LAKEPORT, Calif. – After a scheduling conflict prevented their participation last year, the beautiful and exotic Gypsy horses are returning to Fiesta of the Horse on Sunday, July 27.

For centuries, the nomadic people known as gypsies traveled the roads of Europe and the UK in beautifully decorated wagons.  

They created an extraordinary breed of horse, with enough endurance and strength to pull a heavy wagon all day, the ability to subsist on whatever grazing it could find on the side of the road, and an extremely calm temperament, since a moment’s panic could quite literally result in the destruction of its master's home.  

Hundreds of years of selective breeding created the beautiful, powerful and supremely gentle gypsy horse.

Judy Bennett of Kelseyville fulfilled a dream when she acquired her first Gypsy, a mare imported from Britain. The mare was in foal when Judy bought her, and gave birth to a filly (daughter).

Now, the two Gypsy horses perform as a beautifully matched set, ridden by Judy's daughters Joy and Jocelyn Bennett.

For two years, Lake County audiences have enjoyed watching their friends and neighbors put on a lively and entertaining show, Fiesta of the Horse, at Rancho de la Fuente.

This year, the horse show is serving as cornerstone of a new event, Californio Days, a celebration of California's agriculture and history from the Spanish period to modern day.

Admission is free for this family-friendly event.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. there will be a farmers' market including displays about history and heritage livestock conservation.

The fiesta show begins at 10:30 a.m.

Afterward there will be food, wine and other beverages for sale at the barn, a barefoot hoof trimming demonstration, and live musical entertainment courtesy of Irma Lopez and Rancho de la Fuente.

Irma Lopez, a well-known traditional Mexican singer, has participated in events such as The Rising Stars Competition, the annual Cinco De Mayo Celebration in Lake and Mendocino County, The Music Winter-fest, Relay for Life, and the Lake County Fair.

Lopez's musical passion has helped her gain recognition throughout her years in Lake County; her undeniable versatility has become popular among the general public, and will thrive for the years to come.

Californio Days/Fiesta of the Horse is offered free of charge as a gift to the Lake County community.

Attendees are encouraged to wear costume from their own favorite period of California history.

Rancho de la Fuente is located at 2290 Soda Bay Road outside of Lakeport.

For more information, visit www.californio.us or call 707-275-9234.