Basic Horsemanship & Trail Riding
A Guide to Basic Horsemanship and Trail Riding in Canada is a discovery tool and reference intended for anyone wishing to learn and share in the world of recreational and trail riding. It covers 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.
To purchase this publication, contact MHC at [email protected]
Use the Trails Guide from your phone!
Click the button below to access this great feature!
Join Us Today ! Take a Peek
Go Back
Submit Your Event
Anyone can submit info on local competitions, fairs, trail rides, activities, fun days, educational events - from minis to heavy horses - and more! Submit your event by clicking HERE!
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!
An administrator will review your submission for inclusion and add your event to the calendar as soon as possible!
2024 Membership Options
Join Us! Memberships and optional insurance coverage run from January 1st-December 31st each year. Each member in good standing with MHC receives Member Liability Insurance and Included Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance. Competitive Memberships
For anyone competing in horse shows/events Youth (under 18) $58/year Adult (18+) $69/year Golden (70+) $55/year
Recreational Memberships: For those who are not competing - lesson students, hacking in your own arena, riding or driving on your own or with friends, camping or on trails! All ages $47/year Family Memberships: For families with multiple riders; can be two adults, or an adult and a youth (under 18) all living at the same address. $20/youth after the first two members Competitive $138/year (2 adult memberships) + $20/youth Recreation $94/year (2 recreation memberships) + $20/youth Friends of Horses: For those non-horse owners who participate in equine activities occasionally. For people wanting to support ...
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 ...
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 Canada ...
MQHA - All Around Clinic Dates: April 19-21, 2024 Location: Diversity Horsemanship, Stonewall Website: mqha.ca Details: MQHA is very excited to announce that the MQHA is featuring Micah Hansen of Hansen Show Horses as our clinician! Micah is an NSBA & Congress Champion, AQHA World Bronze Champion, and multiple Top 5 winner at each of those championships. He specializes in Western Riding, Trail, Western Pleasure & coaching Youth & Amateurs in the All Around Events. Micah also serves as an AQHA National Director and is a member of the AQHA Professional Horsemen and Team Wrangler. Riders will participate in 2 sessions per day, in small groups to allow individualized instruction. Currently clinic is full for participants however, you can audit for $40/day. Bring a lawn chair for seating.
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.
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 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.
Buy Handbooks
The Learn to Ride program is designed to be guided by a Certified Instructor or Coach, to ensure that the concepts are clearly understood before the rider ...
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
Contact the Manitoba Horse Council office at (204) 925-5719 or email [email protected]
Member Clubs in Manitoba
Below is an alphabetical order listing of member clubs belonging to Manitoba Horse Council. Contact these clubs for more information on their equestrian activities, how to join, etc. Club Memberships and insurance
Learn More
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
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
Membership 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.
Promoting safe road sharing for horses and vehicles
Hand Signals used by Horse Riders 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.
Benefits of being an MHC Member
Automatic Insurance (2023 coverage) $5,000,000 Personal Liability insurance for personal use, ownership or handling of horses. Coverage excludes commercial use of horses - please see Acera Insurance information below. Please direct questions to Acera at 1-800-670-1877 Equine Department $45,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance. Liability insurance for the non-commercial care, custody, control or transport of up to 3 non-owned horses (limits apply).
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 ...
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
Coach Grants & Resources
Sport Manitoba, its partners, as well as local and national philanthropists offer a number of scholarships annually, with the shared goal of highlighting athletic success in the province and providing opportunities for those involved in sport to continue growing within their chosen discipline.
Resources and Funding