Getting Started with Horseback Riding
No matter your age, taking lessons at an equestrian facility that offers riding lessons on school horses is one of the best ways to begin your equestrian journey. With the right instruction, you will learn the basics safely, build confidence, and develop good riding habits from day one.
Choosing a riding facility can feel overwhelming—but a little research (and a few helpful questions) can make it much easier to find the right fit.
Find a Coach
Finding a qualified, certified coach is central to your equestrian journey. A coach provides expert guidance, personalized training plans, and support as you work toward your goals.
Equestrian Canada's national coaching database lists all certified, active coaches across Canada:
Find a Coach
What to Look for in a Coach
When choosing a coach, consider their certification, experience, and teaching style. A certified coach has completed specific training and has met nationally recognized standards to coach ...
NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR AN AWARD
Nominate someone who makes our equestrian world safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring.
The Manitoba Horse Council Awards shine a light on individuals and groups whose dedication, teamwork, and compassion elevate our community—whether through leadership, mentorship, innovation, or outstanding service. By nominating others, you help recognize everyday actions that build trust, foster growth, and celebrate our shared passion for horses. Together, let's tell the stories of those making a difference and inspire others to contribute their best.
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 for 2025/26: September 1
NEW FOR 2026/27 Award Nomination Categories (2026):
1) Legacy Award
2) Equine Welfare Award
3) Volunteer Awards - Industry, Recreation, and Sport
4) Athlete Award
5) Coach
Nominate Today
General ...
Scholarships and Bursaries now available
The Manitoba Foundation for Sports (MFFS) scholarships, Coaching Manitoba bursaries, and Fleming Family Hockey Coach scholarship applications are now available online for review. Please review each application to find your best fit.
Check this link for more information
For best results, First Name, Last Name and Personal Email must be a perfect match with what is in the database.
Questions? Contact the office.
Western riding in North America originated from the Spanish conquistadors in the 17th Century. As the conquistadors traveled to what is now Texas and California, this style of riding began to spread across the continent.
Both equipment and riding style evolved to meet the working needs of the cowboy in the American West. American cowboys needed to work long hours in the saddle over rough terrain, sometimes needing to rope cattle with a lariat (or lasso). Because of the necessity to control the horse with one hand and use a lariat with the other, western horses were trained to neck rein, that is, to change direction with light pressure of a rein against the horse's neck. Horses were also trained to exercise a certain degree of independence in using their natural instincts to follow the movements of a cow, thus a riding style developed that emphasized a deep, secure seat, and training methods encouraged a horse to be responsive on very light rein contact.
Though there are significant differences in ...
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) ...
This is our current Terms of Service, last reviewed 20 September 2022
Terms of Service
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.
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 accredited ...
Every equestrian journey begins with learning.
LearnTo , developed by Equestrian Canada and the provincial/territorial equestrian sport organisations, is the national learning framework that provides clear, progressive pathways for athletes and participants of all ages and experience levels. It builds practical skills, confidence, knowledge, and a lifelong commitment to horse welfare.
Wherever your journey takes you, LearnTo helps you create a strong foundation for safe, enjoyable, and rewarding experiences with horses.
LearnTo is made up of learning streams that work together to support your equestrian journey.
LearnToCare
The foundation of all equestrian sport is understanding how to handle and care for horses. LearnToCare develops the essential knowledge and practical skills needed for safe horse handling, daily care, health, welfare, and stable management. It can be completed alongside other LearnTo streams or as a standalone learning pathway for anyone who wants to build confidence around ...