Dan Reilly of Norwalk, owner of All The King’s Horse tack shop in Ridgefield, was honored as Second Lieutenant by the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard last week.

The troop was in perfect military formation for the ceremony as Mr Reilly was presented a framed certificate naming him as a Second Lieutenant. Throughout the years Lieutenant Reilly has come to the aid of the all-volunteer Cavalry Unit in both personal and financial contributions.

The entire Troop wished to recognize Dan for his significant contributions and his continued commitment to the Troop. 

Mr Reilly was a Norwalk police officer from 1969 to 1974. He was forced to retire early due to an injury caused by a horse, which left him with partial paralysis. The injury has not slowed him down much through the years, either in his equestrian activities or in his spirit.

Lt. Dan, as he is now known (whether he likes it or not), is not unfamiliar with the Connecticut State Military Department, as he served in the Connecticut Army National Guard from 1966 to 1970 as a Corporal in the Second Battalion 192nd Field Artillery.

Major Janis Arena, Commandant of the Second Company, presented the honorary certificate to Mr Reilly.

“It is an honor to present to you this award as you have done so much over the years for us and your continued commitment is much appreciated,” Major Arena said. “On behalf of the Troop, thank you, Dan.”

The troop also honored several members: PFC Jennifer Taylor (Brookfield), promoted to Corporal in the stable department; CPL Melanie Viets (Branford), promoted to Sergeant in the stable department; Sergeant Linda Myers (Newtown) promoted to Second Lieutenant in the stable department; and Sergeant Doreen Jurgens (Trumbull) promoted to First Lieutenant – Platoon Leader of the troop.

The Second Company

The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard is one of the oldest Horse Cavalry Units in continuous service (since 1808) in the United States.  The troop is comprised of 35 members with a herd of 34 donated horses and is housed in the old dairy barn at the former Fairfield Hills Hospital Campus in Newtown.

The troop performs in parades and drills throughout the year, having the distinction of performing in the Inaugural Parade for President Bush in 2001. 

The troop performs in 25-30 parades and events each year including a musical ride with lances and has begun a mounted patrol of State Forests in conjunction with the CT Horse Council and the Connecticut Dept. of Environmental Protection, (just to name a few of its activities).

The troop also has it’s own therapeutic riding program for “special needs” adults of the Southbury training school as well as a similar program for disabled veterans.

For further info call 426-9046 or Lieutenant Robert Dahm, Public Affairs Officer at 270-9246. Or visit the troop website at www.thehorseguard.com.