Board of Directors and Key Staff

Board of Directors and Key Staff

24/7. That, in a nutshell, describes the commitment our staff and Board of Directors give to People Helping Horses. A consuming love for the horses in our care and the skill and training needed to insure that we stay true to our mission is what sets our people apart. It takes a truly special individual to handle the often exhausting and emotionally challenging work that we do. We’re privileged to have found so many who stretch the boundaries of what’s do-able every single day.

Gretchen Salstrom- President

Founder and Executive Director

Raised in Southern California, Gretchen Salstrom has owned horses since her teens, purchasing her first two- year-old at 15. She spent several years in the early 80’s breeding, raising, and showing Halter and Youth Event Quarter Horses. After a hiatus spent in corporate America, Gretchen returned to equine life. Her love of horses and a desire to help others in the equine industry inspired her to start People Helping Horses.



Casey Payne- Director

Board of Directors

Casey L. M. Payne is a small business owner, aesthetician, wife, parent, and horse advocate. A graduate of Western Washington University, she has a bachelor of arts degree in communications. Casey lives in Arlington, Washington with her husband and two children. In her free time, she enjoys kayaking, reading, cooking, and participating in community service projects. As a member of the PHH Board of Directors, Casey hopes to both bring increased awareness to the plight of abused horses and encourage others to get involved and help.



John Martinotti- Treasurer

A graduate of George Fox University with 25 years of IT industry experience, John Martinotti is also an accomplished artist and commercial photographer. He has had the honor of appearing in many prestigious publications, including B&W Magazine, SilverShotz, Camera Arts, and Rangefinder, as well as PSN, the official publication of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. John was also recently featured on MSNBC.  Following a love of preserving a fogotten way of life, John decided to make a difference sitting on the PHH Board of Directors.

We are always interested in additional, active Board of Directors Members; if you are intersted in serving for this inspiring cause, please don’t hesitate to contact us @ info@peoplehelpinghorses.org.