
Saddle Up for Farmer’s Day & Horse Play at the Sonoma County Fair!
Saddle Up for Farmer’s Day & Horse Play
at the Sonoma County Fair!
Friday, August 1 • Gates Open at 5 PM • Show Starts at 6 PM
Chris Beck Arena
Grab your boots and gather the family for a high-energy, hands-on celebration of our local farm life and equestrian excellence at Farmer’s Day & Horse Play, happening Friday, August 1, at the Sonoma County Fair!
From barnyard games to breathtaking horse demonstrations, this family-friendly evening promises horsepower, heritage, and hometown fun for all ages.
SCHC Annual Picnic & BBQ!
Join Us for the Sonoma County Horse Council’s Annual Picnic & BBQ!
Saturday, August 24th | 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Wine Country Polo Field, 550 White Oak Drive Santa Rosa, CA
Spend a summer afternoon with fellow equestrians enjoying:
A Bloody Mary while watching local polo
A delicious BBQ lunch under shaded picnic table seating
Silent Auction to benefit SCHC initiatives
Good company, great views, and a chance to connect with our local horse-loving community
SCHC Business Members are encouraged to bring collateral about their businesses to share!
What to bring: Camping chairs or picnic blankets for prime polo viewing spots!
🚫 Sorry—no dogs or ponies allowed.
Tickets: $55 Members | $65 Non-Members
Want to make an additional contribution?
Consider donating an item or experience to our silent auction — it’s a fun and meaningful way to support our mission while connecting with our community!
Have questions or an idea in mind? Reach out to our Treasurer, Sarah De Sanz— she’d love to hear from you!
Russian River Rodeo
RUSSIAN RIVER RODEO
June 21-22, 2025
23450 MOSCOW ROAD, DUNCANS MILLS, CA 95430
LOCAL BARREL RACE at the Rodeo!
Each year we invite local barrel racers to participate in our rodeo performance alongside our CCPRA Barrel Racers!
RODEO PERFORMANCE STARTS AT 1 PM SHARP!
Join us before 1 PM Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the whole rodeo experience! Arrive early to shop our vendors, grab some food and settle in to watch the show! Typically rodeo performance runs from 1 PM - 3:30 PM
SATURDAY NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
Stick around after the rodeo on Saturday, share a beer with friends and shop at those amazing vendors! And catch a little more rodeo action in the arena as we host a "slack" rodeo performance.
2025 Russian River Rodeo Tickets
No tickets available at the gate!
Gates open at 11 AM
NO DOGS, NO ICE CHESTS, NO SMOKING
SCHC Trail Ride at Reis River Ranch - POSTPONED
POSTPONED UNTIL SEPTEMBER
The Reis River Ranch Ride is postponed until September as a health precaution for all horses due to the recent EHV outbreak in Sonoma County. More info here: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/alerts
Call Deborah Reis at 800-732-8220 for a refund or Contact Sahar Bartlett, SCHC Vice President, for guidance.
SCHC Roundup: Annual Meeting & Meet-n-Greet
Join SCHC’s first Meet-n-Greet of the Year!
SCHC BOD Nominations Due
The Sonoma County Horse Council is looking for dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors. Help shape the future of equestrian life in Sonoma County! Nominations close March 5th.
Sonoma County Horse Journal Advertising Deadline - Spring Issue
Advertise in the Horse Journal
Whatever your business or nonprofit, if it’s horse related, you need to advertise in the Horse Journal.
If you have questions about advertising in the Horse Journal, please contact us.
Design services available at a nominal charge. Contact Kari Ontko to learn more.
Submission Deadlines
December 1 (Winter Issue)
March 1 (Spring Issue)
June 1 (Summer Issue)
September 1 (Fall Issue)

Chocolate Cloud Holiday Fair - Free!
Join SCHC as we celebrate the season at Flying Cloud Farm’s family-friendly holiday fair! Shop for treasures from local artisans, snack a kids' bake sale, get your face painted, and take festive photos. Sip on cozy holiday coffee from The Tin Cup or tasty tacos from Tacos Don Pepe while relaxing at cocktail seating. Enjoy holiday music, twinkling lights, and seasonal decor. It’s the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts and cross everyone off your holiday list!
Saturday, 12/7 from 11am - 3pm: Flying Cloud Farm, 1200 Jacobsen Lane, Petaluma
Sonoma County Horse Journal Advertising Deadline - Winter Issue
Advertise in the Horse Journal
Whatever your business or nonprofit, if it’s horse related, you need to advertise in the Horse Journal.
