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. Adopt the Sport Manitoba Safe Sport Policy Manual (April 1, 2026).
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 requiring a provincial vote
Support for Member Clubs
MHC member Clubs have access to financial ...
Insurance Coverage
Insurance included and/or available as an option with MHC membership is provided to you through Acera 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 ...
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 ...
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, within a ...
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.
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 ...
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 ...
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 easier to ...
App Launch Marks Emergency Preparedness Week: Naylor
The Manitoba government is launching the MB Ready app and recognizing Emergency Preparedness Week from May 3 to 9 by encouraging Manitobans to take steps to ensure their families, neighbours and communities are ready in the event of an emergency, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor, minister responsible for the Emergency Management Organization (EMO), announced today.
"Emergency Preparedness Week is a reminder of the importance of preparation in helping keep all Manitobans safe, and this year we are pleased to announce the rollout of the new MB Ready app to support that effort," said Naylor. "Planning ahead makes a real difference during emergencies, and this app will help keep Manitobans informed with clear, accessible and up-to-date information."
Emergency Preparedness Week is a national initiative co-ordinated by Public Safety Canada in partnership with provinces, territories and municipalities. In Manitoba, the EMO plays a central ...
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 ...
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 ...
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.
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.
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 ...
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]
You can report an animal welfare concern by telephone or by e-mail .
Membership Information
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).
How to renew video
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) ...
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)
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.