Horse Week is held annually to promote and celebrate Manitoba's thriving horse industry. A wide range of activities are held across the province, including trail rides, horse shows, charity events and open houses to allow horse enthusiasts and the public alike to celebrate horses! Everyone is encouraged to participate.
All events, regardless of size, take place in the first two weeks of June can apply for Horse Week status and be promoted through MHC.
MHC Horse Week objectives:
Create Awareness
Promote economic impact and significance of Manitoba’s horse industry
Endorse horse welfare
Promote the variety of breeds and disciplines
Provide Education
Identify the benefits that horses and riding provide
Teach the importance of safety around horses
Recognize the importance of recognized riding schools and certified instructors/coaches
Increase Participation
Encourage and increase the practice of equestrian sport and recreation activity in Manitoba and Canada ...
A Reward Program for Recreational Riders and Drivers
MHC wants to reward our recreational members of all ages for having fun with their horses!
How to earn rewards: Hold a recreational MHC membership Submit your hours by using our Ride & Drive submission form
Register
Basic Horsemanship & Trail Riding
A Guide to Basic Horsemanship and Trail Riding in Canada is a discovery tool and reference intended for anyone wishing to learn and share in the world of recreational and trail riding. It covers the trail riding techniques and practices that allow riders to safeguard the horse’s physical and mental health while experiencing an unforgettable adventure in the great outdoors.
To purchase this publication, contact MHC at [email protected]
Use the Trails Guide from your phone!
Click the button below to access this great feature!
Join Us Today ! Take a Peek
Promoting safe road sharing for horses and vehicles
Hand Signals used by Horse Riders According to Manitoba’s Highway Traffic Act, horse riders and drivers of horse-drawn carriages have the same right to use the road as other users and must follow the same rules, but many motorists, bikers, cyclists and other road users are unaware of their own responsibilities in road sharing.
Long-Term Equestrian Development 2.0 Information
Horses inspire, motivate, engage and reward us.
LTED 2.0 is an athlete development model built upon proven sport principles and customized to equestrian athletes. It provides a clear and effective pathway for all equestrian athletes - regardless of age, experience, or discipline - to enjoy equestrian sport, whether they aim to compete for Canada on the world stage, or ride, drive or vault recreationally.
LTED is not only about building successful high-performance athletes, but also about ensuring the highest quality riding experience for every person engaged in equestrian sport, including riders with disabilities.
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Athlete Development Grants Athlete Development Resources
Horses inspire, motivate, engage and reward us. The Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) & Long Term Equestrian Development (LTED) models strives to cement the lifelong relationship between horse and athlete. As models, LTAD and LTED provides the Canadian equestrian community with a vision to help us improve our infrastructure, programs and initiatives to ensure the best opportunities are available for all athletes and participants – whatever their personal goals or stage of development. It serves as our true north.
Long-Term Equestrian Development 2.0 Information: Horses inspire, motivate, engage and reward us. LTED 2.0 is an athlete development model built upon proven sport principles and customized to equestrian athletes. It provides a clear and effective pathway for all equestrian athletes - regardless of age, experience, or discipline - to enjoy equestrian sport, whether they aim to compete for Canada on the world stage, or ride, drive ...
Manitoba Horse Council recommends that you research qualifications of potential coaches before you select one. The Manitoba Horse Council implements its coaching program under the instruction and umbrella of the National Equestrian Canada / National Coach Certification Program (NCCP).
The Associations or Organizations certifying the coaches below do not provide NCCP certification; however, they do give entry to coaching certification under EC. Certified Horsemanship Association
To promote excellence in safety and education for the benefit of the entire horse industry. This is accomplished by certifying instructors, accrediting equine facilities and publishing educational resources.
For more information: Certified Horsemanship Association Canadian Pony Club
See website for listings for Canadian Pony Club coaches: www.canadianponyclub.org
Se website for listings for Manitoba Pony Club coaches www.Canadianponyclub.org/Manitoba/
Canadian Pony Club is a member-based association, managed by ...
Support for Member Clubs
MHC member Clubs have access to financial assistance through various programs and grants: $2,500 Annual Recreation Grant in total to approved projects. Applications may be received from Member Clubs and individual members for projects designed to aid and enhance the development of recreation-specific projects. MHC's Provincial Clinic Support program is designed to aid Clubs in providing high-caliber clinics and workshops to its members, subject to a maximum available per approved clinic/Club in a calendar year. Program Support Grants available twice each year to support club activities such as clinics, competitions, volunteer awards, bursaries, and equipment purchase/maintenance. The grants are funded by Sport Manitoba and MHC is responsible for reporting activities in a way which supports the Integrated Funding Formula applied by annually by MHC.
