Empowering Lives Through Adaptive Riding

Horses for Healing: Fall 2024 Parkinson’s Program

Horses for Healing: Parkinson’s program recently concluded another transformative session, leaving participants and volunteers alike inspired by the power of adaptive riding. This FREE program provides individuals living with Parkinson’s disease (or cancer) a unique opportunity to improve mobility, balance, and confidence through horseback riding guided by a PATH Intl. Certified Riding Instructor.

Cynthia Barkman, Vice President of the Board of Directors and a dedicated volunteer, shared her heartfelt perspective, “Life throws us all curveballs, and for some, that means living with a chronic disease that manifests in many ways. But disease doesn't temper our enthusiasm for activities that bring joy. Several times a year, I meet remarkable men and women living with Parkinson's who courageously ride with us at Mane Stream. The horse’s movement at a walk mimics our own gait, making it an effective way to strengthen mobility and balance. Being part of their journey is indescribable.”

Participants in this session shared stories of empowerment and transformation. Barbara Noe reflected on her experience with Tux, her equine partner, and the program’s supportive volunteers: “Seeing the world from the back of a horse was a rare feeling of empowerment since my Parkinson’s diagnosis. I’m looking forward to more riding in 2025!”

Susan Behling described how the program revitalized her spirit: “I left the program thinking I could do anything I put my mind to. Everyone was so wonderful. I left rejuvenated, ready to face whatever the day sent my way.”

Kelly Champion, a PATH Intl. Certified Riding Instructor, emphasized the sense of community and personal growth that defines the program: “The first day was filled with nervousness, but by the second week, that apprehension was gone. It became ‘game on!’ Watching riders achieve goals, like Team Sassy mastering two-point position after weeks of work, is incredibly rewarding. Every rider's journey is unique, and we tailor strategies to build their confidence.”

Mane Stream’s Horses for Healing program is more than adaptive riding—it’s a celebration of resilience, a fostering of community, and a pathway to new possibilities. Through courage, determination, and the support of a skilled instructor and dedicated volunteers, participants leave the program empowered and ready to embrace life’s challenges.

For more information about Horses for Healing, Mane Stream’s adaptive riding program for people living with cancer and Parkinson’s, visit www.manestreamnj.org/horses-for-healing.

Winter Break Schedule

Limited office hours December 18  -  January 5th

December 18 Through January 5th

The Horses and Staff are taking some time to recharge and prepare for 2025! Please note that our office hours may be limited, and some staff members may be working remotely so please send an email with your inquiries. We appreciate your understanding, and we wish you a wonderful holiday season as well!

A Record Breaking Success at the Tack Sale

Mane Stream’s annual Tack Sale, held this past Sunday, November 17, was nothing short of amazing. By 3pm, this well-known community event had raised over $11,000—a new record for a one-day sale for the organization!

The excitement began early, with the first eager shopper arriving at 6:45am, well before the doors officially opened. By 7:00 am, cars were pouring into the parking lot, several people were setting up lounge chairs, and by 8:30am at least 100 people had already made their way through the doors.

A major highlight of this year’s sale was the substantial donation of brand-new items from Weatherbeeta, including fly sheets, saddle pads, boots, bell boots, bridles, girths, and more. These new items, combined with a generous assortment of saddles, tack trunks, winter blankets, and other donations from the local horse community, created a “Worth-the-Trip” shopping experience. And remember every dollar raised goes directly to supporting Mane Stream’s programs!

The Mane Stream Tack Sale has a reputation for amazing deals and unique finds that draw shoppers from NJ and PA, many of whom mark their calendars months in advance for the event.

Mane Stream extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated, shopped, and helped spread the word. Your support is what makes events like this such a resounding success.

How You Can Help

Don’t forget, Mane Stream accepts tack and horse-related item donations year-round! Consider setting up a tack drive at your barn, school, or organization to contribute to next year’s success. For large donations or to schedule a pickup, contact Alex Willard at alex@manestreamnj.org.

Let’s make next year’s Tack Sale even more epic!

Help Us Reach NEW Heights!

Together, we can help Mane Stream riders reach new heights!

#GivingTuesday is right around the corner!

At Mane Stream, our horses do more than walk and trot. Many riders learn to canter and a growing number are even learning to jump!! Our wonderful horses help children and adults with special needs build confidence, strength, and connection. 💙

This year, we need your help to raise $6,000 to keep our herd healthy and ready to serve! Your donations will go toward essential horse supplements, lightweight aluminum jumps, and hoof care for our 6 jumpers for a whole year.

