Aggie Stroot, Program Director and Business Manager of Mounted Eagles, stood before Sertoma to invite us to be a part of her program. Mounted Eagle mission statement says, “Mounted Eagles will enhance lives by providing a safe and enjoyable environment where individuals with special needs benefit from therapeutic, developmental and education equine assisted activities.” What this amounts to is offering free or low cost lessons to all types of people with what the program prefers to call “challenges”. Lessons take place at the Clare B Training Center on County Rd 22 near Brainerd.

The most moving part of the program was listening to the first “graduate” of the local program which is part of a nationwide effort, Amy Roth. When a horse walks, the movement mimics that of a human's gait, allowing Mounted Eagles' participants to feel the muscles they need to use in order to walk for themselves. As the horse moves, it is strengthening their muscles. Horseback riding also gives them a trusting friend to learn to count on. Amy has cerebral palsy and started riding horses at a very young age. She talked about the wonderful bond she formed with the volunteers who run the program as well as the animals. Amy explained that everyone emphasizes what you can “do” and puts you in the company of people you can relate to because they have challenges also. “Horses don’t judge you, they take you for what you are,” remarked Amy. Amy concluded her part of the speech by quoting the unknown author who said, “The expert in anything was once a beginner.”

Aggie took back the microphone to invite us to participate in their upcoming fundraiser called Walk n Roll which will take place on Saturday, September 18th on the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway. It includes a 5 or 12 mile walk or ½ Marathon Run which stars at the Gateway Gazebo and ends at Moonlite Bay Restaurant. Their live comedy show on Saturday September 18th at the Pequot Lakes School will feature guest celebrity Louie Anderson with all proceeds going to Mounted Eagles. Sertomans are encouraged to support the program by walking, running or attending the show. Last year’s event raised about $16,000. Sixty eight riders were able to take advantage of the program last year and they are hoping to expand. You might even consider becoming one of their volunteers. For more information about this wonderful program, go to www.mountedeagles.org.

Thanks Jeff Kozitza for taking notes. The note takers from now on will be simply whoever volunteers for the day. See Rory before the meeting to pick up the sheet; it is very self explanatory and easy to use. Only 48 or so people have to volunteer once a year to cover this task that makes Pam’s job so much easier.