An Evening of Magical Moments!

Musical Freestyle Event to Benefit Mane Stream

Thank you! Thank you! To all the incredible attendees and fierce competitors of the Musical Freestyle event at Red Tail Farm on September 8, we want to extend a BIG thank you! The evening was a blast, and we're so grateful for your support. This SUPER FUN & TOTALLY CASUAL benefit for Mane Stream managed to raise almost $13,000 from 91 donors!

Thanks to event organizers, Linda Dietz and Erika Olijslager the evening was filled with magical moments from 13 performances that gracefully "danced" in-between raindrops. Heather Mason had her work cut out for her judging because the creativity was off the charts, as participants (and their horses) wore costumes or outfits that perfectly coordinated with their music choices. But that wasn't all! Mother Nature sprinkled a little extra enchantment over the event. Behind the performers, a stunning double rainbow emerged, serving as a gorgeous backdrop to a pas de deux with MANE STREAM written on their shirts and horses' rumps!

Once again, we want to express our immense gratitude to everyone who attended and competed. Without your support, none of this would have been possible. You've made a meaningful difference in the lives of our Mane Stream community, and we couldn't be more thankful!

COMPETITORS:
Bridget Hay, Tea Uzman, Rachel Gardner, Madison Rezaei, Jessica Dionne, Erika and Mary, Ernie and Katie, Alessia and Hassini, Gillian Crockford, Jenn Chin, Laura Aber, Meredith, Laura, Mariano, and the rest of the Wizard of Oz team, Eveyln Dietz, and the impressive Quadrille team of Jennifer Miranda, Madison Rezaei, Mariano Granados, and Tea Uzman.

A glittery, magical summer for all campers!

2023 Summer Camp Wrap-up

Our summer camp season was full of friendships (old and new), lots of fun (ALWAYS!), challenges, new experiences, crafts, and of course spending time with our fabulous Mane Stream herd.  We had 3 new horses this summer, Don, Joey, and Snappy, who you would have thought were old timers by the way they interacted with our campers!  The weather cooperated, allowing 10 full weeks of riding and activities.  Anna Squindo, Camp Activity Specialist, along with her interns Ella Wagner and Kathryn Blount, created a comprehensive curriculum that focused on educating the campers about the horses, along with fun activities.  “Each week was a bit different based on the abilities of the campers” Anna explained.  “During our advanced week, we focused on teaching more information, such as horse facts, body parts, and taking care of them, whereas with our novice campers, we focused on learning to groom and how to behave around a horse and in our barn.”

Mane Stream’s summer camp is open to all levels of riders, from beginners to advanced riders working on small jumps and everything in between. This year we had veteran campers, Girl Scouts, first-timers, siblings, and even cousins riding together.  Our camp is considered a great place for children and or adults to begin their riding careers, as we offer specialized attention by limiting the number of campers each week.  Our dedicated group of volunteers, interns, and PATH Intl. certified instructors work one-on-one with the campers every session.

For the first time, we offered an Adult Week, with 6 campers - 4 current adaptive riders and 2 who were new Mane Stream. It was a great success, geared to their abilities, with many highlights, including learning to jump the cross rails, which according to Daisy was “The best part of my week!”  They also learned some sign language and how to groom. Katie, put it best saying, “I liked that I could improve my riding skills with my peers. Being around people my own age made me happy and excited!”

There was no shortage of laughs and fun during all our camp sessions.  After riding in the mornings, our campers enjoyed scavenger hunts for bridle pieces, painting shirts, games, and crafts. Highlights included an activity during one of the advanced week sessions, where intern, Kathryn and instructor, Miss Kelly Champion set up a people jump course and had everyone one race barefoot through the course while being timed.  It also happened to be “Sparkle Day” with Kathryn and Kelly in matching pink tutus and let’s not forget to mention Kathryn’s FABULOUS glitter jacket!   And of course, what’s a “Sparkle Day” without the required HUGE amount of glitter on campers, volunteers, horses, and staff…Miss Kelly did not disappoint.  Thank you to Meadowbrook Glitter for putting the sparkle in our day!

Mane Stream’s camp provides amazing opportunities for our campers…but it takes a team to make it happen.  Our interns this year, Ella and Kathryn provided amazing support to Anna and Kathy Dermondy, Camp Director.  Kathy noted that the interns and Camp Activities Specialist were amazing, going above and beyond!  Ella said, “I have always loved my time volunteering at Mane Stream, so when I saw there was a spot available to intern, it seemed like the perfect way to stay connected and involved.”  She went on to add, “We were responsible for creating the camp curriculum, with Anna, and I learned a lot about how to interact and work with different people and personalities.  I loved it, and now know that this is something I really want to work with in the future! One of my favorite times was watching how the campers improved, whether it was learning about the horses or riding throughout the week.”

