our mission

The Mane Stream mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with physical, developmental, emotional, and medical challenges through a diverse program of equine assisted activities, therapy services, and educational initiatives.

our history

In 1972 Mane Stream was founded by Octavia Brown on her Bedminster, New Jersey farm as the Somerset Hills Handicapped Riders Club and the 2nd center of its kind in the United States.  It has grown considerably from the original three horses and six riders.  In 1994, with a grant from the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, the organization was able to purchase a twelve-acre farm in Oldwick, New Jersey.  SHHRC initiated a capital campaign in 1996 and began construction of the new facility in 1999 and was completed in 2001. Shortly after, the name was changed to Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center.

Initially, SHHRC offered one program, adaptive horsemanship. In the spring of 1995, the organization expanded its services to include physical and speech-language therapy. Today, clients have access to diversified equine programs, including adaptive horsemanship, a day camp for all abilities, and therapy services including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language therapy, counseling services, as well as school and vocational programs.

In January 2012, the new name “Mane Stream” was adopted to reflect our growth, the new services that we provide, and the people that we serve. The expansion of Mane Stream’s activities indicates that the organization is satisfying a need in the community. The significant support, both in financial contributions and volunteer commitment, that Mane Stream enjoys indicates the organization also has a high approval rating in our service area.