About Us
The People Behind Manitoba Hanoverian Stable
Manitoba Hanoverian Stable was founded on a deep respect for the Hanoverian horse and a lifelong commitment to thoughtful, principled horsemanship.
Established in 1989, MHS was built on a vision to raise quality Hanoverian horses in Manitoba that combine athletic ability, strong temperament, rideability, and correct conformation. From the very beginning, the focus has never been simply on producing horses — but on developing them carefully and responsibly from birth through maturity.
Barbara – Founder & Breeder
It has always been Barbara’s dream to own and breed Hanoverian horses. That dream began in Germany, where the Hanoverian breed’s structured standards, performance focus, and mare-based breeding philosophy deeply influenced her approach.
Before moving to Canada, Barbara and her family purchased two young Hanoverian mares in Germany — the true foundation of Manitoba Hanoverian Stable. Bringing those mares to Canada was more than a relocation; it was the start of introducing strong European bloodlines and breeding principles into Manitoba’s equestrian community.
In 1990, Barbara completed the Hanoverian Breeders Course in Germany, gaining formal education in pedigree analysis, mare evaluation, conformation assessment, and sport horse development under the European system. That training continues to shape her careful, standards-based approach today.
Barbara was also very actively involved with the Canadian Warmblood Horse Breeders Association, serving for multiple years as an inspector. In this role, she evaluated mares and young stock, contributing to breed development standards and gaining extensive experience in assessing movement, structure, and temperament. This position further refined her discerning eye for quality and her commitment to responsible breeding practices.
Her international foundation, dedication to education, and unwavering standards continue to guide the direction and reputation of Manitoba Hanoverian Stable.
Heike – Breeder, Instructor & Competitor
Heike plays an integral role in both the breeding program and the daily operations at Manitoba Hanoverian Stable. As a breeder, she shares the same commitment to producing well-minded, athletic horses with strong fundamentals and correct development.
She is an instructor for beginner riders and, as of 2024, holds her Instructor with Jump certification. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes safety, confidence-building, and the development of strong foundational skills. She believes that correct basics are essential — whether a rider’s goal is enjoyment, skill development, or competitive sport.
Heike is also an ambassador with Schleese Saddlery Service Ltd., where she focuses on educating horse owners about proper saddle fit and the critical role it plays in a horse’s comfort, soundness, and performance. Her involvement reflects her commitment to horse welfare and ongoing rider education.
In addition to her instructional and breeding work, Heike is actively training and competing the home-bred horses in dressage. Developing and showcasing horses bred at Manitoba Hanoverian Stable is an important part of the program — demonstrating not only their athletic ability, but also their trainability and partnership potential.
Our Philosophy
At Manitoba Hanoverian Stable, horses are not commodities — they are individuals.
Our approach is based on:
- Consistent, hands-on daily care
- Safe, structured handling from a young age
- Respect for the horse’s physical and mental development
- A belief that temperament is just as important as talent
Our foals are raised in a natural environment where they can grow strong, confident, and socially balanced. As they mature, they are introduced to training gradually and thoughtfully, ensuring they develop into willing, capable partners for their future riders.
Our Commitment
At the heart of Manitoba Hanoverian Stable is a deep appreciation for the partnership between horse and rider. Every foal born here represents not only years of planning and experience, but the hope of a future partnership built on trust, willingness, and mutual respect.
Breeding is never simply about producing the next generation — it is about preserving integrity, honoring the Hanoverian heritage, and developing horses capable of long-term success in both sport and partnership. From careful pedigree selection to early handling and thoughtful development, each decision is guided by patience, education, and an unwavering commitment to horse welfare.
As we look to the future, our commitment remains unchanged — to preserve the integrity of the Hanoverian breed while producing horses that bring confidence, joy, and lasting partnership to their riders. We are proud of the foundation we have built and look forward to continuing that tradition for years to come.
Manitoba Hanoverian Stable 