Introducing NEW Camp Riding Instructors

We are thrilled to introduce our two newest Camp Riding Instructors, Abby Ehms and Lola Bordoni Liotta! Both are Centenary University trained and PATH International Certified Instructors (CTRI), bringing expertise and passion to our program. Abby and Lola are joining our Summer Camp Team to ensure we have three or more certified instructors on-site every day, all summer long. Their dedication and experience will help make this year’s summer camp an unforgettable experience for all our riders! We couldn’t be more excited to have them on board.

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LOLA BORDONI LIOTTA

Lola is a PATH International Certified Instructor (CTRI) who is joining our team this summer! Lola is a recent graduate of Centenary University, where she earned a degree in Equine Studies with a concentration in Equine-Assisted Services. During her time at Centenary, she was deeply involved with the TRAC program, gaining valuable hands-on experience. Originally from New York City, Lola has ridden recreationally throughout her life, but her passion for more competitive riding took off in college, where she competed on the IHSA and Hunter Jumper teams. On top of that, Lola is bilingual in Italian and often visits her family in Italy. She loves to travel and explore new places—especially if there are horses involved! We’re so excited to have her as part of our team!

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ABBY EHMS

Abby fell in love with horseback riding at age 11 and knew right away it was her calling! She pursued her passion through three different colleges—Cobleskill, Cazenovia, and ultimately Centenary University—where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Equine Business Management with a concentration in Therapeutic Horsemanship. It was at Centenary, as part of their Therapeutic Riding Program (TRAC), that Abby not only began her journey of teaching individuals with special needs but also earned her PATH International Certified Instructor (CTRI) credential.

Abby's ultimate goal is to open and run her own farm, much like Mane Stream! She's known for her incredibly happy, bubbly personality and is often referred to as a "ball of energy." Always eager to lend a helping hand, Abby enjoys all aspects of working with horses, from barn chores like cleaning stalls and turning out to riding and grooming. While she's been busy with barn work at Mane Stream recently, she's absolutely thrilled to start teaching for summer camp!

Welcome our Summer Camp Interns

OLIVIA, NIKHITA, SADIE

We are excited to welcome Olivia (Liv), Nikhita, and Sadie as our Summer Camp Interns for 2025! Over the next 10 weeks, these three impressive young women will be right in the heart of the action, helping to create a fun, enriching, and empowering experience for every camper who joins us at the barn.

Each intern brings a unique blend of experience, energy, and passion to the program, whether it’s a deep love of horses, a background in special needs support, or a goal to bring equine-assisted programs into their future careers. Want to know who plays three musical instruments, who’s majoring in neuroscience, and who’s been a camp counselor since high school?

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Olivia Martin is a senior at Liberty University, majoring in Family and Child Development.

Olivia “Liv” Martin

Known as Liv, this Liberty University senior is pursuing her degree in Family and Child Development with a clear passion for helping others. Liv brings with her a well-rounded background in horsemanship, having been riding since the age of fifteen, as well as solid experience in groundwork and barn chores.

Her heart for individuals with special needs is evident through her hands-on roles as a “Buddy Program Aid” and “Night to Shine Buddy” at Liquid Church in Mountainside. Coupled with several summers as a camp counselor, Liv is no stranger to the energy, flexibility, and compassion that a great camp experience requires.

After graduation, Liv plans to combine her love of horses and her dedication to service by working in the field of equine-assisted programming. She’s excited to join Mane Stream this summer, knowing this internship will not only deepen her practical experience but also help shape her future in a field she’s deeply passionate about.

Nikhita Iyer is a rising junior at Rutgers University, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Disability Studies.

NIKHITA IYER

Nikhita is a rising junior at Rutgers University, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Disability Studies. Her academic interests lie at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and disability advocacy, with a particular focus on supporting and understanding neurodivergent populations. She is committed to contributing to research that advances inclusive and accessible mental health care and education.

Following her undergraduate studies, Nikhita plans to pursue a master’s degree and Ph.D. in neuroscience. Her long-term goal is to become a research scientist and university professor, where she can combine her passion for discovery with her dedication to teaching and mentorship.

Nikhita is an animal lover and loves reading about different species. She also likes sketching, painting, and crafting. Additionally, she likes to play instruments in her free time. She can play the Piano, Clarinet, and Guitar. She is very excited to be an intern this summer and can’t wait to work with everyone!

Sadie Holgreen is studying psychology at Brookdale Community College.