Help us nail the distance! Every gift, no matter the size, is a step closer to our goal.

We’re thrilled to present our NEW video!

Owen’s Journey at Mane Stream

When we gathered to discuss who should be featured in our new video for the EQUUS Gala, everyone agreed that Owen’s journey was a story worth telling. And with Owen recently turning 18, his parents informed us that it was his choice to share his experiences.

We were delighted when Owen agreed! NBPro Media had a fantastic time collaborating with Owen and Mane Stream, and we must say, that they made the entire process so seamless that we wish we could create a new video every year.

Wild at Heart Gala Reaches Monumental Success

THANK YOU SPONSORS!

Shadow of Jaguars - $10,000
The Brucker & Welsh Families
Charles Lafitte Foundation
CI Group
The Egginton Family & USA Sport Group
Frerich and Irene
Emily Maillet Kellogg & Kirk Kellogg
The Maher Family & The Murphy Family
Red Tail Farm
The Sobel Foundation
The Sudler Family Foundation

Journey of Giraffes - $5,000
Maureen & Stephen Bezer
The Durden Family
Durling/Sudler/Lucas/Durling/Godfrey
Kathy & Hal Kamine
Karen & Steve Kaufhold
The Marano Family
The Sudler Family Foundation
Julie Yankovich & Rajiv De Silva

Dazzle of Zebras - $2,500
Katherine & Joseph Brucchieri
Melissa & Mike Renfer
Jeanne Rogalin: Midtown Direct Properties | Keller Williams Premiere Properties
The Saladino Family

This year’s theme for EQUUS XXXII, "Wild at Heart," attracted nearly 300 guests who fully embraced the concept, arriving in a vibrant array of animal prints—men included! On Saturday, November 2 a record number of top sponsors enjoyed the VIP lounge, indulging in the martini bar, while attendees eagerly placed bids on silent auction items they aspired to win.

It was indeed a fantastic evening filled with lively dancing to the same amazing band, a Wild at Heart jungle selfie station (grrrr baby), generous donors, and a heartfelt video that captured the spirit of the night. Months ago when we gathered to discuss who should be featured in our new video for the EQUUS Gala, everyone agreed that Owen’s journey was a story worth telling. The touching video showcasing Adaptive Rider Owen Confer and his journey with Mane Stream over the past 14 years resonated deeply, serving as a powerful reminder of the positive impact Mane Stream has had on his entire family. And it made the evening even more special to see Owen on the dance floor all night long.

We are thrilled to share that this year’s gala broke all records! Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the EQUUS committee, sponsors, and dedicated donors, Mane Stream eagerly anticipates providing our vital programs to over 400 participants with special needs in 2025! We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support from the entire community. If you were unable to attend you can still support the mission as our Wild for a Cause zoo is still seeking individuals to "adopt" a Lion or a Cheetah for $2,500 each, contributing to the continuing education of our therapists and adaptive riding instructors. Interested parties can contact Trish@manestreamnj.org for more details.

The whole Gala Committee led by the Co-Chairs, Elizabeth Sudler Sobel and Kimmie Turiansky, hope everyone present enjoyed every moment of the evening just as much as they did. This year, it was truly inspiring to witness a larger number of attendees raising their paddles for "Adam Friedland's Helping Hands" pyramid. The funds raised through the pyramid will directly benefit participants in all our programs, our cherished equine companions, and our outstanding staff. Special thanks to Matt Newsome, our incredible auctioneer, for enabling everyone in the room to show their generosity and support our cause.

As the evening drew to a close, a profound sense of fulfillment filled the air. Each guest departed with auction items, chocolate chip cookies, and cherished memories of a night brimming with magic, compassion, and the knowledge that they have contributed to providing Unbridled Possibilities for children and adults with special needs.

EQUUS GALA COMMITTEE
 Event Co-Chairs:  Elizabeth Sudler Sobel and Kimmie Turiansky

Alexandra Allen, Laura Bierfeldt, Erin Chesson, Jen Conway (Backshall), Elizabeth Durden, 
Amy Durling, Courtney Durling, Heather Egginton, Tara Frerich, Robin Gibson, 
Sarah Gore, Alison Irene, Karen Mikita-Kaufhold, Emily Maillet Kellogg, 
Michelle Lawse, Gretchen Lerach, Liz Maher, Priscilla Miller, Jaimie Morais, Karen Murphy, Marianne Walsh Saladino, Tanya Sameth, Chrissy Sudler, Jennifer Sudler, 
Ali Thebault Allen, Rael Welsh, Julie Yankovich

More pictures to come so check back periodically!