If you have questions about advertising in the Horse Journal, please contact us.
Design services available at a nominal charge. Contact Kari Ontko to learn more.
Submission Deadlines
December 1 (Winter Issue)
March 1 (Spring Issue)
June 1 (Summer Issue)
September 1 (Fall Issue)

Sunrise Horse Rescue Harvest of Hope
Please save the date to join us at Blossom Creek farm in Calistoga!
We are so excited to be returning to the picturesque Blossom Creek Farm, hosted by Ransome Rombauer and the Rombauer family, for an all-new daytime event! As September paints the valley with its vibrant hues, we're launching a midday celebration that promises to complement your busy schedule amidst the flurry of evening harvest parties.
We can't wait to mark our 17th anniversary of dedicated service to Napa Valley and beyond, championing horses in need and delivering transformative Equine Assisted Learning & Therapy programs throughout our community.
Prepare for an unforgettable event featuring:
Live music from The Gypsy Trio
Exciting, interactive, and educational horse activities
Premium local wines
Fresh seasonal cuisine provided by Imagination on Fire and Croccante
vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options available
Silent Auction & Paddle Raise
Special appearances by the equine beneficiaries of Sunrise Horse Rescue
Sonoma County Horse Council's Summer BBQ & Fundraiser
Celebrate the Sonoma County Horse Council's Summer BBQ & Fundraiser!
Join us for a gathering of horse-loving
friends and family
When: August 25, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Where: The Wine Country Polo Field at Wild Oak Saddle Club
550 White Oak Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95409
Come enjoy a delicious BBQ feast, engage with fellow horse enthusiasts, and support our efforts in promoting and protecting the equestrian community in Sonoma County. The Wine Country Polo Field’s beautiful setting at Wild Oak Saddle Club offers a perfect backdrop for an afternoon of camaraderie and celebration.
Arrive early to watch the Wine Country Polo Club USPA Constitution Cup Tournament. Learn More.
SCHC Business Members are encouraged to bring information about their businesses to share. Your ticket to the BBQ and an RSVP to info@sonomacountyhorsecouncil.org is all that is required to participate.
Note: The Sonoma County Horse Council's General Meeting will take place at 11:00 AM, prior to the Summer BBQ. We encourage all members to attend and contribute to the continued success and growth of our equestrian community.
Your participation helps us continue our mission to support local equestrian activities and education. Get your tickets online.
To best enjoy viewing the Polo match, we recommend bringing blankets or camping chairs. There will be plentiful picnic tables and benches under shade for socializing and bbq lunch.
*Please keep your pups and ponies at home for this event.
A CAVALIA EXPERIENCE - Sylvia Zerbini's Liberte`
Get ready to be mesmerized by the incredible skill and grace of Sylvia Zerbini, the world’s greatest equestrian trainer and performing artist. Former lead equestrian trainer and star of Cavalia and Ringling Brothers Circus, Sylvia Zerbini, along with over twenty magnificent horses and talented cast members will leave you speechless. You will be spell bound during the one-hour performance of majestic horsemanship, daring stunts, intricate choreography, high flying aerialists and live musicians.
Get ready to be mesmerized by the incredible skill and grace of Sylvia Zerbini, the world’s greatest equestrian trainer and performing artist. Former lead equestrian trainer and star of Cavalia and Ringling Brothers Circus, Sylvia Zerbini, along with over twenty magnificent horses and talented cast members will leave you speechless. You will be spell bound during the one-hour performance of majestic horsemanship, daring stunts, intricate choreography, high flying aerialists and live musicians.
CANCELLED- SCHC Trailering Safety Course - June 22, 2024
SADLY, DUE TO A LACK OF INTEREST, WE MUST CANCEL THE JUNE 22 TRAILERING SAFETY COURSE
Sonoma County Horse Council Equus Awards Gala and Fundraiser May 11, 2024
14th Sonoma County Horse Council
Equus Awards Gala and Fundraiser
May 11, 2024 at 5:00pm
Friedman Event Center
4676 Mayette Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Individual Tickets: $125
Table of Ten: $1,250
At the time of ticket purchase, please include your guests’ names. Or, you may email: schc.epalmer@gmail.com, separately.