SADIE Holgreen

Sadie is a 20-year-old psychology student at Brookdale Community College. Born and raised in Cedar Hills, Utah, she grew up caring for animals, especially horses, and proudly identifies as a self-proclaimed “horse girl.”

Living near Utah’s renowned American Fork Canyon, Sadie developed a deep love for the outdoors. She enjoys hiking, camping, and hunting, but her favorite activity is trail riding in the mountains. She often says there’s nothing like riding through American Fork Canyon.

Sadie also comes from a large family, which helped shape her ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Her upbringing fostered a strong sense of empathy and a passion for helping others. Known for her upbeat attitude, she strives to uplift those around her.

While researching internship opportunities, Sadie discovered Mane Stream and immediately knew it was the right fit. Her long-term goal is to open her own assisted riding program, and she sees her internship here as a meaningful step toward that dream.

Step Up for Safety!

SPONSOR A STIRRUP & REIN IN THE RISK

GOAL: $3,150 FOR 15 PAIRS OF SAFETY STIRRUPS!

June is National Safety Month, and Mane Stream is stepping up to ensure the safety of every rider, AND we need your help!

You may have heard that several major equestrian organizations, including the USA Pony Club and USEF, have or will soon officially ban Peacock stirrups* due to safety concerns. While these “safety” stirrups were once a go-to for therapeutic and adaptive riding, they’re now considered outdated and potentially dangerous.

Safety is non-negotiable at Mane Stream. That’s why we’re launching our “Step Up for Safety” campaign to raise $3,150 to replace 15 pairs of youth** Peacock stirrups with safer, approved alternatives like the Flex-On Safe-On Stirrups.

The Stirrup Challenge

Sponsor a Stirrup and help us keep our riders safe, supported, and confidently progressing in their lessons. Each sponsor will be featured on our “Wall of Thanks” in the barn.

$210 per pair of stirrups
Stirrups come in pairs, so pair up with someone to split the cost - ask a friend!

$105 per stirrup
We’ll make it happen one step at a time!

Step Up for Safety at any amount!
Help pay for shipping, tariffs, and conversion costs!

Every dollar will help us get to our goal of $3,150!

Donate now to sponsor a stirrup—or two!

Supply and Demand is a B!TCH!
Since this ban goes into effect on December 1st EVERYONE is ordering, so we need to get in the “Q” ASAP!!!

*Why the Ban? Originally designed to release the rider’s foot in a fall, Peacock stirrups have become a liability due to elastic bands that can degrade and break unnoticed, inconsistent release during a fall, and a false sense of security, especially in adaptive riding scenarios.

**Adult riders do not use peacock stirrups, though we would like to replace current stirrups with the Flex-On Safe-On stirrups in the future.

What Mane Stream Instructors are doing in the meantime! We’ve changed our policy to move the stirrup in front of the saddle before dismount.

Leadership, Self-Care & Confidence

Team Building With a Little Help from the Herd

Just last month, on a rainy morning, the barn buzzed with a new kind of energy as Mane Stream welcomed students from Passaic County Technical-Vocational School for our first-ever Team Building Field Trip!! A unique twist on our traditional field trip model, and one we hope to offer more of in the future.

What made this visit different? A collaboration between two Occupational Therapists and two Adaptive Riding Instructors who co-designed a two-hour experience focused on emotional regulation, leadership, and self-awareness, all with the horses as their guides.

Rain may have kept the group in the barn and indoor arena, but the cozy quarters worked in the students’ favor. The close setting heightened the group’s body awareness and made every interaction intentional. The day began with grooming, a sensory-rich activity that encouraged students to notice how the horses responded to different types of touch. Were the horses relaxed? Did they move closer, lean in, or give a gentle sigh? Students were encouraged to look for subtle cues and build trust through observation and care.

From there, the learning deepened. Occupational Therapist Emily Bucher, OTR/L, explained:

“We worked with the students to learn about their own emotions and think about how to best set up their day for success,” said Emily Bucher, OTR/L. “We promoted self-care skills, including mental health practices like meditation and visualization. Using the horses, we created moments that fostered leadership, confidence, groundedness, and empowerment.”

Later, the group moved into the indoor arena for a live demonstration with Cody and Joe. As the ponies entered a visually overwhelming space filled with cones, barrels, and jumps, their hesitation was clear, they scanned the ring, wide-eyed, ears flicking, and unsure. Cody even gave a few snorts as he was led toward unfamiliar objects. Students were asked to interpret the horses' body language and then reflect on their own reactions in unfamiliar settings.