Friends that Share the Same Passions!

Irene Preston’s Journey to Mane Stream

Irene Preston and Karen Mikita-Kaufhold taking a break in between volunteering at the 2024 Horse Show.

Irene found Mane Stream through her love of dogs. It might seem funny that dogs brought her to Mane Stream, but really it is her relationship with Mane Stream’s Board President, that led Irene to become a volunteer. Karen and Irene became fast friends when they both got puppies, started agility training, and competed together with their pups. They are always each other’s cheerleaders! Fast forward 7 years later, they are still great friends, and now both volunteer at Mane Stream.

Volunteering has always been part of Irene’s life. Previously she served on the board of the Tewksbury Trail Association for about 15 years. Last year Irene was ready to jump back into the volunteering world, and that is when she reached out to Karen. Mane Stream seemed like the perfect fit, working with children and horses is ideal for Irene. With almost 40 hours under her belt now, Irene shared a favorite moment, “A young boy rode past me with a big smile on his face and asked if he was doing a good job.” How can you not go home feeling good about helping?! 

Irene also mentioned, “The people I meet at Mane Stream, both staff and volunteers, are amazing. They have been so supportive and welcoming. And their dedication to the participants is inspiring.” When asked what keeps you coming back, she stated, “I think what says it best is that Mane Stream has helped me as much as I have helped all of you. I feel fortunate to be part of this organization.”

And while Irene feels this way, Mane Stream is thankful that her love of dogs brought Irene to Mane Stream. Karen told us “I just knew Irene would be the perfect person to volunteer at Mane Stream because not only does she have the horse experience, but is a kind, thoughtful, and a very sweet person. As I always knew, Irene has become a fantastic, devoted volunteer for Mane Stream. It makes me so happy when we drive together to South Jersey with 7 dogs in the SUV for our agility trainings, and Irene tells me how much she loves volunteering at Mane Stream. She says it is one of the best things she decided to do. I am thrilled that it was a perfect fit for her and cannot thank Irene enough for giving her time to volunteer and help Mane Stream run their programs. Not only do we have a great friendship formed from our love of dogs, agility, and horses but now we have volunteering at Mane Stream together.”

We are very grateful for the friendship of Karen and Irene because it brought such a valuable volunteer to Mane Stream!

Our Favorite Day of the Year: Horse Show 2024

A day of smiles and accomplishments

Winners Circle

Abby Clay Rutgers Memorial Award – Daisy DeSimone
Gracie Memorial (High Point Youth Rider) - Izzy Rita
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Champion AM Adult – Emily Boehmer
Reserve Champion AM Adult – Lindsey Sabattis
Champion AM Junior – Izzy Rita
Reserve Champion AM Junior – Tess Evans
Camper Champion - Riley Santoro
Camper Reserve Champion - Nora Tackach
Champion PM Adult – Daisy DeSimone
Reserve Champion PM Adult – Josh Ciccione
Champion PM Junior – Joseph O’Leary
Reserve Champion PM Junior – Grace Iola

The Annual Horse Show, a cherished and heartwarming highlight of the year, was especially memorable this time around due to the overwhelming number of riders, sponsorship contributions, and donations pouring in daily. What better way to honor Mane Stream’s amazing riders than by enjoying a thrilling day filled with competition alongside family, friends, volunteers, staff, and our incredible horses?

On October 6th, the crisp morning air transformed into a beautiful Indian Summer day. The parking lot filled up early and remained bustling until nearly 5 PM. A generous breakfast spread, donated by Jeanne Rogalin of Midtown Direct | Keller Williams, helped kick off the day for our volunteers. The action-packed schedule was further enhanced by the Family Fun Day activity table, offering fake tattoos, pumpkin crafts, and face painting, all organized by our enthusiastic teen volunteers. Once again, we fired up the grill to provide nourishment for everyone throughout the afternoon, and BENJAMIN'S BREAD & Baked Goods added a delightful variety of baked goods made with organic flour sourced from The Farmers' Storehouse.

