LAKEPORT >> After a scheduling conflict prevented their participation last year, gypsy horses will return to Fiesta of the Horse to be held on Sunday at Rancho de la Fuente.
Judy Bennett, of Kelseyville, fulfilled a dream when she acquired her first gypsy horse, a mare imported from Britain, according to Deb Baumann. The mare was in foal when Bennett bought her and she gave birth to a female. Now, the two gypsy horses perform as a beautifully matched set, ridden by Bennett”s daughters Joy and Jocelyn Bennett.
For centuries, the nomadic people known as gypsies traveled the roads of Europe in decorated wagons. Through their travels, they created a 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, according to Baumann. Hundreds of years of selective breeding created the powerful and gentle gypsy horse.
In its third year, Fiesta of the Horse will serve as the cornerstone for a new event titled Californio Days, which will be a celebration of California”s agriculture and history from the Spanish period to modern day.
In addition to the Fiesta of the Horse show, which will begin at 10:30 a.m., the event will also feature a farmers market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., including displays about history and heritage livestock conservation. Additionally, food, wine and other beverages will be offered for sale, a barefoot hoof trimming demonstration will be given and live musical entertainment will be performed by Irma Lopez.
Admission is free-of-charge for the family-friendly event. Attendees are encouraged to wear costume from their favorite period of California history.
For information, visit www.californio.us or call 275-9234.
Rancho de la Fuente is located at 2290 Soda Bay Road in Lakeport.
