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 ...

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Manitoba Horse Council

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's equestrian enthusiasts. Read more: Why your PTSO is important to you as a horse owner, rider, driver etc.

For all members: herewith notice of the Annual General Meeting 6:00 p.m. April 15, 2021 (by Zoom) to manage the business of MHC. All members are invited to nominate certain directors and review the bylaws at /About . Registration link is also on that page.

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Other Disciplines

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, ...

Learn To Ride

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) ...

Coaching Courses and Upgrades

2021 Continuing Education Opportunities

Sport Manitoba still has room available in the following NCCP courses. Please share with your coaches! Please contact Bree Langlais if you have any questions at [email protected]

What Does Safe Sport Mean for Manitoba’s Coaches? February 24, 2021 from 7:00pm – 8:00pm (via Zoom) This session will identify the way in which Sport Manitoba sees Safe Sport. Learn what has already been done in the areas of concussion and physical safety, and what is on the horizon for emotional and mental safety. Participants can expect an interactive and engaging session including an opportunity to share their own perspective. This is a FREE PD opportunity! Coaches will receive 1 PD point for attending. Please email [email protected] to register! Not just horsin’ around (by Zoom) Early March - Check back for the date Running a horse business is more than being good in the saddle. Like any business, without good groundwork (this time at ...

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 ...

Equine Biosecurity

Biosecurity means:

Keeping your horses healthy through disease prevention;

protecting yourselves, your horses, and your property from disease-causing agents and the introduction of disease

reducing and controlling the spread of disease

Remember to always contact your veterinarian with with any biosecurity or horse health questions and concerns. Biosecurity Resources

Manitoba Horse Council (MHC) hopes to develop and customize its own biosecurity materials for Manitoba equestrians. Presently, fellow provincial equestrian organization Alberta Equestrian Federation has developed some excellent resources in conjunction with the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association. Please view the following while keeping in mind some information will differ from province to province:

Equine Biosecurity and Best Practices Guide

Biosecurity Brochure Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs)

SOPs help ensure everyone who is using a facility and/or engaged in a horse's care is aware of the biosecurity ...

Equine Industry Job Postings Manitoba

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Overview:

The Manitoba Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (“HBPA”), located at 3975 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3K 2E9, is looking for:

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Job Title: Horse Grooms

Term: The position is a full time temporary position for the 2019 season starting from March 1, 2019 to approximately September 9, 2019.

Horse Grooms Job Duties: -Provide daily care of horses racing at Assiniboia Downs at 3975 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3K 2E9; -Assist horse trainer with thoroughbred horse training duties -Cleaning stalls, tacking horses, horse grooming, applying medications and bandaging; -Mixing and preparing feed, detecting disease or ailments and reporting to horse owners

Hours: 35 hours per week

Experience Required -Must have on track race horse experience; -Must be able to provide a Criminal Record Check;

Language of Work: English

Wage: $13.50 / hour -no formal education required -accommodations available on ...

Beginning Riding Lessons

WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR FIRST RIDING LESSON

While it isn’t necessary to go out and purchase a full riding wardrobe for your first lesson, there are a few must haves which will make your experience safe, comfortable and fun.

ASTM CERTIFIED RIDING HELMET

This is the single most important piece of equipment you need to own. Approved ASTM riding helmets must be properly fitted to the rider so they don’t slip or fly off during riding. Riding helmets are designed specifically for riding and the types of injuries a rider could experience. Substituting a non- sport specific helmet such as a hockey helmet is NOT recommended and is to be avoided. Borrowing or purchasing a used helmet which could have structural damage not visible to the eye should be avoided. A reputable tack shop will carry certified helmets and will be able to assist you in selecting a properly fitting helmet.

PROPER FOOTWEAR

While wearing a pair of riding boots is a good idea they are not essential. Wear shoes/boots ...

Membership Insurance Benefits

MHC Member Liability

Who: All current members in good standing with MHC

Amount: $5,000,000 Personal Liability insurance (subject to a deductible of $1,000 for Property Damage claims). There is no deductible for Bodily Injury claims.

What: Third-party liability insurance defends against lawsuits and/or settlements for bodily injury or property damage arising out of the non-commercial ownership and/or leasing of horses in the event that no other insurance is in effect. (For instance, if your horse caused harm to a third party.) This policy will act as an excess coverage if any other insurance is in place, and is valid worldwide. Detailed information at this link: M ember Liability Insurance MHC Accidental Death & Dismemberment

Who: All current members under the age of 90 in good standing with MHC.

Amount: $30,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment

What: A lump sum payment if you suffer from a listed (scheduled) injury that arises from participation in equine related activities, ...

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 ...

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, ...

Club Resources

Program Support Grants for MHC Member Clubs

Manitoba Horse Council receives a regular contribution via Sport Manitoba to be distributed among member clubs.

MHC has set there will be two 6-monthly distribution tranches, with money paid out in July and December of the year.

2021 January to June Funding Forms. Deadline for receipt of application: January 31, 2021. Fund Expenditure Sheet to be received by June 30, 2021; funds will be distributed July 2021.

2021 July to December Funding Forms . Deadline for application: July 31, 2021. Fund Expenditure Sheet to be submitted by November 30, 2021; funds will be distributed December 2021. Competition Organizers

Hosting a competition? Overwhelmed or not sure where to start? Contact the MHC office for assistance.

For clubs hosting Equestrian Canada-sanctioned competitions, please view the Competition Organizers page.

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 ...

Coaching

Coaching Certifications Help Me Find a Coach Current NCCP Certified Coach Directory Current Coach Directory - Other Becoming a Coach Coaching Courses and Upgrading Upcoming Coaching Certification Events