AGM and Board of Directors 2021 Elections

In the Manitoba Horse Council (MHC) News for January 2021, MHC reported on A Bright Outlook for 2021 and the recreation activities highlighted at MHC’s Council of Clubs. This Council is very important, almost the lifeblood of MHC, as our 24 member clubs have a solid say in the direction of the Council at two meetings every year. One meeting is the Council of Clubs in November (reported in Canada’s Equine Guide 2021). The second meeting of the Council is participation at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), slated for April 15, 2021, as a Zoom meeting.

At the 2020 AGM, MHC was tentatively nibbling at the edges of Zoom; it was the first big meeting we were forced to hold online, and like so many other individuals and companies we have embraced the technology and forged ahead. Sometimes, other companies hold meetings by Adobe Connect or Microsoft Teams, and we sigh as we have to relearn where the audio and video buttons are, and how to share screens and chat.

Just like last April’s event on Zoom, the 2021 AGM will also be on Zoom and all MHC members are invited. Whether through life changes or change of job direction, this year MHC is searching for people to fill a number of places on its Board of Directors, and we welcome nominations from our membership. Chairs of Breeds & Industry and Competitions plus Directors-at-Large are the main options, but we also welcome people to give support to Chairs on subcommittees. Since our meetings intend to include Zoom even when face-to-face is allowed again, we can easily welcome nominations from any geographical area of Manitoba. 

Visit the MHC website for the Board of Directors list and nomination form at www.ManitobaHorseCouncil.ca – About Us tab. Deadline for submissions is March 19.

The beautiful Birds Hill Park Equestrian Facility boasts six sand rings, two grass rings, two barns with 97 stalls, plus outdoor and overflow stabling and many other amenities. Photo: Betty-Ann McPhedran, Master Coach Developer.

Coaching

MHC’s Coaching Committee is taking full advantage of Zoom technology, and after 15 sessions of Equestrian Canada Certification advice and Mini Master Classes over the winter, they have planned another six information sessions in March/April, a business webinar in mid-March, and an EC Coach Licensing information session late March. Over the Easter weekend (April 9-11) three full days of Coaching Camp are planned for English and Western disciplines at all levels, followed on April 18 with one-on-one Zoom mentoring sessions with those wishing to work in more detail. The beauty of these courses is that although they are founded on the knowledge base of Equestrian Canada coaches, they are useful information for riders of many levels and disciplines. Information is updated on MHC’s website and Facebook page.

Competitions

Looking even further forward, MHC Clubs are optimistic for a summer of competitions in all disciplines. Those who have booked (and plan to book) at our Birds Hill Park Equestrian Facility can check out the stripped, re-laid and graded dressage ring, supported by a substantial contribution from Dressage Winnipeg. 

A full slate of competitions (including the new-for-2021 Arabian Horse Show in July) is posted on MHC’s website on its Calendar of Events.

Main Photo: MHC Club members of all levels and disciplines are eagerly preparing for a summer of competitions.