Campers also gave their input, and all of our campers learned to reach outside their comfort zones.  Owen said that his favorite activity was painting shirts, and learning how to jump on Tux was a challenge he conquered.  Myla enjoyed learning how to canter and also learning about the different body parts of a horse.  Carly liked tacking and riding the horses and being with the other campers and counselors.  She also noted it made her laugh when the horses drooled a lot (hmm…could this be a reference to Minnie or Dorito?)  Lastly, Michael noted that he loved learning how to take care of a horse and was extremely proud that he learned to post while trotting.  His mom, Kyle, summed it up by saying “My son was beaming when he got in the car at the end of each day.  He was proud that he groomed the horses and loved riding them.  He felt connected with the horses and was happy to overcome challenges like the posting trot.”

So, there you have it…a glittery, magical summer for all of our campers! Summer Camp at Mane Stream keeps getting better and better.  We have already started to plan for next year. Registration opens February 1st – so mark your calendar!

Thank you to everyone, our staff, interns, and volunteers….it truly takes “A Village” and we could never do it without YOU! 

Written by: Jennnifer Smith, Development & Communications Assistant

1,500 Pairs of Shoes by the End of Year!

Flip flops gone flat?

Fall is just around the corner and it’s time to clean out your summer closets and purge those shoes!

Your gently used shoes help in many ways. First, it helps us raise funds for our farrier costs for our fabulous herd, next, it is environmentally friendly… keeping shoes out of landfills, and lastly, you are supporting a good cause! Micro-businesses in developing countries literally rely on your shoes to keep their families fed and housed.

Our goal is to collect 1,500 pairs by the end of the year!
Help us help others by donating your gently used shoes.
Spread the word to all your friends!

Photo credit: Funds2Orgs

A Found Passion for What Horses Can Offer in a Therapy Session

Let’s get to know our new Speech-language Pathologist – PAULINE Lopez, MS, CCC-SLP

What I like most about treating at Mane Stream is the support and mentorship I receive from both my human and equine coworkers. Mane Stream creates a supportive and collaborative environment, where therapists work closely with horses and volunteers to provide effective therapy to our clients. The opportunity to work alongside these amazing animals in a therapeutic setting is truly rewarding!

Certified member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association
I am proud to be a certified member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). This certification demonstrates my commitment to upholding the highest standards of practice in the field of speech-language pathology.

Education
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at East Stroudsburg University. This program provided me with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of speech-language pathology. I then went on to obtain my Master’s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Saint Mary’s College. This comprehensive graduate program equipped me with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to excel in my field.

Clinical experiences
I have gained clinical experience working in a multidisciplinary team-based approach. This approach allows for comprehensive evaluations and treatment of a wide range of diagnoses. I have worked with individuals of all ages, addressing various communication disorders such as child language disorders, speech sound disorders, voice and fluency disorders, feeding and swallowing disorders, and augmentative and alternative communication.

Specialized interest in Aural Rehabilitation
One of my specialized interests lies in Aural Rehabilitation. I have had the privilege of working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals and this experience has given me valuable insights into the unique challenges and needs of this population. I am dedicated to providing comprehensive and effective support to individuals seeking to improve their communication abilities through various aural rehabilitation techniques and strategies.

Professional proficiency in American Sign Language
In addition to my specialized interest in Aural Rehabilitation, I am also professionally proficient in American Sign Language (ASL). This skill allows me to effectively communicate and connect with Deaf individuals, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in our sessions. ASL serves as a vital tool in facilitating effective therapy and building strong relationships with my clients.

Previous horse experience and hippotherapy training
Prior to learning about Hippotherapy, I did not have much experience with horses. However, I have always had a love for these majestic animals. My introduction to incorporating horses in therapy came when I volunteered at a therapeutic farm as a side walker. That experience sparked my interest in Hippotherapy and led me to the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA, Inc.). After completing Hippotherapy Treatment Principles – Part 1 I was fortunate to start my time this spring at Mane Stream observing with Mane Stream’s Melanie Dominko-Richards MS, CCC-SLP, HPCS.  Working at Mane Stream, allows me to combine my newly found passion for what horses can offer with my expertise in speech-language pathology. Next month I look forward to completing the Hippotherapy Treatment Principles – Part 2 along with two other Mane Stream therapists!