Once the dust settled and the generous contributions were accounted for, nearly $13,000 was raised by 41 riders and 16 sponsors! The riders who generated the most support for Mane Stream were Mary Glaser - Adult, Gemma Lawse - Youth, and Aiden Garcia - Camper. Thank you for rallying such tremendous support for your sport!

Special thanks go to our Judge, Andrea Davey, who dedicated the entire day to carefully observing each rider as they competed. In addition to ribbons awarded for each class, we also distributed 10 champion and reserve champion ribbons.

Additional gratitude is extended to our photographers: Jordan McLellan, Wolfy Nicolaides, and Brian Greenspan, who expertly captured the competitive moments and the joy shared throughout the day. Finally, the Pumpkin Patch Photo Booth, set up by Jeanne Rogalin and her son Liam, provided participants, their horses, and families with the chance to capture memorable moments together. (Stay tuned for even more photos to come!)

Thanks to Jordan McLellan Photography you can order high resolution images and prints here.

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HORSE SHOW SPONSORS
Pine Woods Farm
Red Tail Farm
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RIBBON SPONSOR
A Jersey Angel
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VOLUNTEER BREAKFAST SPONSOR
Jeanne Rogalin:
Midtown Direct Properties / Keller Williams Premier Properties
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DECOR SPONSOR
John, Kyle and Michael Roberts
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CHAMPION/RESERVE ADULT (AM) SPONSOR
Pat Colbert
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CHAMPION/RESERVE CHILD (AM) SPONSOR
The Renfer Family
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CHAMPION/RESERVE ADULT (PM) SPONSOR
The Brucker Family
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CHAMPION/RESERVE CHILD (PM) SPONSOR
Karen & Steve Kaufhold
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DIVISION SPONSORS
In Memory of Aqualonia
The Flanagan Family
The Henry-Wilson Family
The Lawse Family
Pediatric Associates of Hillsborough
The Rogalin/Peckham Family in Loving Memory of Roger Rogalin
Stilo Disposal
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MANE STREAM VOLUNTEERS
Aimee DiMeo Fine, Andrea Greenspan, Anne Davenport, Avery Boarts, Brandon Robinson, Brooke Slavitt, Charli Auerbach, Clara Wormann, Cynthia Barkman, Debi DeLorenzo, Elaine Milano, Emma Iglesias, Evie Quesada, Hannah Van Campen, Irene Preston, Janie Murphy, Karen Mikita-Kaufhold, KJ Jiritano, Leroy Hunninghake, Li Li Lin, Madison Flanagan, Mary Ellen Yen, Mike Murphy, Nancy Grossweiler, Rhea Khattar, Shannon Santoro, Tara Schweighardt, Terri Andrechick, Tess Coffey, Zan Davies
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SPECIAL THANKS
Jordan McLellan Photography
Mike (Wolfy) Nicolaides Photography
Brian Greenspan
Greg Tucker

4th Annual Holiday Portrait Fundraiser

CLICK HERE to contact Jessica Sanders and get your session scheduled!

Jessica Sanders is so excited to present the 4th annual holiday fundraiser for Mane Stream! Please see below for all of the details and email Jessica at hello@jsandersphoto.com to get your barn on the calendar!

HOLIDAY PORTRAIT DETAILS

There is a minimum requirement of 3 horses/participants per barn.

$375 per horse (or dog!) includes:

• a $50 donation to Mane Stream NJ

• your choice of black background or natural horse & rider portrait

• selection of holiday garlands

• 3 digital images for sharing online and printing up to 8x12

• 25% off all wall art, prints, and custom holiday cards

• Jessica has donated over $3,000 so far!! Thank you!

This fundraiser ends December 15th, 2024, and images will be delivered via a private password-protected online gallery within 3 weeks of session date. Check Jessica’s website out for more glorious shots!

Order Your Spirit Wear Today!

We've got something for everyone!

Remember, spirit wear isn't just for volunteering at the barn; it’s a wonderful way to showcase your pride and enthusiasm for the Mane Stream community everywhere you go. Whether you're at the gym, attending school activities, or simply going about your everyday life, our clothing allows you to represent your spirit proudly.

Take a moment to browse our collection and get shopping in support of Mane Stream. We have a nice selection of long sleeves, quarter-zips, cozy fleece, stylish vests, comfortable jackets, trendy joggers, and even some adorable beanies for you to consider!

Online Store Closes Sunday, October 20th at midnight!!

*Remember to check the size charts for each item.
**Logos will more closely match our marketing materials.