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Get To Know Your Horse Through Horse Guards

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.

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