Treating at Mane Stream
What I like most about treating at Mane Stream is the support and mentorship I receive from both my human and equine coworkers. Mane Stream creates a supportive and collaborative environment, where therapists work closely with horses and volunteers to provide effective therapy to our clients. The opportunity to work alongside these amazing animals in a therapeutic setting is truly rewarding!

Free time activities
In my free time, I enjoy reading and playing tennis, which keeps me active and helps me maintain a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, traveling with my friends and family allows me to explore new places, create lasting memories, and recharge for my work.

Thank You Camp Volunteers!

Pizza, Cupcakes, and Glittery Gifts

It was amazing to have such dedicated, fun, caring, and truly one-of-a-kind volunteers this summer! The enthusiasm and level of delight that was brought each and every day to our campers was remarkable. This summer 40 volunteers and 2 interns transformed the lives of 58 kids and 6 adults. Because of you, all campers walked away with the best experience that they possibly could have gotten and the credit goes to you! What happened at the appreciation party? See below!

Counseling Services Offered

VERY LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE on Thursdays, late afternoons with our mental health provider, Lori Rockmore Psy. D. Lori specializes in evidence-based cognitive-behavioral treatment. All work is done on the ground with no mounted activities. Counseling services are for those who want to learn about themselves and others through experiential activities with the horses to process feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.

TELL US YOU'RE INTERESTED

Seeking Participants for Horses for Healing

Please SHARE the news...SIGN-UPS NOW OPEN!

The Fall Sessions of Horses for Healing (H4H) for those impacted by Cancer and Parkinson's Disease starts Monday, September 25th. Both programs are on Mondays: H4H Cancer will be 11am-12pm and H4H PD from 1-2pm. Each group will ride for 6 concurrent Mondays through October 30th.

Recent Survey Results Show…

Improved strength, Increased self confidence, Better balance, Lower stress and anxiety!

“I participated in Mane Stream's 6-week Parkinson's riding program and I cannot thank you enough! Managing Parkinson's on a daily basis is tremendously challenging both emotionally and physically. When we are diagnosed, we are told to 'live life' as fully as possible for as long as we are able. Your program is the kind of gem that I have been seeking. The respectfully supportive environment created by Kelly and the volunteers was perfectly challenging, uplifting and immensely joyful! I am very excited to continue riding in the Fall. It's truly the highlight of my year.” - Wendy

“H4H (PD) provides a beneficial bond with these beautiful horses. Kelly’s coaching taught me so much and I could feel myself getting stronger and more confident every week. Participating has already been beyond my expectations. My favorite aspects of the program were meeting other people with PD, riding lessons, interacting with fantastic volunteers, AND Kelly’s training. All of these are very important to me.” - Ruth

Start the process NOW by completing the paperwork.

For more information contact: 
H4H Cancer: Kelly Champion, Kelly@manestreamnj.org
H4H Parkinson’s: Trish Hegeman, Trish@manestreamnj.org

Oh Snap, We Love Ponies!

Welcome Snappy!

Our participants for our therapy program come in all ages, and for some of our youngest clients, we needed another pony. Our newest and smallest member of the herd is Land’s End Snapdragon, or Snappy. We’ve recently accepted this little guy for his calm demeanor and small size, which has made him an exceptional addition to our therapy program and adaptive riding as well. Snappy sure is a cutie and will happily snuggle anyone that comes his way. After an impressive show career, he will now be starting his life and therapy career here at Mane Stream.

Thank you to Bethie, Libby, and Red Oak Farm for donating Snappy to us!

Welcome to the Herd!

Not Your Average Joe (Joe)

Our horses and ponies are no strangers to color and glitter here at Mane Stream, but usually they don't experience that until a field trip or camp. Our newest addition, Not Your Average Joe or "Joe", was Mane Stream ready as he arrived on his first day here covered in glitter and paint. The day he was picked up by Jen and Alex, his kids asked to have 5 more minutes with him to get him decorated for his arrival. We said, "Yes," and watched as a group of kids huddled around him to paint his hooves and to color his mane and tail with chalk. Jen and Alex looked at each other and smiled, knowing that Joe would be a great fit for the program. He was then ready to be on his way to his new life and job.

Since Joe has been at Mane Stream, his calm demeanor and stellar attitude make him a perfect candidate for our therapy program. He happily plays along with all the fun activities that our therapy clients get to participate in. The job doesn't stop there for Joe, though. That pony can really strut his stuff in the ring, and it really shows during Adaptive Riding and camp. His beautiful trot provides a very comfortable gait for our riders. Not to mention that with that beautiful pinto coloring, he's as cute as a button. 

We are so happy to accept Joe into our program and kindly thank The Iglesias Family for the donation.