Club Memberships
Membership of Manitoba Horse Council's (MHC) club network is for provincial, regional, and local equine organizations which engage in the promotion and development of equestrian sport and recreation activities in Manitoba and which meet the following criteria:
1. Minimum of 10 members;
2. Not-for-profit, volunteer based and democratic;
3. Written constitution;
4. Regular meetings;
5. Elections of directors and officers;
6. Maintain financial records which are available on request to MHC.
7. Agrees to Dispute Resolution as mandated by Sport Manitoba;
8. Agrees to Safe Sport policies and principles for competition as mandated by national sporting body.
Equine clubs are the foundation of Manitoba Horse Council and receive one vote per issue at the MHC Annual General Meeting and/or Council of Clubs. Some items subject to voted approval of MHC member Clubs include: Election of MHC Board of Directors Approval of MHC By-Law change Provincial or local issues National issues ...
The Daring of Driving
Driving is an unmounted equestrian discipline in which one or more horses pulls the driver(s) in a carriage. Like all equestrian disciplines, driving can be for recreation and pleasure, or for sport. Competitive driving competitions include four-in-hand, pairs, singles, and tandems. There are 3 types of driving competitions: presentation/dressage, marathon, and obstacle driving. A popular combination of these is called Combined Driving.
Combined Driving is the equivalent to ridden eventing (see English), testing the horse and driver’s courage, stamina, and versatility. The three phases include: Dressage (see above) in which the horse, while pulling a carriage, must demonstrate a series of movements and demonstrate willingness, obedience, balance, and suppleness; Marathon in which there are several phases, including the navigation of obstacles over varied terrain where each obstacle has a start and finish and is timed separately; and Obstacles (cones) in which the carriage, ...
Join horse enthusiasts across the country supporting the interests of equestrian sport, recreation and industry.
The Manitoba Horse Council (MHC), along with 10 other provinces and territory, is a Provincial/Territorial Sports Organization (PTSO) member in good standing with Equestrian Canada (EC).
To be eligible to apply for Equestrian Canada Competitive Sport Licenses, enter into the EC Learn to Ride, Coaching, and Official Certification and Recognition programs, purchase EC Horse Passports, and access other EC programs, Manitobans must first be a member of MHC.
Latest News
Watch this space for the latest News and Notices on horse happenings in Manitoba and Canada. Events
Use our "Submit Your Event" form to add your club/local events to the MHC Events Calendar on /Events-All .
We also want as much input from Manitoba clubs (and others) so please send news releases, award winners, show results etc to [email protected] . We will use this news as part of our local news pages in The Canadian Horse Journal and website. We can also share your news with our Facebook pages. We are here to promote YOUR club!
Tick Season!
Get help on identifying ticks, recognizing signs and symptoms of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, and when, where and how to report.
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Mid-Week Group Riding at the Equestrian Facility (Mondays - Thursdays starting at 4:30pm) $100/evening - 1-10 horses $10/horse - more than 10 horses
Enjoy a group ride in the sand ring while enjoying the beauty of Birds Hill Park. Whether it’s a guided practice with ...
Club Membership
Equine clubs are the foundation of Manitoba Horse Council and receive one vote on any issue at the MHC Annual General Meeting and/or Council of Clubs meetings. Some items subject to voted approval of MHC member Clubs include: • Provincial or local issues • National issues requiring a Provincial vote • Election of MHC Board of Directors • Approval of MHC By-Law changes
Membership of Manitoba Horse Council's (MHC) club network is for provincial, regional, and local equine organizations (need not be based in Manitoba) which engage in the promotion and development of equestrian sport and recreation activities in Manitoba and which meet the following criteria: 1. Have a minimum of 10 members; 2. Are not-for-profit, volunteer based and democratic; 3. Have a written constitution; 4. Hold regular meetings; 5. Hold elections of directors and officers; 6. Maintain financial records which are available on request to MHC. Membership benefits
Benefits to a club are ...
