Recreational Riding

Recreational Riding Grants

Manitoba Horse Council has a fund to help promote recreational equine activities and projects throughout the province of Manitoba

About the fund

Since the inception of this program in 2010, 19 projects have been supported throughout Manitoba. These projects and programs have included trail development and construction, improvements to corrals and equine camp sites, educational clinics, equine safety and welfare.

Please find below the 2021 Manitoba Horse Council Recreation Invitation, Criteria & Guide, and the Application Form.

COMING SHORTLY - PLEASE CHECK BACK!

Recreation Grant Invitation to Apply 2021

Recreation Grant Criteria 2021

Recreation Grant Application Form 2020

Recreation Grant Budget Template 2020

Horse Week

Horse Week is held annually to promote and celebrate Manitoba's thriving horse industry. A wide range of activities are held across the province, including trail rides, horse shows, charity events and open houses to allow horse enthusiasts and the public alike to celebrate horses! Everyone is encouraged to participate.

All events, regardless of size, take place in the first two weeks of June can apply for Horse Week status and be promoted through MHC.

MHC Horse Week objectives:

Create Awareness

Promote economic impact and significance of Manitoba’s horse industry

Endorse horse welfare

Promote the variety of breeds and disciplines

Provide Education

Identify the benefits that horses and riding provide

Teach the importance of safety around horses

Recognize the importance of recognized riding schools and certified instructors/coaches

Increase Participation

Encourage and increase the practice of equestrian sport and recreation activity in Manitoba and ...

Recreational Trail Maps

Trail Maps Overview Riding Mountain National Park - Central Trail Area Riding Mountain National Park - North Escarpment Trail Riding Mountain National Park - Ochre River Trail Riding Mountain National Park - South Escarpment Trail Souris River Bend Equestrian Trails Spruce Woods Provincial Park Trans Canada Trail Turtle Mountain Provincial Park Trail BIRD'S HILL PARK TRAILS

In 2019 there were changes as to which trails are assigned for horses in Bird's Hill Park as some trails have become less usable over the years,.

Please download and use The Bird's Hill Park Trails Plan Booklet as the current reference and check back regularly in case it is updated again!

To use the Trails Booklet to plan your ride:

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Recreational Riding in MB Events

Ride and Drive Rewards Program

FOR RECREATIONAL RIDER/DRIVER MEMBERS OF MANITOBA HORSE COUNCIL: DO YOU WANT TO GET REWARDED FOR SIMPLY RIDING OR DRIVING YOUR HORSE?

The Manitoba Horse Council (MHC) Ride & Drive program rewards riders and drivers of horses for the hours they spend with their horses. It is open to all MHC Recreational members*. Even those who rent/lease or part-board a horse are eligible to participate.

There is no age restriction - it’s for the young and the young-at-heart! All that is required is your yearly MHC Recreation membership, and your registration lodged at the MHC Office. Then start counting the hours of fun and relaxation riding/driving your horses. The hours accumulate and continue to build up even if you have to re-register (this means you never lose your hours).The ultimate goal of 4,000 hours is worth striving for.

Rewards are progressive, starting with the 25 hour level and ending at the 4000 hour level. Hours spent riding or driving should be recorded on a regular basis. Use your Garmin, ...

Coaching Certifications

NCCP

The National Coach Certification Program (NCCP) is a coach training and certification program for all coaches in nearly 70 sports and is the recognized standard for coach training and certification in Canada. The NCCP is implemented by the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC). The NCCP is the only coach program accepted by Coaching Manitoba – the Sport Manitoba unit for coaching in Manitoba – as required under the CAC. Equestrian Canada/NCCP

The Equestrian Canada (EC) coaching program is the nationally recognized certification program for equestrian coaches and instructors, developed in partnership with the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) and Sport Canada. Equestrian Canada certification approves and acknowledges equestrian coach/instructors’ teaching and coaching skills as meeting professional, nationally, and internationally recognized standards for coaching practice.

The EC coaching program is the only Canadian ...

What To Look For When Selecting A Coach

Manitoba Horse Council recommends that you research qualifications of potential coaches before you select one. The Manitoba Horse Council implements its coaching program under the instruction and umbrella of the National Equestrian Canada / National Coach Certification Program (NCCP). NCCP

The National Coach Certification Program (NCCP) is a coach training and certification program for all coaches in nearly 70 sports and is the recognized standard for coach training and certification in Canada. The NCCP is implemented by the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC). The NCCP is the only coach program accepted by Coaching Manitoba – the Sport Manitoba unit for coaching in Manitoba – as required under the CAC. Equestrian Canada/NCCP

The Equestrian Canada (EC) coaching program is the nationally recognized certification program for equestrian coaches and instructors, developed in partnership with the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) and ...

Athlete Development

Athlete Development Grants Athlete Development Resources

Horses inspire, motivate, engage and reward us. The Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) & Long Term Equestrian Development (LTED) models strives to cement the lifelong relationship between horse and athlete. As models, LTAD and LTED provides the Canadian equestrian community with a vision to help us improve our infrastructure, programs and initiatives to ensure the best opportunities are available for all athletes and participants – whatever their personal goals or stage of development. It serves as our true north. Long-Term Athlete Development

Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) is a systemic approach being developed and adopted by Equestrian Canada to maximize a participant/athletes potential and involvement in our sport. The LTAD framework aims to define optimal training, competition and recovery program based on biological age rather than chronological age. It is athlete centered, coach driven and administration, sport science and ...

Becoming a Coach

How to become an NCCP Certified Equestrian Coach or Instructor STEP 1 - Identify the certification you are best suited for

Instructor : Specializes in introducing beginners to non-competitive or recreational riding and/or driving.

