Who We Are
The MHC Foundation’s purpose is to provide funding for the charitable activities and priorities of the Minnesota Horse Council. MHC Foundation is recognized by the IRS as a charity under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Programs
The MHC Foundation supports the programs of the Minnesota Horse Council. If horses are your passion, consider supporting these initiatives and the development of new ones with a donation or bequest by including MHC Foundation in your estate plan.
MHC Foundation invites you to learn about MN Horse Council programs:
- Minnesota Horse Expo which brings thousands of horse-related vendors, professionals and enthusiasts to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds every April.
- Trail Blazers With help from trail riders and volunteers, we work with MN DNR personnel to repair trails and improve horse camping facilities at our state parks and forests.
- We work on state legislative issues and with local governments on laws and rules that affect the keeping of horses, their use, and sale.
- Scholarships are presented each year to applicants working on equine related degrees.
- Grants and Direct Funding awards
- Disaster relief when horses need immediate space, feed and care due to natural disasters.
- Certify qualified stables throughout the state to promote quality and safety in the stable industry as well as “Pride in Ownership”.
- Aisle of Breeds at the Minnesota State Fair.
- We recognize outstanding horse people in the state with our Horseperson of the Year Award and our Pioneer Award
- Unwanted Horses in Minnesota.
- Sponsorships
More information about MHC charitable programs is available on the Minnesota Horse Council website.
Board of Officers
Sandra (Sandy) Helgeson
MHCF – CEO
MHC Director
MHC Horse Expo Board
MHC Banquet Committee
Sandy has over 50 years of owning and showing horses. As a teenager she rode trails and showed at WSCA shows. As an adult she has shown Arabians, and National Show Horses. Sandy currently shows Saddlebreds.
Sandy is a retired IT Project Manager, having managed moderate to multi-million dollar projects for small to large corporations and educational systems.
As a volunteer she has provided leadership in fundraising and development within several organizations. Sandy has a home farm where 5 horses currently reside. Two horses are currently in training.
Barbara Miller-Fleishhaker
MHCF CFO
MHCF Compliance Officer
MHC Bookkeeping/Accounting
Barbara has a diverse background in both for profit and non-profit organizations, with experience in various roles such as director, manager, and chief operating/financial officer. Her career includes turnaround management, small business, operational streamlining, servant leadership, and process improvement.
As a certified animal emergency disaster responder, she has a passion for social issues, particularly canine and equine rescue. With a BA in Business Administration, she has a strong foundation in finance and management, as well as experience in event planning and training. She currently serves as a contractor, providing full charge bookkeeping and supporting accounting functions for MHC.
Barbara also has a certification as a lay Christian minister.
Valerie McCullough
MHCF Secretary
Valerie has had a life-long love of horses. At 8 years old, dressed in pink from head to toe, she attended her first show riding her Welsh pony, Toby. Her dad bred and raised Arabians, her husband raised Quarter Horses, and she helped a friend to breed and raise Morgans. No matter what the breed, Valerie loves and appreciates the power and majestic beauty of the horse.
Professionally, Valerie is the Chief Operating Officer for a national, non-profit organization. She oversees finance, human resources, grants administration, compliance, information technology, and facilities. Valerie earned her Masters of Business Administration from University of Phoenix and Bachelor of Science Business Administration degree from Arizona State University and is certified in Six Sigma process improvement.
Committed to animal welfare, Valerie is also the Board Chair for a Minnesota based animal rescue organization. She has also previously served on horse association boards and committees.
Allison Eklund
Volunteer Advisor / Legal Counsel
Allison Fabyanske Eklund has practiced law in Minnesota since 1998. With a background in litigation and Federal Indian law, she started Eklund Law, PC in 2007 to focus on equine law and business advocacy, family legacy lands, and consulting with small businesses and nonprofits. Her “cowboy-and-Indian” law practice includes lobbying for equine business interests on behalf of the Minnesota Horse Council and serving as staff attorney for the Minnesota Horse Expo. She has been instrumental in passing property tax legislation favorable to equestrian property owners. She advises, represents, and helps create equine businesses and nonprofits to encourage best practices and support a thriving horse industry in Minnesota.
If you are interested in serving on MHC Foundation’s Board of Officers, please get in touch using our contact form to request information.