About the MHSEA
OVERVIEW
The MHSEA is a 501(3)(c) non-profit organization that promotes equestrian disciplines as a high school team sport with an emphasis on education, citizenship and recognition of equestrian athletes.
The MHSEA program was developed in 2001 to provide young riders the opportunity to pursue a sport they love and represent their high school in “team”competition at the same time. The program emphasizes providing high school equestrians of varying levels and abilities with a positive team experience. Many MHSEA members will meet and ride at a competitive level that qualifies them for a varsity letter at their school. Other members can participate at the JV-level or as a participating member. For more information about the MHSEA Program read our MHSEA Handbook or our Program Overview.
High school students participating on an equestrian team benefit in the following ways:
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Members learn discipline and commitment as many train several days a week, year round.
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Competition helps build positive character and improves self-confidence.
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Team participation provides educational and leadership opportunities.
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Members learn the importance of community involvement and spirit through volunteerism.
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Participation may increase a member's opportunity to attend post-secondary educational institutions allowing for continued equestrian competition and scholarships. Many post secondary schools field equestrian teams.
The MHSEA program operates through separate clubs each of which is made up of high school students from a specific high school. MHSEA clubs are not sponsored by or administered by the high school or a school district, nor are they Minnesota State High School League sanctioned. The MHSEA oversees and administers each high school club and is considered an "Independent Provider" to the various schools. As such, the MHSEA must demonstrate the validity of its program and the Varsity “lettering” criteria to school Athletic and Activities Directors usually on an annual basis. The MHSEA provides all administrative support and paperwork relating to the program at no cost to the school. Riders from a school who do not have a MHSEA club can still participate in the MHSEA as part of the MHSEA Independent Club. Such riders are eligible for all MHSEA awards but will not receive any school awards.
As part of a MHSEA equestrian club, riders pursue their own riding program and training schedule. Each rider rides and trains with the trainer and within the discipline of their choosing. They compete at the level and venues determined by them and their trainer as appropriate for their financial resources, skill and competitive level. MHSEA club members are not required to ride or compete at any specified level for participation in the MHSEA. A member’s riding level and competition results are only considered in terms of year-end MHSEA awards and school lettering awards.
MHSEA equestrian clubs do not hold “practices” as a club. The equestrian clubs do not have “coaches” provided by the school but instead the MHSEA provides a trained volunteer advisor who is often a parent of a member. The MHSEA does not provide horses or arrange for lessons or competition events. MHSEA clubs hold periodic meetings throughout the MHSEA season that often involve addressing administrative tasks, attending horse related or MHSEA events, performing volunteer activities and generally promoting club camaraderie and having fun as a group. The MHSEA does organize and offer to its members various clinics and horse related events during the season.
MISSION
The MHSEA’s mission is to promote equestrian disciplines as a high school team sport with an emphasis on education, citizenship and recognition of equestrian athletes.
LEGAL STATUS
The MHSEA is a volunteer-based nonprofit corporation under Minnesota law with a January 1 – December 31 fiscal year. It is an exempt organization eligible for tax-deductible charitable contributions under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. It files a Charitable Organization Annual Report with the Minnesota Attorney General and a Form 990 annually with the Internal Revenue Service. Copies of the Annual Report and the Form 990 are available for review by contacting the MHSEA Executive Director.
FUNDING AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The Minnesota High School Equestrian Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation whose funding comes from membership fees, financial and in-kind donations, corporate contributions, and fund-raising events. The MHSEA does not receive any financial assistance or funding from the high schools that allow the MHSEA to organize equestrian teams using their names. High school equestrians participating in a MHSEA club bear the entire financial responsibility for their sport.
The MHSEA incurs a number of expenses throughout the year.
We ask each member in a MHSEA club to participate in fundraising activities (or make a tax deductible contribution instead) to help defray these costs. The following list provides examples of several of the areas in which the MHSEA incurs expenses each year:
Advisor training and background screening
Website maintenance
Member clinics and events
Merchandise
Financial assistance
State and Federal registrations and filings
Professional fees including accounting, tax and legal services
Program development including new club formation and discipline additions and modifications
Communication with participating schools
Awards and prizes
Year End Banquet
Discipline Team Challenges
Insurance
General program administration including executive director salary, printing, equipment and supplies etc.
As a Minnesota non-profit corporation, the MHSEA is required to prepare and file an annual report (Form 990). Copies of that report are available to the public and can be found on our website under the "Documents" tab.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The MHSEA board consists of volunteers and the MHSEA Executive Director. The MHSEA board members work with volunteers, high school athletic directors and the various equestrian discipline governing bodies to develop the MHSEA’s program, guidelines and overall strategic direction. We welcome your input and invite you contact any of the board members if you have questions. We invite interested individuals to apply for board membership. Board of Directors Application
Current MHSEA Board of Directors: