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, ...
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 ...
MHC Provincial Officials
All MHC Officials are required to complete their application on a yearly basis (resetting on January). If you are an EC, CHA, AQHA, etc judge you can be used as a judge in the province with a guest card. If you are NOT on this list, but should be complete the form below. Lynne Miller-General Performance Judge & Hunter Jumper Judge [email protected]
Shandi Jonasson-General Performance [email protected]
Jane Haglund-Scott-Hunter Jumper Judge [email protected] Ashely Fudge-Dressage Judge [email protected] Application to become an Official Equestrian Canada Officials Directory
To find an official for your next event
Check the Directory
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 ...
Join Southern Manitoba Working Equitation for their Virtual Show on May 1-31.
Location: Online
Contact: Tracy Procter [email protected]
More information: Southern Manitoba Working Equitation is hosting a Virtual Working Equitation Show from May 1st - 31st. Video your ride during the month of May.. Ease of Handling and Dressage only, no speed. Email for the course map. Test levels 1 - 5 can be submitted to Pam Vust, WECan "B" Judge $25 per test. If you would like us to video your ride we will be at SIRAS Show Grounds on May 25th! We will have the EOH obstacles set up according to the test map. Dressage ring will be ready too. Email for more information
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
Member Clubs in Manitoba
Below is an alphabetical order listing of member clubs belonging to Manitoba Horse Council. Contact these clubs for more information on their equestrian activities, how to join, etc. Club Memberships and insurance
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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
Download our Facility Brochure
Contact the Manitoba Horse Council office at (204) 925-5719 or email [email protected]
Continuing Education Opportunities Registered Coach Status will disappear by the end of 2024
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.
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 ...