Horse Guard Volunteer Training Program

The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard (2GHG) will hold volunteer training for its therapeutic riding program, Saddle-Up For Life (SUFL) on Tuesday, March 30 at 7 pm in the office of the 2GHG Headquarters at Fairfield Hills.

SUFLis a horseback riding program for people with disabilities. Launched in 1998, SUFL provides a highly-supervised riding program for residents of Southbury Training School. In addition, there is a small lesson program on Tuesday evenings, and a program for injured veterans is in the planning stages.

The participants in SUFL have a variety of handicaps: Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy and visual impairment; and they range from mild to profound retardation. In their own way, each participant benefits from horseback riding.

Each rider on horseback requires three volunteers — one on each side, and one to lead each horse. A certified therapeutic riding instructor administrates and attends all riding sessions. Although it is helpful, volunteers do not have to have experience working with horses. Applicants must be physically fit — you may have to trot alongside your rider. Minimum age requirement is 14, and side walkers need to be at least five feet tall.

2GHG is a member center of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, (NARHA.org); and follows the rules and guidelines set forth in their standards manual.

The 2GHG has been serving the citizenry of Connecticut since 1808 and is one of the oldest Cavalry Units in continuous service in the United States. 2GHG troopers participate in ceremonial events at the order of either the Governor or the Adjutant General. A volunteer, non-profit organization, its members are dedicated to preserving the history of the cavalry in the State of Connecticut.

Please direct inquiries and questions to 2LT Cindy Joyce by phone 203-426-5686 or via email at cjoycester@gmail.com

The troopers and mounts of the 2GHG remain, as always, “Ready to Serve.”