About The Sonoma County Horse Council
The Sonoma County Horse Council is a nonprofit organization founded in 1993
to promote the health and well-being of horses, and support horse-related activities in Sonoma County.
Youth Riders Fund
Stay tuned for the July 2024 roll-out of our Youth Riders Fund. Application forms will be available for SCHC member-sponsored kids 18-years-of-age and younger to apply for grants for any horse related activity. Details to follow!
2023 SCHC Highlights
The Sonoma County Horse Council celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2023 with a variety of community engagement events.
July 5, 2023 ~ SCHC 30th Anniversary BBQ and Meet-n-Greet at the Wine Country Polo Fields at Wild Oak Saddle Club
The Sonoma County Horse Council marked its 30th Anniversary with a memorable BBQ at the Wine Country Polo Field at Wild Oak Saddle Club in Santa Rosa. The event was a joyful blend of equestrian entertainment and community camaraderie. Attendees enjoyed watching the Pacific Coast Circuit Sportsmanship Polo Cup, indulged in a delicious BBQ lunch, and were treated to a performance by the Petaluma Junior Riding Club Hearts and Hooves Drill Team’s quadrille exhibition. It was a day filled with cherished memories and a testament to the enduring passion for horses in Sonoma County.
July 29th, 2023 ~Youth & Open Horse Show at the Fair
The Sonoma County Horse Council was delighted to be a part of the horse events at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds this summer. The Youth & Open Horse Show took place on July 29th with 60 riders participating, including a strong showing of 39 riders in the 9-18 year-old category! The show features classes in various types of equitation and ranch work and SCHC sponsors High Point Awards for the youth classes (silver belt buckles) and the Overall High Point Award (an embroidered blanket).
Special thanks to the horse show event organizers: Horse Show Manager: David Lawson; Judges: Briana Stroud and Amanda Winger, and the Horse Show Committee: Ron Zanetti, Lindsay Merget and Barbara Walker.
August 3-10, 2023 ~Horseplay at the Fair! – Eight days of Everything Equine
The Sonoma County Horse Council joined forces with the planners of the Sonoma County Fair to re-introduce our beloved equines (other than racehorses) to the fairgrounds. The event, "Horseplay at the Fair" was designed to showcase the many breeds, riding disciplines and training approaches that make the horse world so special to all of us. Events included a Natural Horsemanship with Billy Dean Schneurle, Tambourine Vaulting, a Clydesdale Pas-de-Deux, The Wonders of the Arabian Horse with Jesse Saldana, Liberty Work with Ondine Rangle, David Lawson's Barrel Racers and others. One young participant from Charlie Weintraub's Ride Off Ranch who demonstrated her expertise in hunter/jumper techniques described the event as "the happiest day of my life!"
The SCHC plans to participate at the Fair again in 2024 with an expanded program in our continued effort to promote the horse and rider in Sonoma County.
Extra thanks to Hope Marshall, the Fair's Premium and Exhibit Coordinator, and her team for their enthusiastic support in bringing horse events back to the Sonoma County Fair this year!
October 14, 2023
Sonoma County Horse Council Trailering Safety Course
SCHC is proud to have sponsored another successful trailering safety course for all levels of ability. Seasoned drivers and beginners alike gained valuable insights into trip preparation, driving do's & don'ts, safety guidelines, and emergency procedures. Plus, trailering techniques for backing, turning, and U-turns, providing the training to instill confidence to handle any situation on the road.
Discover the essence of equestrian life with the Sonoma County Horse Journal. Delve into captivating stories that span from the heart of the North Bay to national arenas, delivered by a talented cadre of local writers, photographers, as well as esteemed national authors and artists. This award-winning quarterly publication offers a diverse array of topics, from intimate profiles of local horse enthusiasts to expert insights on horse care and training. Explore the rich tapestry of equestrian art and literature that graces its pages, uniting enthusiasts from all disciplines and breeds under one roof.
Did you know that SCHC Individual/Family Members receive our Horse Journal delivered directly to their door, 4 times per year? Individual/Family annual membership is only $30, but it means everything to our community when you show your support! Become a Member today!
Interested in Advertising in The Horse Journal? Learn More!
Help Support the Sonoma County Horse Council’s Programs
Donor support helps make SCHC initiatives possible, including horse-trailering training, governmental advocacy for trail development and enhancement, support for youth programs and events, disaster and emergency training and relief, microchipping, vaccination and gelding clinics, and promoting other horse-related organizations and businesses.
