Equine Extremist Turvey Dazzles Crowd With Stunts

“Tommie the Terrific” Turvey entertained the crowd at the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard’s (2GHG) Commandant’s Cavalcade at the Horse Guard’s Fairfield Hills facilities on August 11.

Celebrity stuntman and equine extremist Turvey and his Amazing Horses, his wife Chantal, sister Karen, brother-in-law Jamie, and dogs Maverick and Cutaway put on a live performance that left the audience of nearly 1,000 speechless and hysterical with laughter.

From Roman riding — standing up riding two horses simultaneously while jumping over fire — to his outrageously funny comedy act with Poker Joe, to the enchanting Chantal with her horse Nicola and minihorse Razor, this show was entertaining from start to finish.

The nighttime live performance and daytime vendor marketplace kicked off the 2GHG Commandant’s Cavalcade 2012, the first — anticipated to be annual — equine and agricultural event hosted by 2GHG as a way of celebrating the rich history of Connecticut’s Cavalry while raising much-needed funds to continue its community mission.

Major Gordon Johnson of 2GHG has led this all-volunteer state militia unit — part of Connecticut’s National Guard — for the past six years. 2GHG is an active Cavalry Unit serving the governor and the State of Connecticut and remains ever conscious of its responsibilities to the citizens of Connecticut and thankful to those who have made their continuing existence possible. The economic challenges of the past few years brought about new thinking in how 2GHG could raise funds through events like this one to further engage and educate the community, and thereby help sustain and grow their mission, 2GHG members note.

Event creators and promoters Anne Vogel and Mary Fellows, both Newtown residents, were thrilled with the event’s success. Funds raised during this event will be applied toward 2GHG programs such as Saddle Up For Life, a recreational horseback-riding program for people with disabilities, and Horses For Hospitals, in which Horse Guard members bring a plush horse to hospitalized children.

The Horse Guard will hold its annual open house on Sunday, October 7, from 11 am to 2 pm, and its members invite the public to come out for a meet and greet with the troopers and their horses.