Available certificates: Instructor English Western Driving Saddle Seat

Please note : NCCP Certified Instructors may maintain amateur competitive status while receiving remuneration for instructing.

Coach : Specializes in working with athletes actively competing in equestrian sport. This stream allows a coach to progress through competitive levels and specialize in a discipline.

Available certificates: Competition Coach English Western Competition Coach Specialist Dressage Eventing General Performance Jumping Reining Speed Events High Performance 1 Coach Dressage Eventing Jumping Reining STEP 2 - Complete the admission requirements

The general admission requirements for all certification programs are as follows. Once completed, please submit the originals ...

Getting Started

LEARNING TO RIDE – FIRST STEPS

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.

For a listing of some facilities which offer lessons in Manitoba, you can go to www.manitobaequinedirectory.com and look through the businesses listed there to see which ones offer school horses or beginner programs. (MHC cannot recommend any particular facility - see our Help Me Find a Coach page for more tips on choosing a riding facility)

Find out about the lesson program and the credentials of the instructors/coaches teaching ...

What is Equestrian…?

Equestrian is the encompassing term for all activity involving the horse or other equus species (eg. mule). The term equestrian describes both recreational and competitive riders, handlers, and drivers. Equestrian includes all disciplines or activities participated in whilst mounted on the horse, as well as unmounted disciplines or activities. It is the partnership of horse and human and, in some disciplines, horse to horse.

Mounted equestrian disciplines are commonly divided into two categories: English disciplines and Western disciplines. As a general rule of thumb, the classification of English or Western describes the type of “tack” (equipment) used on the horse. The type of tack used is the most easily distinguishable factor in the division of English and Western disciplines. Other disciplines that do not fall under the categories of English or Western include driving, halter (in-hand), and vaulting (gymnastics on horseback).

Certain breeds of the horse are often favored and are more ...

Membership Benefits

2021 membership open

Only two changes to note; Emergency Life Saving Surgery & Members Named Perils are now available as one option instead of having to purchase two separate options, but Members Named Perils is still available as a stand-alone.

All 2021 memberships and optional insurances took effect January 1, 2021; our membership runs on a calendar year. Experience the benefits of membership

Horse enthusiasts know that Manitoba Horse Council adds value to their equestrian lifestyle.

That’s because 2000+ horse enthusiasts are MHC members who reap the benefits of belonging. From services and information to benefits not found anywhere else, MHC represents individual members and clubs from all sectors of the horse industry.

For professionals, amateurs, competitors and recreational enthusiasts of all ages and disciplines, MHC is committed to horse welfare, advocacy and accessibility.

Every member receives industry leading insurance coverage at preferential rates. And only members ...

Manitoba Horse Council Equestrian Facility - Bird's Hill Park

Manitoba Horse Council owns and operates its Equestrian Facility in beautiful Bird's Hill Provincial Park, Manitoba.

Interested in booking the Facility for an event, competition, clinic, or camp?

See our Facility Rentals page or contact the Manitoba Horse Council office at (204) 925-5719 or email [email protected]

Trail Education

Equestrian Canada Trail Riding and Tourism

Take a Peek - http://issuu.com/equinecanada/docs/basichorsemanshiptrailriding_teaser

With this learning program, Equestrian Canada is presenting a discovery tool and a reference guide intended for anyone wishing to learn to share the world of horses in playful harmony. What are the feeding principles, how does one care for his horses, what are the trail riding techniques and practices that allow riders to safeguard the horse's physical and mental health while experiencing an unforgettable adventure in the great outdoors?

This Trail Riding and Tourism training program contains all the necessary basic information needed to enjoy trail riding while remaining safe. It also contains everything required to prepare for certification as an Equestrian Canada Trail Rider, Trail Guide or Instructor.

Trail Rider Levels

This program provides basic training to any person wishing to acquire the skills needed for outings on horseback outdoors safely. Those who ...

Road Safety Handbook

Horse riders promote safe road sharing

According to Manitoba’s Highway Traffic Act, horse riders and drivers of horse-drawn carriages have the same right to use the road as other users and must follow the same rules, but many motorists, bikers, cyclists and other road users are unaware of their own responsibilities in road sharing.

With increased development in rural areas and the reduction in off-road trails, road users are more likely than ever to encounter a horse/rider or horse/cart on the roadway.

The Road Safety project includes a brochure for the motorist “Sharing the Road with Horses” and a Road Safety Handbook for riders.

A copy of the "Sharing the Road with Horses" brochure PDF can be downloaded here.

For bulk supplies please contact the MHC office 204-925-5718.

The Road Safety Handbook for Equestrians is free from the MHC Office, or download PDF here .

About Us

Manitoba Horse Council (MHC) is a not-for-profit organization representing clubs and individual members involved in equine activity in Manitoba. MHC is the recognized governing body for equestrian sport in the province; providing support, leadership and resources to develop athletes and protect the interests of Manitoba equestrian enthusiasts.

MANITOBA HORSE COUNCIL - the voice of equine advocacy, accessibility, welfare, sport and recreation

Manitoba Horse Council By-Laws - Revised April 2019

Manitoba Horse Council's AGM will be by Zoom on April 15, 2021, and all members are welcome. At this meeting, the current Board of Directors and Council of Clubs (as appropriate) will be voting on the appointment of a slate of new directors to fill vacated positions, as well as amendments to by-laws (see above). All members are invited to suggest nominees using the information sheet and Nominations form linked below. Deadline to receive nominations in MHC's office is 5:00 p.m., March 19, 2021. ...