LAKEPORT, Calif. – More than 100 people filled Fritch Hall at the Lake County Fairgrounds on Sept. 21 to participate in the first official meeting of the newly formed Lake County Horse Council.
Guest speaker Karl Bastian, president of the Sonoma County Horse Council, spoke to the audience about the benefits of a horse council for horse owners, equine suppliers and service providers, as well as the county community as a whole.
“In Sonoma County horses are 75 percent of the economic engine, second only to grapes,” Bastian said. “Money from horse sources is staying in Sonoma County.”
Valarie Sullivan, who currently owns and operates A Gift Horse Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation in Kelseyville, spoke of both current and future needs that would be supported by a horse council, noting youth education and perpetuation of the beneficial and rewarding relationships for future generations between mankind and horse.
John Gay, a Middletown resident who has lived in Lake County since 1954, related horse industry statistics researched by U.C. Davis and his own observations about horse owners and growth of the horse industry in Lake County over the past 30 years. He said there were two feed stores and one farrier providing for the county 30 years ago and today there are 11 feed stores and 10 farriers.
Jean Gay detailed numerous key points where a unified council would be beneficial ranging from information sharing between various equine clubs and owners to development and coordination of a Community Wildfire Evacuation Plan on record with Cal Fire, and proactively handling equine health issues such as West Nile Virus.
Kim Riley, a member of Highland Springs Equestrians and Equestrian Women of the Toll Road, gave an overview of the community services, trails maintenance and stewardship provided by the two groups. She voiced her opinion that a horse council would provide an effective channel of communication with local government to help develop Lake County into a premier equestrian trail riding venue for residents and tourists alike.
Guest speaker Hugh Mackey presented progress to date and a map for the Westside Community Park in Lakeport that has been in planning and development for longer than a decade. The park plan and plot map includes areas designated for an equestrian arena and trailer parking.
Peter Windrem summarized the importance of preserving agriculture and the desirable quality of life enjoyed by equestrians in Lake County, that the Horse Council can help to improve conditions for the equestrian industry to flourish and encourage others to move to Lake County with their horses, buying property, goods and services, thereby strengthening the local economy.
Volunteer organizers of the meeting offered complimentary beverages and snacks to the individuals and families in attendance. Displays of classic and antique tack equipment, western attire and décor along with hundreds of photographs and awards, many historical, depicting Lake County equestrians in varied equine activities, disciplines and local trails maintenance adorned three of the interior walls.
The fourth wall was lined with vendors from equine feed and care suppliers presenting products, samples and educational information, displays with photos and information about various equestrian clubs in Lake County and artists displaying equine and other animal themed works of art for sale.
The next meeting will be the official start of the Lake County Horse Council, taking place in the Junior Livestock Building at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeport on Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m.
Board members, officers and committee chairpersons will be nominated and a vote will be taken on the new bylaws.
For more information, contact Marty Brookman at 707-275-9387, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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