Learn to Ride
The following riding/driving programs are supported by MHC. Ask your coach/instructor/trainer which program they use in their lessons.
Only EC Licensed and certified coaches/instructors can evaluate riders in the EC Learn to Ride Program
Coach Directory
The Equestrian Canada (EC), Learn to Ride program is aimed at individuals who wish to become well-rounded riders, able to care for, understand and ride their horses in a correct and safe manner. The Program is available for both English and Western Disciplines. English Rider Level 1-10
Introduces the basics of horsemanship and rider skills covering the basics of riding progressing in skill and learning to Level 10 for high performance athletes. Western Rider Levels 1-4
Begins with the basics and progresses to speed and performance classes.
Buy Handbooks
The Learn to Ride program is designed to be guided by a Certified Instructor or Coach, to ensure that the concepts are clearly understood before the rider ...
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 ...
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.
This is our current Privacy Policy, last updated 22 June 2022: Privacy Policy “Organization” refers to: MANITOBA HORSE COUNCIL INC. For not-for-profit organizations in Manitoba, the privacy of personal information is governed by the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). This Policy is based on the standards required by PIPEDA as interpreted by the Organization Definitions The following terms have these meanings in this Policy: “Commercial Activity” – any particular transaction, act or conduct that is of a commercial character. “Participants” – Refers to all categories of individual members and/or registrants defined in the By-laws of the Organization who are subject to the policies of the Organization, as well as all people employed by, contracted by, or engaged in activities with the Organization including, but not limited to, employees, contractors, Athletes, coaches, instructors, officials, volunteers, managers, administrators, committee members, parents or ...
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.
Learn More
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 ...
English riding is a form of horse riding seen throughout the world. There are many variations, but all feature a flat English saddle without the deep seat, high back or saddle horn seen on a Western saddle nor the knee pads seen on an Australian Stock Saddle. Saddles within the various English disciplines are all designed to allow the horse the freedom to move in the optimal manner for a given task, ranging from classical dressage to horse racing. English bridles also vary in style based on discipline, but most feature some type of noseband as well as closed reins, buckled together at the ends, that prevents them from dropping on the ground if a rider becomes unseated. Clothing for riders in competition is usually based on traditional needs from which a specific style of riding developed, but most standards require, as a minimum, boots; breeches or jodhpurs; a shirt with some form of tie or stock; a hat, cap, or equestrian helmet; and a jacket. English riding is an equestrian discipline with many different ...
Horse Shows and Competitions
Have you thought about competing in equestrian sport? Competitions, shows and events are a great way to get involved with the horse community and test your skills.
View Competition Calendar
Do you want to compete or organize a competition?
Manitoba Horse Council offers athlete development opportunities as well as resources for clubs and organizers to host sanctioned competitions. Competitors are required to hold valid memberships in order to participate in provincial and national competitions.
Crocus Series Competitions
Manitoba Horse Council offers a grassroots competition program. Praire Crocus Rule Book 2024
Apply to host a Crocus Competition
Apply for a Guest Card
Concussion Awareness For more information on concussions, safety and riding helmets.
Learn More Accidents & Return to Sport Rule - Equestrian Canada
EC’s concussion-related Accidents & Return to Sport Rule came into effect Jan. 1, 2017 for all EC sanctioned ...
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 ...
What is the Manitoba Premises Identification program?
Prepared by Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI), the Manitoba Premises Identification program is designed to protect, plan for, and manage livestock, poultry, and equines in health and food safety emergencies by linking animals to a specific location. Examples of emergencies include disease outbreak, flood, or other disaster. The Manitoba Premises Identification (ID) program is now mandatory for equine property owners .
Only have a horse or two in your backyard? Premises identification is for all equine property owners. No herd or flock too small for a premises identification number. CLICK HERE to view the Manitoba Government article titled as such, dated December 12, 2011. How do I obtain a Premises ID number for my property?