2024 Membership Options
Join Us! Memberships and optional insurance coverage run from January 1st-December 31st each year. Each member in good standing with MHC receives Member Liability Insurance and Included Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance. Competitive Memberships
For anyone competing in horse shows/events Youth (under 18) $58/year Adult (18+) $69/year Golden (70+) $55/year
Recreational Memberships: For those who are not competing - lesson students, hacking in your own arena, riding or driving on your own or with friends, camping or on trails! All ages $47/year Family Memberships: For families with multiple riders; can be two adults, or an adult and a youth (under 18) all living at the same address. $20/youth after the first two members Competitive $138/year (2 adult memberships) + $20/youth Recreation $94/year (2 recreation memberships) + $20/youth Friends of Horses: For those non-horse owners who participate in equine activities occasionally. For people wanting to support ...
Manitoba Horse Council Equestrian Facility
The Horse Council operates a 40-acre outdoor equestrian showgrounds in beautiful Birds Hill Provincial Park, Manitoba.
Interested in booking the facility?
Booking Request
Other Documents Facility Amenities Rules of Use Birds Hill Park Map Equestrian Facility Map Barn A Stabling Layout Barn B Stabling Layout EC Guidelines for Equine Competition and Training During Extreme Environment Conditions
Become A Member
If you are a brand new member OR have been a MHC member in the past who has not used the online membership system before, please create an initial User Name and Password by using the Sign Up page ( you'll be asked to create an account by providing basic contact information):
MHC Equestrian Centre Facilities
Manitoba Horse Council owns and operates its Equestrian Facility in beautiful Bird's Hill Provincial Park, Manitoba.
The MHC Equestrian Facility is built on approximately 40 acres of land leased from the Provincial government. It has undergone numerous upgrades over past years to ensure this 1967 and 1999 Pan American Games site remains current - not only for equestrian enthusiasts but for all who visit. Interested in booking the Facility for an event, competition, clinic, or camp?
Facility Rentals
Contact the Manitoba Horse Council office at (204) 925-5719 or email [email protected]
Discover your Manitoba Horse Council
Manitoba Horse Council (MHC) is a not-for-profit organization representing 23 clubs and 1900 individual members involved in equine activity in Manitoba. MHC is the recognized provincial/territorial sport organization for equestrian sport in Manitoba.
Athlete Scholarships & Grants
Scholarships
R.D. Payne Equine Scholarship
A $1,000 scholarship is awarded to an individual striving to advance their equestrian abilities and, ultimately, pursue a career in the equine industry. Deadline to apply: 4:30 p.m. Second Friday in September.
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Just starting out or getting back in the saddle?
Whether you are ready to take your first lesson, or are interested in finding a new place to ride, Manitoba Horse Council is here for you! We understand that the journey into horse sports can be overwhelming, and we want to help simplify the process. Below you will find a collection of links to help you step into the equestrian world.
It is never too late to rekindle your love of horses. If you’re thinking about getting back into the saddle after some time away, you’re not alone – over half of current riders have chosen to take a prolonged period of time out of the saddle at some point, so you're in good company.
It doesn’t matter whether you’ve all but forgotten how to ride or you’ve just taken a short break, there’s a place to get back in the saddle at whatever level you want.
Horse riding is a great way to socialize, learn new skills and boost your sense of wellbeing. While riding may feel daunting, with the right horse and ...
Researching A Coach
Manitoba Horse Council recommends that you research the qualifications of potential coaches before you select one. Manitoba Horse Council implements its coaching program under the instruction and umbrella of the National Equestrian Canada / National Coach Certification Program. Equestrian Canada/NCCP Coach Directory
Find a Coach
The Associations or Organizations certifying the coaches below do not provide NCCP certification; however, they do give entry to coaching certification under EC.
Riding Helmet Safety Here's why you need your ASTM/SEI approved helmet for every ride:
An injured brain does not heal like a broken bone. Even seemingly insignificant head injuries can have serious long-term effects.
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NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR AN AWARD Recognizing and celebrating excellence is a way to boost our collective confidence and motivation. The Manitoba Horse Council Annual Awards honour the achievements of deserving members within our equine community. These awards are a way to acknowledge those individuals who make a positive difference to our community and those who make significant strides in their discipline. The Awards committee encourages those submitting nominations to include as much detail as possible to help define their nominee’s impact and achievement. Download criteria Nomination Deadline: October Award Nomination Forms: EC Licensed Coach of the Year MHC Provincial Coach of the Year Athlete of the Year (Adult and Youth) Sportsperson of the Year Volunteer of the Year Equine of the Year (Sport and Non-sport) Facility/Stable of the Year Official of the Year MHC Legacy Award General Requirements
Nominations are only accepted through the online nomination forms. Nominators must be MHC members, or the ...