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 Tuesday, 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.

The participants in SUFL have a variety of handicaps. 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 and may have to trot alongside their rider. Minimum age requirement is 14, and side walkers need to be at least five feet tall.

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.

The Horse Guard is a 100 percent volunteer, non-profit organization and members are dedicated to preserving the history of the cavalry in the State of Connecticut.

Please direct inquiries and questions to 2LT Cindy Joyce by phone at 426-5686 or via email: cjoycester@gmail.com.