Horse Guard Volunteer Training For Therapeutic Riding

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 April 1.

Saddle-Up For Life is a horseback riding program for people with disabilities. Launched in 1998, the program 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 the program have a variety of handicaps: Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy and visual impairment. 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 — you may have to trot alongside your rider. Minimum age requirement is 14, and side walkers need to be at least five feet tall. The 2GHG is a member center of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA.org) and follows the rules and guidelines set forth in the standards manual. 

The 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. Horse Guard 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.