 “This activity gave us a great way to talk about body language,” explained Jen Dermody, Director of Program Services and Advanced PATH Intl. Certified Instructor. “Emily helped the students connect what they observed in the horses to how they interpret and respond to new environments in their own lives.”

The students reflected on these interactions and explored questions like: What do I do when I enter an unfamiliar space? How do I prepare myself to stay grounded? The horses became mirrors, helping the students gain insights into themselves.

The learning continued with a hands-on team obstacle challenge. Volunteer Leroy Hunninghake shared, “Watching 4 groups of students build a combined obstacle course and then lead a horse through it was incredible. And to make matters even more challenging, two leaders worked together to guide the horse, with the entire group cheering them on. All of the students were totally engaged, learned a lot about horses, and were able to use both verbal and non-verbal communication between each other and their horses throughout the exercise.”

As the challenge wrapped up, a little friendly competition added a perfect finish to the day. In a surprise speed round, the group watched as Minnie, the sturdy Norwegian Fjord, raced through the course, beating the much-larger Don by more than 15 seconds, a result that brought the barn to life with cheers and laughter.

This hands-on approach helped the students see themselves in a new light, capable, self-aware, and resilient. And for the Mane Stream team, it was a deeply rewarding moment to see the potential of this new kind of field trip model come to life.

As we continue to expand how we serve schools and community groups, this team-building experience has set the bar high. One thing is certain: horses have a powerful way of connecting people to themselves and each other, and this day proved just how far that connection can go. It was a stepping stone toward self-awareness, trust, and empowerment. We can’t wait to host more programs like this in the future.

Interested in scheduling a Field Trip?
Contact jen@manestreamnj.org to learn what the options are for your trip!

It's National Safety Month!

June is National Safety Month, and it's the perfect time to remind everyone of a few very important safety tips while volunteering at the barn! These four messages come directly from our Volunteer Coordinator, Emily De Jong. Your safety, and the safety of our horses, is our top priority. If you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Emily at volunteer@manestreamnj.org. And remember, if you're ever unsure about something during your shift, your Head Barn Volunteer or any member of your volunteer team is always there to help. Let’s work together to keep our barn a safe and welcoming place for all!

CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE THE TOOLBOX

Get a refresher on all the volunteer tips, tricks, training videos and more with a visit to the…
VISIT THE VOLUNTEER TOOLBOX

What’s a DAF?

And How Can It Help Mane Stream?

A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is like a charitable savings account that allows donors to make a tax-deductible gift with ease. It’s a smart and flexible way to support causes close to your heart, especially organizations providing vital services like adaptive riding, therapy (OT, SLP), mental health counseling, and inclusive summer camp programming.

Whether you’ve supported Mane Stream in the past or are considering a new way to give, a DAF allows you to:

• Support us throughout the year, even during times of economic uncertainty.

• Recommend gifts when you’re ready, while still receiving immediate tax benefits.

• Maximize your philanthropic impact without the administrative hassle.

If you already have a DAF, recommending a grant is easy and impactful. Simply search for Mane Stream Inc. (EIN: 22-2260786) through your fund’s online portal.

Not sure where to start? Reach out to your financial advisor or visit platforms like DAF Direct or Fidelity Charitable to learn more.

Your gift can help Mane Stream grow stronger, one stride at a time.

If you have any additional questions, please contact Trish Hegeman at trish@manestreamnj,org.

Veterans Benefit from Time on the Farm

This Memorial Day weekend, we salute our veterans. Horses can be an important part of mental health sessions for everyone, especially veterans and those who have experienced major trauma.  

If you know someone who could benefit from therapy sessions with a mental health professional, please get in touch with us at 908-439-9636. Limited sessions available on Thursday afternoons.

Join the 'Rescued Hearts' Sneak Peek

You’re invited to a special virtual event this Saturday, May 10th, as part of the national Seen Through Horses campaign—our annual fundraising campaign during May, Mental Health Awareness Month, to raise awareness and critical funds for mental health and personal growth programs involving horses.

This 90-minute virtual gathering will feature:

A 20-minute sneak peek of the film Rescued Hearts that dives into the unique bond between horses and humans. Through a blend of personal stories and expert insight, this video explores how horses help people navigate trauma, grief, anxiety, and more—when words alone often fall short.

A live panel discussion with Horses for Mental Health and the filmmakers of Rescued Hearts to learn more about the video and the larger movement to expand mental health support through horses.

Saturday, May 10th at 6 PM (EST)
Via Zoom - REGISTER TO JOIN

*Can’t attend but want to support Mane Stream in raising funds for Mental Health Programming. CLICK HERE

Mental Health Sessions Available

Share the News!

