Horse Guard Slates Open House For Oct. 23

By Kendra Bobowick

What makes the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard’s (2GHG) open house family event on October 23 a special day?

“We’re still here!” said supporter Ken Fay, referring to budget constraints and administrative decisions earlier this year that nearly saw the unit packed up and closed down. Officials and community members had rallied on the unit’s behalf and negotiated with the state to find a way to keep the facility open and operating.

The annual open house will run from 11 am to 2 pm on October 23, with a riding demonstration at 1 pm. The day promises pony rides, games, activities, food, and family fun, and will be held rain or shine. Guests will have the chance to meet the ten remaining horses and Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard troopers.

Also offered that day will be exhibits, games for kids, horses and troopers available to talk to the public. All donations will benefit the company’s horses.

The horse guard is at 4 Wildlife Drive off Trades Lane. Contact the facility at 203-426-9046, or visit the website at TheHorseGuard.org.

The horse guard members have held an annual open house “for years,” said Mr Fay. “It’s a way for us to say thanks to community.”

Considering that the facility nearly closed earlier this year, he added, “We are happy to be in Newtown and are happy to share what we do with everyone in the area.”

The company has ten horses, “and we hope to keep doing what we do best,” said Mr Fay. “In time we hope to have more horses come on board. But, it’s a challenge,” he added.

First Selectman Pat Llodra, who was among officials involved in appealing to the state to preserve the horse guard’s more than 200-year presence in town, said Wednesday, “We are so pleased they’re still here.” Financially speaking, “they are struggling, and we still have hurdles of funding to overcome,” she said.

Regarding the upcoming open house, she said, “Let’s celebrate them while we have them with us.”

State Representatives DebraLee Hovey and Christopher Lyddy, Board of Selectmen members, and local residents played a large part in speaking out on behalf of the horse guard and taking immediate steps to help the unit remain in town.