LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The 2014 Lunar Calendar starts Jan. 31 and will be celebrated as the “Year of the Horse.”

In Chinese astrology, the horse year is considered a fortunate year that brings luck and good things. The Magical Horse has supernatural powers, is heroic, strong, and can even fly.

It has long been known that the bond between horse and rider is perhaps the most sophisticated and intriguing example of cooperation between man and animal.

The Lake County Horse Council commends all horse enthusiasts and their equine partners.

Entering its fourth year in Lake County as a nonprofit, all-volunteer membership organization, the LCHC continues to promote the equine industry and recreation through coordination and support of local events, trails, equine facilities and related interests.

Horses are not only a joy to those who care for them, they bring thousands of dollars into our local economy – through feed, supplies, equipment, boarding and events. The equine industry was named second only to the wine industry in neighboring Sonoma County.

A complete calendar of events can be found on the LCHC Web site, www.lakecountyhorsecouncil.com , including the acclaimed Fiesta of the Horse in June, and the Horse Faire at Kelseyville’s Pear Festival in the Fall.

Rodeos, parades, trail competitions and more are included on the calendar, in an effort to give Lake County residents the opportunity to experience the wide array of equine happenings in and around the county.

Surveys have shown that a large percentage of riders in our county enjoy trail riding. This year, several Horse Council board members are involved in the county’s Konocti Regional Trail Committees, advocating for more riding trails in Lake County, and safety for all multi-use trails.

Read more about the specific areas they are studying at http://www.konoctitrails.com/ .

The LCHC board unanimously approved sponsorship of the Clearlake Junior Horsemen Gymkhana Series this year. A sponsorship enables the group to award prizes and encourage excellence in horsemanship and competitive skills. These young riders are amazing.

The LCHC encourages the public to attend these shows, coming up Feb. 1 and March 1 at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 401 Martin St., Lakeport.

The council's 2014 join/renew drive is on now. Community members are urged to join or renew to ensure continuation of benefits, including 10 percent discount at Ag Unlimited in Finley for all your feed and supplies.

You can renew on line using PayPal, or send a check to LCHC, P.O. Box 1551, Kelseyville CA 95451.

Membership prices include $25 for family, $10 for an individual or $75 for an organization.

Visit the council's Web site or call 707-245-9091.