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 ...
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.
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!
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 Equestrian Development 2.0 Information: Horses inspire, motivate, engage and reward us. LTED 2.0 is an athlete development model built upon proven sport principles and customized to equestrian athletes. It provides a clear and effective pathway for all equestrian athletes - regardless of age, experience, or discipline - to enjoy equestrian sport, whether they aim to compete for Canada on the world stage, or ride, drive ...
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 NCCP 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. 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 ...
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 grounds ...
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 ...
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, ...
Support for Member Clubs
MHC member Clubs have access to financial assistance through various programs and grants: $2,500 Annual Recreation Grant in total to approved projects. Applications may be received from Member Clubs and individual members for projects designed to aid and enhance the development of recreation-specific projects. MHC's Provincial Clinic Support program is designed to aid Clubs in providing high-caliber clinics and workshops to its members, subject to a maximum available per approved clinic/Club in a calendar year. Program Support Grants available twice each year to support club activities such as clinics, competitions, volunteer awards, bursaries, and equipment purchase/maintenance. The grants are funded by Sport Manitoba and MHC is responsible for reporting activities in a way which supports the Integrated Funding Formula applied by annually by MHC.
Club Information
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
Changes to the Horse Welfare Code of Conduct are effective June 15, 2025.
Continuing Education Opportunities Registered Coach Status will disappear by the end of 2024
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
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.
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 ...
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: March 31 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) 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 parent of a minor who is an ...
We’ve moved the directory to a new address to make it easier for members to use. When you click on the link, you will be redirected: https://manitobahorse.ca/