Horse Guard Hosts Open House

The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard (2GHG) is hosting a Recruit Open House on Saturday, December 5 at 10 am at the Fairfield Hills Headquarters. This is a unique opportunity to meet with 2GHG recruit training staff, and to obtain information on the 2010 training program.

Horst Guard 1st Sgt. Paul Mazzara will be on hand to answer questions, and 2GHG members will be available to discuss the Troop, its missions, member responsibilities and requirements, and also to tour the facility and meet some of the mounts. Recruit training will begin on February 7, and continue every Saturday through June of 2010. Training includes military drill and ceremony, equine skills and riding lessons. Military and/ or equine experience is helpful, but not required. Recruits must at least 18 years of age, and must be able to attend training. Attendance at the Open House is not a requirement for acceptance into the training program, but the Open House provides an opportunity to see the facility, meet with the training staff and to obtain first-hand information.

2GHG is an all-volunteer state militia unit, serving the Governor and the State of Connecticut. 2GHG is one of the oldest cavalry units in continuous service in the United States and members are dedicated to preserving Cavalry traditions. The 40 troopers and 24 mounts of 2GHG practice mounted military drill year round in authentic 1928 model McClellan saddles – the last issued by the U.S. Army.

2GHG is not a re-enactment group but rather an active cavalry unit representing the State of Connecticut in ceremonies and parades, including the inauguration of the Governor of Connecticut and some Presidential inaugurals. Troopers average 500 hours of service per year. In addition to participating in more than a dozen parades per year, 2GHG runs a therapeutic riding program, Saddle Up for Life. Members also attend events such as Powder House Day in New Haven, and Rochambeau Day in Hartford. 2GHG is a member of the Centennial Legion of Historical Military Commands and along with the other three state militia units participates in yearly Battalion Reviews.

Mandatory Annual Training is held for one week at the National Guard Facility at Camp Rell. The entire troop and mounts, tack and provisions are moved by convoy from Newtown to Niantic. Annual Training may include use of Stone’s Military Reservation and the indoor range using simulated automatic weapons.

In addition, the Friends of 2GHG, Inc. 501c(3) non-profit association sponsors many activities and programs including an annual Horse Show, an Open House — during which the Troop drill team performs, a Judged Pleasure Ride and a fundraising trail ride for Children’s Medical Center in Hartford.

Applicants must be between 18 and 55 and in good physical condition. All applicants must pass a background check Applicants who are accepted as recruits will complete a 22-week training program in military drill and ceremony, mounted and dismounted drill and equine studies. No experience necessary – training is comprehensive. Recruit training will begin on February 7, 2010. All interested parties are encouraged to contact 2GHG before January 1, 2010.

For more information, call 1SGT Paul Mazzara at 203-364-0697, or email him at mazzarap@aol.com. The Troopers and mounts of the 2GHG remain, as always, “Ready to Serve.”

Cpl. Joseph Kearney with his bugle on Trav'ler; and Sgt. Jose Flavio Rosa standing. —2LT Cindy Joyce/ 2GHG photo