Recreational Trail Maps

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 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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Trails Overview

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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 ...

Membership Insurance Benefits

Included in your membership: 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 Included in your membership: 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 ...

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 ...

Complete Listing of Upcoming Events

We want to encourage you to use our new "Submit Your Event" form so that YOU can add your club and local events to the MHC Events Calendar . Anyone can submit info on local competitions, fairs, trail rides, activities, fun days, educational events - from minis to heavy horses - and more! Just fill the information about your event into the form and we'll get it added in to the MHC Events Calendar! Let's try to get the calendar reflecting a complete picture of how many equine related activities actually happen across Manitoba each year!

We also want as much input from your club and region across Manitoba as possible so please send news releases, award winners, show results etc to [email protected] as we will also be using this type of info as part of our local news pages in The Canadian Horse Journal and on our Facebook page and website. We are here to promote YOUR club!

Manitoba Multi-Discipline Team Challenge

Manitoba Multi-Discipline Team Challenge

September 21 - 22, 2019 at the Bird's Hill Park Equestrian Facility.

(Formerly known as the MEC - Manitoba Equestrian Championships)

See Manitoba’s best equestrians from eight different disciplines compete for the coveted team title of "Manitoba Team Champions"!

Representatives from Competitive Trail, Dressage, Western Style Dressage, Endurance, Driving, Eventing, Polo and Hunter/Jumper in their quest to become Manitoba Champions.

Prize List is available at this link. The online entry form will be available Wednesday August 21, 2019 at bit.ly/MHCteamchallenge . Closing date is 4:00 p.m. September 16, with an Early Bird entry deadline of 4:00 p.m. September 9.

Entries and queries go to Val Crowe, Show Manager [email protected] . Once she has acknowledged your entry and sent an invoice, payment can be made via e-transfer to [email protected] (use your MHC number as password) or credit at MHC's office, phone 204-529-5718.

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English Riding

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 different ...

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 ...

Recreational Riding Grants

Manitoba Horse Council established a fund to help promote recreational programs and projects throughout the province of Manitoba. Since the inception of this program in 2010, many projects have been supported throughout the province, which have included trail development and construction, improvements to corrals and equine camp sites, educational clinics, equine safety and welfare.

Who can apply? Member Clubs of MHC that have been members in good standing of MHC for a minimum of 12 months and whose members are MHC members Committees of MHC whose projects meet the required criteria Individual MHC members having sufficient support and resources to ensure projects are achieved

What will grants be awarded for?

Projects or programs which are for the benefit of Manitoba’s recreational riders or Manitoba’s horse owners as a whole. All capital projects must be situated on public or publicly contracted lands e.g. municipal, regional or crown lands.

The following would be considered for ...

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 .

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 ...

Club Listings

Below is an alphabetical order listing of some of Manitoba Horse Council's member clubs. Contact these clubs for more information on their equestrian activities, how to join, etc. Ashern Horse Association Phone: 204-768-0546 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ashernhorseassociation.weebly.com Brandon Light Horse & Pony Society Inc Phone: 204-727-4476 Email: [email protected] Web: www.blhpsi.com Canadian Western Horse Association Phone: 204-392-6308 Email: [email protected] Web: www.cwha.ca Central Canada Reining Horse Association Email: [email protected] Web: www.ccrha.com Crocus Cow Horse Association Email: [email protected] Web: www.crocuscowhorse.com Distance Riders of Manitoba Phone: 204-391-6789 Email: [email protected] Web: www.distanceridersofmanitoba.ca Dressage Winnipeg Phone: 204-793-1962 Email: [email protected] Web: www.dressagewinnipeg.com Manitoba Cutting Horse Association Email: [email protected] Web: www.mbcutting.ca Manitoba Driving Society Web: ...

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]