Manitoba Horse Council   

In celebration of our 50th anniversary, Manitoba Horse Council (MHC) has launched an exciting new initiative: the Team Challenge Event. This multi-discipline competition, running from May 1 to September 30, 2024, aims to bring together MHC’s diverse membership for a season of friendly competition and camaraderie inspired by their shared passion for horses. 

The MHC, a not-for-profit organization representing 23 clubs and 2,000 members, is dedicated to fostering a respectful and supportive community for equestrian enthusiasts. Our mission is embodied in this new event, which seeks to unite members from across the province through various horse-related activities and competitions. 

The Team Challenge features ten teams, each comprising five riders or drivers from different disciplines:  

• recreation/trail/endurance 
• jumper/eventer 
• dressage/western dressage/working equitation 
• western pleasure, reining
• team or single-horse driving  

Teams earn points through a range of activities, including social media engagement, participation in horse-related events, and accumulating recreational riding or driving hours. Volunteering at events also adds to their scores. Mini competitions throughout the challenge provide opportunities for bonus points, such as promoting MHC’s 50/50 raffle. 

“My daughter, Isla, who’s six, and I signed up for the Team Challenge as a way to reward ourselves for our accomplishments and keep accountable to our equestrian commitments,” said Lavendar Woodman from Erickson, MB. “Its also amazing for Isla to have the opportunity to be recognized for her saddle time even though she is not really showing yet. We are on separate teams which makes for a fun rivalry. When we ride together, she always makes sure to remind me to log her hours!”  

Participants, ranging in age from six to 77 years, hail from various towns across Manitoba, showcasing the widespread enthusiasm for equestrian sports. The event will culminate in a grand celebration at Circle Square Ranch, featuring educational workshops and festivities. 

“We are excited to look back on our summer’s achievements and to meet our teammates at the end of the season. I love getting to interact with riders and drivers from other disciplines,” said Lavendar. 

MHC extends heartfelt gratitude to our supportive sponsors, whose generosity has made the Team Challenge Event possible and has greatly contributed to its success. The Team Challenge not only celebrates MHC’s milestone anniversary but also highlights the vibrant and diverse equestrian community in Manitoba, united by their lifelong passion for horses. 

You too can follow the excitement on Instagram @mbhorsecouncil and Facebook at , #MHCTeam2024 or visit the Team Challenge on the MHC website.

For more information contact Diane David, Executive Director of the Manitoba Horse Council, (204) 925-5719, mhc.exec@sportmanitoba.ca. Find out more about horse activities in Manitoba, visit the Manitoba Horse Council website.

Photo: Isla Read, 6 years, riding Chart Topper, a 6-year-old Welsh cross, and Lavendar Woodman, riding Watsons Cydney, an 18-year-old Cleveland Bay cross. Both are Team Challenge riders from Erickson, MB. Courtesy of MHC.