Application Form: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/food-safety/traceability/premises-identification.html
Identifying your premises is even simpler now! We now have an application form that is ...
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Overview:
The Manitoba Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (“HBPA”), located at 3975 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3K 2E9, is looking for:
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Job Title: Horse Grooms
Term: The position is a full time temporary position for the 2019 season starting from March 1, 2019 to approximately September 9, 2019.
Horse Grooms Job Duties: -Provide daily care of horses racing at Assiniboia Downs at 3975 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3K 2E9; -Assist horse trainer with thoroughbred horse training duties -Cleaning stalls, tacking horses, horse grooming, applying medications and bandaging; -Mixing and preparing feed, detecting disease or ailments and reporting to horse owners
Hours: 35 hours per week
Experience Required -Must have on track race horse experience; -Must be able to provide a Criminal Record Check;
Language of Work: English
Wage: $13.50 / hour -no formal education required -accommodations available on grounds ...
EC announces the release of selection criteria for the 2024 FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC) in dressage and jumping. These documents outline the procedures and criteria used by EC to nominate athlete and horse combinations.
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.
Sport Manitoba is hosting three free webinars on safe sport .
BIOSECURITY: Horse health starts on the farm. Biosecurity: Measures that prevent the introduction and spread of contagious diseases.
Biosecurity planning helps to ensure that practices routinely carried out on your farm are beneficial to the health of your horse(s). By adopting the guidelines below and working with a veterinarian you can play a significant role in keeping your horses and your industry as healthy as possible.
Join MHC for this 2 day clinic on April 27 & 28th.
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.
Learn More
Join MHJA for their Summer Smiles Show on May 31-June 2 at Birds Hill Park
More information can be found: http://www.manitobahunterjumper.com/
Emergency Plans
MHC Emergency Help for Equines & Equine Owners
Manitoba Horse Council has maintained a resource list of individuals and businesses that have generously offered to aid equines and equine owners in an emergency situation (eg. flood evacuation) by providing temporary stabling / acreage for equines, or equine transportation. Note: This does not constitute emergency veterinarian care or regular situations and duties overseen by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) or city police (911)
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):
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
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]
2024 EC Temporary Coach Status Read More
Planning and Organizing a Competition Give back to your Volunteers with our Volunteer Recognition Program
Recognize A Volunteer Now!
Organizing a horse show requires long days and even longer days on the actual competition date(s). There are numerous aspects to consider when hosting a competition from deciding what types of classes you would like to offer, having the right insurance, and finding the right official to ensure fair and professional judging. At Manitoba Horse Council (MHC) we want to make your life a little easier by providing you with resources and links to information to ensure a safe and fun competition for all. What is a sanctioned competition?
Hundreds of horse shows are held across the province. While some are sanctioned (approved) by MHC or EC, others are run independently without any sort of endorsement. It is not mandatory to sanction a horse show; however, there are tangible benefits for organizers who choose to register their horse shows. Without sanctioning, EC ...
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.
The Annual General Meeting of the Manitoba Horse Council will be held via zoom on Thursday, April 25, 2024 . The meeting starts at 6:00pm .
Make Your Pitch
Interested in writing an article for the Manitoba Horse Council?
Submit your ideas
Submit Idea
E-mail completed forms to [email protected]
Membership Insurance Coverage Insurance included and/or available as an option with MHC membership is provided to you through Acera Insurance Services Ltd ., (formerly CapriCMW Insurance Services Ltd.) the licensed insurance broker and Administrator for the member insurance program. Any and all enquiries related to insurance MUST BE directed to Acera Insurance at 1-800-670-1877 (equine department). MHC is not licensed to sell or provide counsel on insurance coverage. Insurance premiums are considered fully earned on the date of purchase. Memberships and insurance products cannot be cancelled, are non-refundable and expire December 31 of the member year.
