful new team members! You may have seen them around the farm, in the office, and teaching lessons. Two are Mane Stream volunteers that have converted over, and the other came with a long list of impressive local references. We hope you’ll take a few minutes to read their staff profiles and then introduce yourself the next time you see them.


Elkie Phillips,
Riding Instructor

Elke started volunteering at Mane Stream as a leader in January 2022. She was enjoying herself so much that she jumped at the chance to compete in the volunteer class at the Fall Horse Show. And that’s when she showed interest in joining our team of riding instructors.

Elke has many years of horsemanship experience including horse ownership, working as a groom and working student, horseback riding camp counselor, and beginning rider instructor. Bringing the joy of horses to others in a safe manner is her priority. 

Outside of the horse world, Elke has 16 years of corporate marketing experience under her belt. Elke has supported well-known consumer brands in a marketing or advertising function with much success but has always felt more at home in a barn than a boardroom. Working in marketing has helped her develop a clear, concise communication style when working with others, and she loves a good metaphor to get a point across.

Elke lives in Morristown and enjoys riding at a hunter/jumper barn, playing golf with her husband, and wrangling her Labrador puppy and 5 year-old son for outdoor adventures.

Jennifer smith

Jennifer Smith joined Mane Stream as a volunteer during the summer of 2019. She was excited to find a great organization right down the road from her home, where she could combine her love of horses with her past experience as a Special Education Paraprofessional. Jennifer started off assisting Holland Kochanski as a morning barn volunteer, in addition to helping with Adaptive and Therapy lessons. Most recently, she joined the Mane Stream Staff as the Development and Communications Assistant and is excited to be part of such a great team of volunteers and staff.

Jennifer has 2 grown daughters who live in Boston and she enjoys spending time traveling with her husband Steve.

Jaime Katz,
Barn Assistant

Jaime spends her weekends caring for the Mane Stream herd, ensuring they are fed and happy.  This hard worker also has a flexible schedule which is a huge benefit to Mane Stream, allowing Jamie the ability to jump in and cover additional shifts as needed.

Jamie has always known she's wanted to work with horses since she started riding at a young age. She now attends Centenary University where she is pursuing a degree in Equine Science and is a member of the IHSA team. In her free time, you can either find her at the barn teaching tricks to her horse or at home playing with her cats. 

It's Time to Vote...for Hunterdon Happenings!

We’ve been NOMINATED FOR BEST "CHARITY" in Hunterdon county

And we thank you!

Last year we were a finalist for BEST CHARITY so this year we hope there are a few more people who think Mane Stream is the Best.

Now, all we need is your vote to win!

Hunterdon Happenings: Everything Hunterdon Section

Mane Stream is listed as a "CHARITY" under the "Everything Hunterdon" section. Everyone can get behind our mission to help children and adults with special needs! But did you know that Mane Stream is the 2nd oldest facility of its kind in the nation? That means we’ve been providing quality services to thousands of people over the years.

Get your fingers ready to cast your vote. Only 1 vote per email so it's easy! VOTE for BEST CHARITY

'Twas the Holiday Party and…

‘Twas the holiday party, and all through the barn,
the horses were waiting for treats that they yearned.

Their stockings were hung by their stalls with care,
in hopes that their friends soon would be there.

The staff was a bustle preparing some food,
and everyone seemed in a holiday mood

Soon guests arrived with grins ear to ear,
excited to see the whole herd was now here.

One by one they came by all smiling happily,
participants, friends, instructors, and families.

There were treats for the herd and people abound,
though Dorito left many of his on the ground.

Judge and Tux watched the door and greeted each person,
accepting all treats without any coercion.

Minnie and Tink many peppermints ate,
and had the staff worried their stomachs would ache.

Peanut was smiling, Buzz was so lively,
while Cody ate all of his treats so politely.

Bubbles and Mickey gobbled treats with delight,
and all would agree it was such a fun night

There were presents for horses and pictures were taken,
fun had by all, the holiday spirit awakened.

And as everyone drove off in the cold winters night,
we wished all a Happy Holiday and to all a good night!

by Jennifer Smith, Development & Communications Assistant

New Year Changes

Jen Dermody, Director of Program Services

We are excited to announce that Jen Dermody has been promoted to Director of Program Services. Jen’s responsibilities will now include the administrative/scheduling portion of our therapy services program as well as continuing to manage the adaptive riding and field trip programs.

You’ll still see Melanie Dominko-Richards around the farm though. She will continue to treat clients at Mane Stream in a part-time capacity as she has taken a full-time position with local nonprofit, Our House.

More About Jen Dermody:

Jen has been with Mane Stream for 13 years and her responsibilities have grown with the organization. In addition to her new role in the therapy services program she will retain her responsibilities as the equine manager and event coordinator. As equine manager, she is responsible for finding and assessing potential new members of our herd. Not an easy job in this economy! We are always on the lookout for horses and ponies who would be a good fit with our programs so send Jen an email if you know of any.

Jen is a PATH Intl. Advanced Certified Registered Instructor and specializes in teaching our more advanced riders. She strives to get the most out of her riders while developing their skills. Utilizing what she has learned from her own extensive riding experiences, she helps her riders reach their goals and become as independent as possible.  

In 2015, Jen became the event coordinator for Mane Stream. She quickly discovered she had a passion for planning events. When one event ends she is immediately planning to make the next one a success.

Jen spends her free time riding her own horse, helping friends at shows, and spending time with friends, family, and her two kittens Hall & Oats. She has also had success showing in the Adult Hunters, Adult Equitation, and Amateur Owner Hunters. 

Summer Camp Intern Opportunities

Potential College Credit for Multiple People! 

This is an ideal opportunity for individuals looking for experience working with children of ALL abilities and our amazing horses. Create and implement camp activities, take photographs, and assist certified instructors with daily horseback riding lessons. Help with all 10 weeks OR have a flexible schedule. Days start at 8AM and end at 1PM leaving plenty of time to enjoy your summer.

Learn More

Car Donations Soar in 2022

TEN Vehicles donated IN 2022!

Everyone knows the used car market was at an all-time high last year. We were lucky enough to ride that wave when 9 generous people donated a total of 10 vehicles resulting in $19,647.77 for the Mane Stream mission.

Thank you donors!
Shawn Carty, Ruth Fanjoy, Leroy Hunninghake, Zohar Kfir, Barry Kirkpatrick (x2), Steven Messineo, Preston Postlethwaite, Saket Trivebi, and Patrick Wormser