Looking Back, Looking Forward

By Linda Hazelwood, MHC Business Manager and ex-Recreation Chair

Busy Summer at Bird’s Hill Park

Manitoba horse riders have had a busy summer, with many very successful shows put on by their more than 20 member clubs. Manitoba Horse Council’s (MHC) Equestrian Facility in Bird’s Hill Park has been home to many of these shows, and MHC Facility staff have been busy working on upgrades and ring changes, along with some new equipment. The Facility was used for the 1999 Pan American Games, and as a 20-year remembrance on Horse Day on June 1st this year, MHC held a trail ride and wagon ride around the cross-country courses. A scrapbook of photos was put together by MHC member Helen Martin, and Geri Sweet, one of our longest-serving volunteers (and Board member in many positions) gave a colour commentary during the rides.

Exciting News: Manitoba Multi-Discipline Team Challenge

On September 20 to 22, 2019, MHC will be holding its annual horse show, and this year there is a new format: a Multi-Discipline Team Challenge. Riders and drivers from eight Disciplines (Eventing, Hunter/Jumper, Polo, Endurance, Competitive Trail, Dressage, Western Style Dressage, and Driving) will form teams. They will go through their usual competition paces, but their scores will be tallied into a Multi-Discipline result. We can’t wait to see the results! 

Manitoba Horse Council held a Horse Day Trail and Wagon Ride to commemorate the 20th anniversary of hosting the 1999 Pan Am Games at Bird’s Hill Park. Photo courtesy of Manitoba Horse Council

At the Multi-Discipline Challenge, MHC will also be pulling the winners of a 50/50 Draw to raise money for additional work at the equestrian facility. If all tickets are sold there will be $12,500 shared out between first, second and third places. If you are reading this before September 22, there may still be tickets available – please email mhc.admin@sportmanitoba.ca. 

Coaching Course Opportunities

MHC’s Coaching Committee and office staff have also been busy arranging a number of Fall Coaching Courses. MHC is very aware of the upcoming Coach Licensing plans from Equestrian Canada and SafeSport initiatives, which affect anyone in a coaching, training, or mentorship position, and the slate is heavy on Respect in Sport, Make Ethical Decisions, Making Headway, First Aid training, and many teaching/learning courses for Instructors, Competition Coach and Competition Coach Specialists.

Dates and registration forms.

For more information, please visit the Manitoba Horse Council website.

Main photo courtesy of Manitoba Horse Council.