May 8th is National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, and at Mane Stream, we’re proud to offer a powerful, nature-based alternative to traditional therapy settings.

Led by Dr. Lori Rockmore, a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience, our mental health services blend evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy with the healing presence of horses. From managing anxiety, ADHD, and OCD to navigating life stressors or trauma, Dr. Rockmore partners with the Mane Stream herd to create a safe, supportive space for children and teens to grow emotionally and mentally, right here in the barn and paddocks.

Sessions are non-mounted and may include grooming, observing behavior, and hands-on connection with the horses, all tailored to help clients feel seen, safe, and supported. We currently have Thursday Afternoon time slots available!!

Interested in learning more about how therapy at Mane Stream helps kids heal? Give us a call at 908-439-9636.

From Tacos to Triumph...

HOW yOU MADE FIESTA AT THE FARM A SUCCESS

Last weekend, our community came together under the big tent for a night that was vibrant, filled with purpose, and just plain fun. Fiesta at the Farm kicked off with an incredible show of spirit with guests dressed the part in festive colors, embroidered tops, and even a matador jacket! Colorful umbrellas transformed the tent into a fiesta dreamscape, thanks to the hardworking event committee and amazing volunteers who helped set the scene.

Volunteers kept the kids occupied with activities so that parents could relax and enjoy the evening. This meant that kids had just as much fun as the adults with games like Pin the Tail on Minnie (the banner, not the horse!), and the Peso Toss, plus they spent time painting our patient ponies, Minnie and Cody. But the biggest hit of the night? The epic battle with two impressively strong piñatas—a handcrafted Mane Stream logo and a bottle-shaped Teremana piñata (for adults) that finally burst open after a hilarious tag-team effort by Jen and Kelly.

And while the sky gave us a quick rain shower, it also gifted us one of those signature Mane Stream rainbows that arced beautifully over the barn and pastures, an unforgettable moment that reminded us why we gather: to celebrate and support a place that fosters independence and connection.

This year, the heart of the evening was getting to know the Mane Stream participants themselves. Many guests spoke directly with participants and their families, while others scanned QR codes that linked to personal stories shared online. These powerful moments reminded everyone why they came: to help raise vital funds for our programs and for the daily care of the incredible horses that make our mission possible.

And a big shout out to The Food Architects’ flavorful Mexican-themed menu (shrimp with mango salsa was the fan favorite!). Guests sipped a variety of margaritas courtesy of Teremana Tequila, and mocktail lovers enjoyed our Orange Fiesta Fizz and Zippy Lemonade—both youth- and adult-approved.

Midway through the evening, guests took a break to catch the Kentucky Derby on the big screen and were blown away by a surprise performance by mentalist Jesse Dameron, whose card tricks and uncanny predictions left jaws on the floor. Minds = blown!

The Kentucky Derby broadcast brought everyone together for a thrilling pause in the evening, and guests gathered to cheer for their favorites. Meanwhile, our year-old tractor and utility vehicle were displayed proudly as a thank you to last year’s donors whose generosity during the 2024 paddle raise made those much-needed purchases possible.

We ended the night on a high note as our 50/50 raffle winner, Kimmie Turiansky, generously donated her entire winnings back to Mane Stream! That incredible gesture, along with ticket sales, silent auction, and donations throughout the night, raised essential funds that will directly support our therapy programs, adaptive riding, summer camp, and horse care. It’s not too late to show your support - Click Here!

From the tiniest piñata whack to the biggest community impact, Fiesta at the Farm was a night to remember. Thank you to everyone who joined, supported, and celebrated. We’re already dreaming about next year—stay tuned for the theme and date, because you won’t want to miss it!

thank you event sponsors!

Don Julio - $3,500
Red Tail Farm

Patron - $1,000
The Cavalero Family
The Durden Family
The Greifeld Family
Karen & Steve Kaufhold
The Sudler Family Foundation
The Turiansky Family

EVENT VOLUNTEERS
Neeve Canniffe, Tess Coffey, Catherine Costa, Debi DeLorenzo, Juliet Dermody, Lily Fosburgh, Nancy Grossweiler, Leroy Hunninghake, Amy Mahoney, Karen Zavaglia

EVENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Tina Corcoran, Laura Edelson, Nancy Grossweiler, Karen Kaufhold, Jordan McLellan, Kerry Scholz, Michele Stevens, Laurie Willard, Dara Woitkowski, Mary Ellen Yen

Special thanks to Wolfy Nicolaides who volunteered his photography services, providing these great shots for your enjoyment.