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]

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Trails In Manitoba

• 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

Birds 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.

Trail users

• For up-to-date trail route information, please obtain summer and winter recreation maps at the park and campground offices, information kiosks and trailheads.
• Many of the park trails are designed for multiple uses. Please respect other users encountered along the trails.
• Users may encounter wet trail conditions especially in spring and after rainfall.
• Please obey all directional and regulatory signage and remain on designated trail routes.
• All self-guiding interpretive trails and the Chickadee Trail are for hiking only.
• All pets must be leashed or harnessed at all times.
• No dogs allowed on groomed ski trails

Horseback Riders

• Horseback riders may use the grassed area beside park roads to gain access to riding areas. Ride with extreme caution and please stay off road surfaces, shoulders and mowed-grass areas.

Horse-Drawn Vehicle Drivers

• Horse-drawn vehicles are subject to traffic regulations on roads and to park entry fees.
• Horse-drawn vehicles may use Carriageway Trail as well as the West, North, South, the Festival Drive and Nimowin Road as far as the riding stable/equestrian area. Please stay off the polo fields.
• Horse-drawn vehicles require a reflective, slow moving vehicle sign and, if used after dark, a legal lighting system. Please use extreme caution when approaching other horses, cars, bicycles and pedestrians.

Note: Horses are prohibited with the North and South Drive circle.

The Birds Hill Park Trails Plan Booklet

To use the Trails Booklet to plan your ride: 

• See Pages 14-18 which provide a description of each trail, along with which type of activities are permitted on it at which times of the year.
• See Page 19 which provides a diagram of Spring/Summer/Fall Trails
• See Page 20 which provides a diagram of Winter Trails

Download

MHC Trail Maps

Currently trail maps are available for: Birds Hill Provincial Park, Riding Mountain National Park, Souris River Bend, Spruce Woods Provincial Park, Turtle Mountain Provincial Park and the Trans Canada Trail.  These maps include a description of the trail, a visual map and trail specifics.

How Can You Help?

When you use these trails we would appreciate some feedback on these trails.  This information can be useful to the MHC when we are in discussion with Parks and/or when we are looking at how we can support improvements to the trail and camping areas that equestrian groups wish to make.  Your feedback counts!

Manitoba Horse Council is also looking for additional maps to post for users.  If you have maps of other areas in Manitoba, or know of other areas where we can access maps – please let us know.  You can help to further develop this site.

Provincial Park Fees

Park Vehicle Permits must be displayed year-round in provincial parks. Hard copies of permits are not now sold; only electronic purchase is possible. The permit is now linked to a vehicle registration number, but one permit can be used by two vehicles.

Purchase Permit

Trans Canada Trail

Since the Trans Canada Trail was founded in 1992, it has captured the hearts and minds of Canadians from every region and every walk of life. One of the largest volunteer efforts undertaken in Canada, it is a bold undertaking, almost as immense as Canada itself. People who love and appreciate their land and history have contributed countless hours and dollars to further its development.

The Trans Canada Trail is used by millions to experience our country’s legendary wilderness. Now 72 percent connected, the Trail is nearly 17,000 kilometres long, linking the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic coasts. Comprised of locally managed segments, the Trail is within 30 minutes of more than 80 percent of Canadians and runs through or near 1,000 communities.

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Trails Resources

Manitoba Provincial Parks Act

Provincial parks are special places that play an important role in the protection of natural lands and the quality of life of Manitobans.

Existing and future provincial parks should be managed in a manner consistent with the principles of sustainable development so that representative examples of diverse natural and cultural heritage are conserved and appropriate economic opportunities are provided.

A system of provincial parks will contribute to the province's goal of protecting 12% of its natural regions. By and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, enacts as follows;

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Trails Manitoba

Trails Manitoba / Sentiers Manitoba is the official body overseeing the coordination of the building of the Trans Canada Trail in the province. Trails Manitoba is governed by a volunteer board, currently consisting of fifteen people, including six regional representatives. It is a governing and overseeing body providing management and direction for trail development being undertaken by 18 regional trail associations, with a total of over 100 volunteers. Trails Manitoba has in-office staff consisting of the Executive Director and the Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper.  Manitoba Healthy Living, Seniors & Consumer Affairs has a Provincial Trails Consultant, who works closely with Trails Manitoba.

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Be Trail Smart, Share the Trails!