LAKEPORT, Calif. – The horse industry in Lake County is coming together to form the Lake County Horse Council.

All persons interested in horses and the horse industry are encouraged to attend the first meeting of the council, which will be held in Fritch Hall at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeport, 401 Martin St., on Tuesday, Sept. 21, at 6:30 p.m.

Guest speaker Karl Bastian, president of the Sonoma County Horse Council, will discuss the benefits of a horse council for horse owners and the community.

The mission of the council is to promote and preserve the horse as agriculture, industry and recreation in Lake County.

The council will represent all horse related activities in Lake County including horse owners, youth groups, clubs, vendors of products and services, breeders, stables, boarding facilities, trail riding, rodeos, gymkhanas and other equine activities.

The council will act as a liaison between the horse industry, the community and local government.

“We need a unified voice for the horse industry in Lake County,” said Middletown horse owners John and Jean Gay.

The council will encourage local government to support expansion of recreational and business opportunities for horse enthusiasts to help preserve the rural character of Lake County, encourage equine tourism, and to give added support the local economy.

“The horse industry contributes significantly to the economy of Lake County,” according to Valerie Sullivan, horse owner in Kelseyville. “Horse owners purchase goods and services from local feed stores, veterinarians, farriers, hay producers, truck and trailer dealers, hardware stores, and others. Public and private horse facilities and activities encourage equine tourism and provide jobs. A horse council will promote all aspects of the equine industry in Lake County.”

For more information, contact Kim Riley at 707-279-0343 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..