By Kendra Bobowick

The historic Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard’s ranks increased by six this weekend as graduation ceremonies welcomed new members who completed 22 weeks of training.

The newest members of the guard inducted at July 9 graduation ceremonies were Stacie Walker, Terri Burke, Diane Michaels, Wendy Ann Cuccinello, Brian Hayes, and Jane Belanger.

“They certainly earned their spurs,” said Lt Gordon Johnson. He noted that as of that day, the new guards were ready for service. The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard is one of four militias in the state, he explained. The guard’s orders come from Hartford.

“The governor is our boss. We are the governor’s guard,” Lt Johnson said.

A brief ceremony saw established guard members on horseback stand sentry as the six new recruits received their certificates and honorary spurs. The ceremony preceded a symbolic act of striking a champagne bottle with a saber, a cavalry tradition.

The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard is an all-volunteer state militia unit. According to thehorseguard.com, “As an active Cavalry Unit, it serves the Governor and the State of Connecticut under the direction of the Connecticut Army National Guard. The Horse Guard is part of the State Military Department…”

According to the site, the “Second Horse” was originally chartered in 1808, and has had a history throughout the years of dedicated service to residents both in times of peace and war. Members today are dedicated to the preservation of the Cavalry in Connecticut. The guard performs traditional Army Cavalry drills, a musical ride, as well as participates in more than 25 parades and events per year. The Second Horse sponsors its own riding program for the special needs adults of Southbury Training School, “Saddle Up for Life.”

The Second Horse also raises funds for St Jude’s Children’s Hospital as well as local charities and food banks. Most recently the troop has been involved in a rescue of four wild mustangs and has sponsored rescue efforts to save Premarin foals in Canada from slaughter. The troop meets weekly to practice both mounted and dismounted drills.

Roughly 33 horses now fill the stables and fields at the horse guard’s Fairfield Hills location.