Benefits of being an MHC Member
Automatic Insurance (2023 coverage) $5,000,000 Personal Liability insurance for personal use, ownership or handling of horses. Coverage excludes commercial use of horses - please see Acera Insurance information below. Please direct questions to Acera at 1-800-670-1877 Equine Department $45,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance. Liability insurance for the non-commercial care, custody, control or transport of up to 3 non-owned horses (limits apply).
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.
Coach Grants & Resources
Sport Manitoba, its partners, as well as local and national philanthropists offer a number of scholarships annually, with the shared goal of highlighting athletic success in the province and providing opportunities for those involved in sport to continue growing within their chosen discipline.
Resources and Funding
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
MHC Equestrian Facility Rental Forms
How to Become an Official
Manitoba Horse Council recognizes both our own Provincial Officials and those who have been approved by organizations such as Equestrian Canada, AQHA, and other affiliations.
The following is a list of Upcoming Official Certification Events.
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 ...
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 ...
What is Equestrian? Getting Started P'tit Trot Program Beginning Riding Lessons English Riding Western Riding Other Disciplines Upcoming Learn to Ride Events
Learning to Ride
So your child loves horses and has expressed a desire to ride? Or maybe you as adult want to start the sport of equestrian and you are not sure where to begin?
You don’t have to incur the expenses of buying and boarding a horse to learn to ride.
Taking lessons at a facility which offers school horses can be the best way for you and yours to begin their equestrian journey.
Choosing a riding facility can seem like a daunting task but there are things you can look for and questions you can ask to help you make an informed decision. Our downloadable Guide for New Riders now available! Click to download PDF version or request a hard copy from the office. Please use the links above to get more information on how to get started on your horse journey... Further questions can be directed to the MHC office at (204) 925-5718 ...
Serving Manitoba’s Equine Community for 50 years
Manitoba Horse Council (MHC) is the not-for-profit organization representing clubs and individual members involved in equine activity in Manitoba.
MHC provides support, leadership and resources to develop all phases of equestrian sports and to improve and develop equestrian athletes in Manitoba. MHC works to promote the interests of Manitoba’s equestrian enthusiasts and clubs.
MEMBERSHIPS LEARN TO RIDE FACILITY NEWS EVENTS COACHING
Responsible Horse Ownership
Encouraging and supporting responsible horse ownership is the cornerstone of horse health and welfare. At MHC, we want to provide the information and resources horse owners need to ensure that every horse - from companion to elite athlete - thrives throughout their life. We support the work of the World Horse Welfare agency and their work to improve the lives of horses and the horse-human partnership in all of its forms. World Horse Welfare VISIT WEBSITE
Competition Organizer Resources Medication Control Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships (CIEC) Multi-Discipline Team Challenge (MDTC) Heritage Classic Show Circuit Upcoming Manitoba Competition Events Competitions and COVID-19
When competitions are once again permitted in the province, the 'Return to Competition' Protocols produced by Manitoba Horse Council are the guiding document accepted by the Province.
The Return to Competition protocols will apply whether an event is: formally sanctioned (such as EC Bronze, Silver, Gold competitions, etc.) or nominally sanctioned by MHC because it is held by an MHC member club,
Various other groups unaffiliated with MHC may find the Return to Competition protocols and documents useful. It is the document approved by the province for any equestrian/riding activity, not solely Manitoba Horse Council member events,
With the Return to Competition protocols, various elements come into play: Updated Return to Operations - Fall 2020 - ...
MHC Provincial Officials Program
Manitoba Horse Council is pleased to offer a Provincial Officials Program (POP) for those wishing to to become involved in the sport as equestrian officials. POP offers training and professional development to recruit and sustain our sport with well-trained officials.
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 ...
Bird's Hill Park Facility Used Items for Sale
Dressage Letters
Jump Cups
Dressage Ring Items
Lawn Mowers
Lockers
Jump
4 Drawer Cabinet
Stretcher
Desk and Lumber
Desk Bases
Dark Wood Desk
5 Chairs
Flat Jump Panels
Dressage Flower Containers
Metal Hook Rod