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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) ...
With clear levels, defined progression, and accessible resources, the new LearnTo Program helps horse lovers understand where they are and what comes next.
Resources will be available in both print and digital formats to support learning from coast to coast and everywhere in between.
Supported by EC NCCP Certified Coaches, you can move forward with confidence and encouragement.
This is where the journey begins. Bookmark this page to keep updated as the program launches.
Only EC licensed and NCCP certified coaches/instructors can evaluate riders in the EC Learn to Ride program
Coach Directory
Wish to be evaluated?
Complete the Candidate Application Form .
Are you a facility who wishes to host an evaluation?
Complete the Host application Form.
Are you a coach who is wanting to evaluate their own students?
Complete the Instructor/Coach Evaluation Application form
BUY Manuals
The Learn to Ride program is designed to be guided by a Certified Instructor or Coach, to ensure that the concepts are ...
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 ...
Just starting out or getting back in the saddle?
Whether you are ready to take your first lesson, or are interested in finding a new place to ride, Manitoba Horse Council is here for you! We understand that the journey into horse sports can be overwhelming, and we want to help simplify the process. Below you will find a collection of links to help you step into the equestrian world.
It is never too late to rekindle your love of horses. If you're thinking about getting back into the saddle after some time away, you're not alone – over half of current riders have chosen to take a prolonged period of time out of the saddle at some point, so you're in good company.
It doesn't matter whether you've all but forgotten how to ride or you've just taken a short break, there's a place to get back in the saddle at whatever level you want.
Horse riding is a great way to socialize, learn new skills and boost your sense of wellbeing. While riding may feel daunting, with the right horse and support to give you ...
Serving Manitoba's Equine Community for over 50 years
Register Today
The Manitoba Horse Council (MHC) acts as the provincial governing body for equestrian sport and industry, championing representation, promotion, and advancement of all equine interests.
Serving 2,000+ members, 5,000 horses, and 21 clubs, MHC contributes to the social, physical, emotional, and economic vitality of Manitoba's equestrian sector. Our programs and clubs provide education, competition, and community to riders across the province. Recognized as a provincial sport organization, MHC gratefully acknowledges Sport Manitoba for their financial support.
MEMBERSHIPS LEARN TO RIDE FACILITY
ASK AN EXPERT EVENTS COACHING
Here to support you!
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our current sponsors for their support of our passion and our sport! The organizations provide discounts and services to MHC members, and they also support our programming through donations. Learn more about our Partnering Sponsorship program and how you can connect to Manitoba's horse community.
Become a Sponsor
To learn more about the benefits these Sponsors are offering MHC members
View Offers
Learn about New World Screwworm from the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System, Animal Health Canada
Are you a coach in Manitoba?
Each year we require ALL coaches to complete our Privacy Release form in order to confirm they are still current.
Privacy Release
Manitoba Horse Council recognizes a variety of coaching designations.
Learn More
To find an EC licensed and certified coach
Find a Coach
Coach Respect in Sport certification and screening proudly supported by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries
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.
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.
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.
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)
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
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]
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.
Coaching options in Manitoba
Grassroots Provincial Coaching Designation
NCCP Coaching Certification
Alternative approved designations (Pony Club, Cantra, CHA)
Become a Provincial Coach Today!
Get Started!
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 ...
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.
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 ...
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
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 ...
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.
Supporting athletes to improve performance through EC's high-performance resources.
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 ...