Serving Our Community

  The Governor's Horse Guard is proud to make a variety of contributions to the people of Connecticut.  In addition to escorting the Governor at ceremonial occasions and providing a unique military mounted presence by marching in parades in towns all over the state, troop volunteers train and serve in a variety of additional ways.

  Troopers are trained as part of the area's Community Emergency Response Team, including participating with CREPC (Capitol Region  and the MRC (Medical Reserve Corps.)  This training also has included preparation to facilitate pet placement in the event of an evacuation.

  As dictated by Connecticut Statute, Troopers are called upon by the CT National Guard whenever additional resources are needed.  Troop volunteers have responded recently in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and in preparation for state security during the "Year 2000" concern.  Additionally, the troop has been utilized for search and rescue when conditions warranted coverage by horseback after multiple other techniques failed to locate the lost individual.  Troopers also coordinate donations for the Governor-sponsored annual "Operation ELF," which provides holiday assistance to families of deployed soldiers.

  1GHG is proud to share our horses in various ways with members of the community, including visits to local Senior living communities, to Veterans, and children's programs such as "'Say Nay' to Drugs," as well as programs for local boy scout and girl scout troops, from tours to merit badge training.  The troop also frequently participates in events which highlight Connecticut's fine historic places, such as the Mark Twain House in Hartford, Hillstead Farm in Farmington, and The Phelps Tavern and Museum in Simsbury, to name a few.

Our Horses say "Nay" to drugs!

The "Say Nay" program was developed years ago, modeled after the nationwide D.A.R.E program, but with an important extra component: the relationship to a horse.  The horse is not judgmental and provides unconditional love and companionship.  Understanding the horse requires responsibility for its care and is rewarded by that unique relationship.  Our troopers rely on military bearing which helps set examples of good behavior and encourages mentoring relationships.

The program brings horses to schools, directly involving the students with the horses.  For many, this is their first exposure to such an animal.  Students learn about self-esteem, the dangers of any kind of drug use, and different approaches of how to "say nay".  Each student makes a promise to a special horse to stay drug-free.

=== "Say Nay" Student Art 2009 ===