Therapeutic Riding At Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard

The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard will hold volunteer training for its therapeutic riding program at 7 pm in the office of the 2GHG Headquarters at Fairfield Hills on March 31.

Saddle-Up For Life is 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’s syndrome, cerebral palsy and visual impairment — and they range from mild to profound retardation.

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 and may have to trot alongside the rider.

Minimum age requirement is 14, and side walkers must be at least 5 feet tall. 2GHG is a member center of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA.orgThe 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 100 percent volunteer, non-profit organization, members are dedicated to preserving the history of the cavalry in the State of Connecticut.

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