Holiday Bazaar at the Barn, A Benefit for SERRA Equine Rescue
Save the Date: Saturday, December 16th
Holiday Bazaar at the Barn, A Benefit for SERRA Equine Rescue
When: Saturday, December 16th from 2pm-5pm
How much: $20 Adults, $5 kids under 12 (pay at the barn)
Parking: Free
Sonoma County Driving and Riding Club Holiday Celebration
Sonoma County Driving and Riding Club Holiday Celebration
Date- 12/2/23
Where- at the clubhouse on the Fairgrounds (gate code tbd.)
When- 5pm Happy Hour, 6pm dinner, to be followed by installation of 2024 officers
Gift exchange-bring a gift to exchange with same sex friend ($10 max)
Menu- Ham, Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad and Dessert
SCDRC, CART, and SCHC members $20, guests $25, and kids 12 and under $12
Please RSVP (required) by November 29th to Fran Bengtsson, 707-373-1624
October 14, 2023 - Sonoma County Horse Council's Trailering Safety Course
October 14, 2023
Attention all trailer drivers! SCHC is proud to sponsor a trailering safety course that is suitable for all levels of ability.
This informative course is designed to equip you with essential knowledge and skills that will help you become a safer and more responsible driver. Whether you're a seasoned driver or a beginner, you'll gain valuable insights into trip preparation, driving do's & don'ts, safety guidelines, and emergency procedures.
You'll also learn trailering techniques for backing, turning, and U-turns, which will give you the confidence to handle any situation on the road.
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enhance your trailering skills and stay safe on the road.
SAVE the DATE! The Grand National Rodeo is back October 6 & 7 at the Cow Palace!
SAVE the DATE! The Grand National Rodeo is back October 6 & 7 at the Cow Palace!
Redwood Trails Alliance Fundraiser
Join us for a fun evening of delicious food, local wine, live music, dancing, and sweet auction items!
Our evening kicks off with beverages and social hour. Napa Yard has been generous in hosting all of us for the evening. We want to support them for supporting trails. Social hour drinks are available at the cash bar with an RTA dedicated bartender!
We have a delicious Paella dinner followed by dessert. A wonderful selection of complimentary premium local wines will be served with dinner.
After dinner, the fun continues with our auction hosted by none other than the entertaining Pio Roda Group!
To wrap up the evening, enjoy live music and dancing on the green by The Pulsators. The Pulsators are in a league of their own with their style of California Gumbo, a spicy mix of hard driving Rockin’ Rhythm and Blues, New Orleans style funk and Rock Steady Reggae.
Proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards continuing to support our work to bring more trails and better trails to your favorite locations. Support will provide trail team tools, equipment, maintenance on trails and equipment, support volunteer projects, our career paths program, and much much more.
Russian River Rodeo Play Days - August 23 - Play Day
Time to put some dates on your calendars !
August 23 - Play Day
more dates to come !
AND if you’re a member, you’re invited to spend Saturday nights before each play day for a fun camp out!
Time for some fun!
Questions? Contact: info@russianriverrodeo.com
Russian River Rodeo Play Days - August 22 - Barrel Race
Time to put some dates on your calendars !
August 22 - Barrel Race
August 23 - Play Day
more dates to come !
AND if you’re a member, you’re invited to spend Saturday nights before each play day for a fun camp out!
Time for some fun!
Questions? Contact: info@russianriverrodeo.com
Board of Supervisors Meeting re: Sonoma County Animal Control procedures to protect suffering horses
While the SCHC does not take a position, for or against equine-related events and individuals, it is our charge to provide information to our constituents in an even-handed fashion.
The SCHC is providing this information for those of you who wish to sign the petition and/or attend the Board of Supervisors meeting with regards to the horrible incident that occurred last month involving the horse attacked and killed by its owner's dog.
Petition link: Investigate and Reform SC Animal Control procedures to protect suffering horses
https://www.change.org/.../investigate-and-reform-sonoma...
Meeting information:
Board of Supervisors Meeting: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. Location: 575 Administration Dr., Room 102A, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Horseplay at the Sonoma County Fair Presented by the Sonoma County Horse Council
Come out to the Sonoma County Fair Wednesday, August 10 between 3-5pm and watch Erika Jansson exhibit the essence of Cavaletti. She'll be performing at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds Horseplay Arena presented by the Sonoma County Horse Council.
Horseplay at the Sonoma County Fair Presented by the Sonoma County Horse Council
Come out to the Sonoma County Fair Wednesday, August 9 between 3-5pm and watch David Lawson and local Sonoma County Barrel Racers show their stuff. They'll be performing at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds Horseplay Arena presented by the Sonoma County Horse Council.