Mile's End Equine Assisted Learning Center

We are a not-for-profit organization that provides riding programs to individuals with disabilities (physical, mental or emotional). We also offer programs for children at-risk.

Safety is our primary concern and we use trained volunteers to insure a safe and fun ride for each student.

"We believe that riding should be available to everyone. With a variety of interests, we come together over our common love of horses and our desire to make riding available to all those who are interested. There are many dedicated volunteers who help achieve our goal."

Dianne Montague, Executive Director, started riding when she was 4 and has over a 50 years riding experience competing in three-day eventing, horse shows and barn management. She has been a NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped) instructor for three years.

She saw the need for therapeutic riding in the community and how horses could help build self-esteem. During the training to become a NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped) certified instructor she learned the benefits of horseback riding for physical disabilities. Besides improving self-confidence the movement of the horse tones muscles,improves balance, head control and coordination.

We have a very involved board:

Our president is Tom Johnson, who was a trustee of the National Horse Sports Foundation. The National Horse Sports Foundation sponsored a therapeutic riding program in partnership with George Washington Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. During his 50 years of involvement with the National Horse Show, Mr. Johnson was director for 20 years and secretary for 13 years.

Our vice president Sheila Sanders, who graduated from Southern Methodist University with a degree in Speech Pathology. She has raised and shown horses for about 40 years and have a farm, Thistlerose Farm, in Mississippi where she raises warm bloods for the dressage ring and Missouri fox trotters for pleasure. Her philosophy is "Live and help live." She says that she have been very fortunate in life and would like to share my good fortune with others.

She believe strongly in the benefit of animals in our lives and sincerely think that working with horse will promote healing in many levels of our lives.

Our Secretary/Treasurer is Doug Harders, who is currently owner and President of Roberts Douglas & Co., Inc.; a retail gift and home accessories concern in Millbrook, NY. He has held this position for the past 10 years. In addition, he is a licensed realtor in the State of New York. Prior to this Mr. Harders was Senior Vice President of Human Resources for The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. in New York City. Here he was responsible for all personnel concerns for Chase's Consumer Financial Services businesses which encompassed over 10,000 people worldwide. Mr. Harders also serves on the Board Of Directors of The Grace Smith House in Poughkeepsie, NY - an organization which provides services and shelter to vistims of domestic abuse.

Rebecca Seaman has both experience with 501 (c) 3s over the years and is currently on the board of the Dutchess Land Conservancy and she is also on the Pleasant Valley Town Planning Board. Rebecca, also, has over 30 years experience with horses. She runs her own barn, breeds horses and competes in triple A horses and events at the higher levels.

Dianne Montague completes the board.