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 ...
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 ...
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.
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 ...
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 ...
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, ...
P'TIT TROT Western Riding Lessons for Young Kids AGES 6 to 12 - with little or no riding experience
The P’tit Trot program provides children with a pleasant introduction to horseback riding. Depending on the program enrollment level of the participant, some of the learning components may include: grooming, hoof care, general horse care, basic tack, parts of the saddle, adjusting a halter, colors, breeds, how to mount the horse, sitting trot, and transitions between the gaits. Each level has both a theoretical and practical component that participants must learn by the end of the level to move on to the next. Each level focuses on specific components of riding and more importantly, on taking care of the participants’ new friend—the horse! As each component is learned, participants progress to the point where they are able to master a specific skill. Games are incorporated into each component providing the riders the opportunity to learn by playing. Participants will be required to wear appropriate ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Submit your questions to our vet's Dr. Chris Bell & Dr. Neil Versavel.
Your questions will be included in our interview with these vets and aired on May 2 & May 16
See more information here.
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 ...
Upcoming Events
Submit your event by clicking HERE!
MHC wants to encourage everyone participating in a clinic to check your clinicians credentials. This calendar includes events sponsored by MHC as well as those run independently in order to give our members a comprehensive look at events across the province.
Please click on the calendar event to see more information.
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 ...
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.
MHC Equestrian Centre Facilities
MHC is hiring for the summer!
Work at the Equestrian Facility in Birds Hill Park. Stall cleaning after horse shows, general ground maintenance including mowing, trimming, painting and repairs. Up to 30 hours per week. $18/hr. If you are between ages 18-30, have farm experience, and transportation to and from BHP, you may be the person we're looking for! Contact Kelly by text at 204-799-5941
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 ...
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
2024 EC Temporary Coach Status Read More
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.
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.
Two new directors and five incumbents were elected to the MHC Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting on April 25, 2024.
MHC represents over 2,000 equine enthusiasts
Equestrians love their horses and the industry. It's important to us that we support them as much as we can so they can help make the horse industry thrive in Manitoba.
If you feel that your business is a good fit and have products or services our members can benefit from, we'd love to hear from you. We’ll work with you to set up marketing opportunities that’ll highlight your business to our community.
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).
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)
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 ...
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 ...
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