Saddle Up!
November 22, 2009
If you're interested in horses but don't know yet if you want to commit to lessons or ownership, there is a kind of getting-to-know-you horse program in the state.
It's called the First Company Governor's Horse Guards.
One of the many good things about the horse guards is that prior riding
experience isn't necessary to join. And you'll get lots of hands-on time with
the horses. Applicants should be between 18 and 50 and must meet Army height and
weight restrictions. Volunteers go through a 16-week training period, during
which they practice every Sunday morning. Once they "earn their
spurs," they join the regular Thursday night drills and can participate in
events such as parades, ceremonial events and competitions.
There's also something called "liberty riding," which allows members
— called "troopers" — to reserve a horse after work or on the
weekends and ride at the guards' facility in Avon or on the nearby trails.
"The horse guards is tired of being one of the best-kept secrets in
Connecticut," said Major Michael P. Downes, commandant. "We are
actively seeking new members who have a desire to serve, ride, give back to
their community, and participate in one of the country's most unique military
organizations."
The horse guard, the nation's oldest continually serving
cavalry unit, was created in 1788 as a mounted honor guard for the governor. It
was mostly a ceremonial guard until 1916, when the unit was sworn into service
patrolling the Arizona/Mexico border. It was called into service two more times,
in 1917 and in World
War II. After WWII the guard was reorganized as a state militia unit.
I had an opportunity to tour the barn and watch a practice drill at the facility
in Avon last year. The horses are good-looking and well-kept, and the precision
riding was amazing to watch. In addition to learning to ride, the troopers must
groom and tack up their horses, so you'll get a well-rounded horse education.
An open house will be held Nov. 29 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the facility, 280
Arch Road, Avon. There'll be a pancake breakfast ($8 for adults; free for
children under 12), riding demonstrations, pony rides, a tag sale and a
recruiting drive.
For more information, call guards public affairs officer Tara Downes at
860-673-3525 or go to www.govhorseguards.org.
Copyright © 2009, The Hartford Courant