The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard (2GHG) will host the third annual Pony Rides For A Purpose at its Fairfield Hills headquarters, 4 Wildlife Drive, on Sunday, May 3, from 11 am to 4 pm.

Join 2GHG for a festive day in remembrance of the life of Jessica Rekos with pony rides from 11 am to 3 pm, visitors from the Beardsley Zoo, LCC K9 comfort dogs Maggie, Addie, Lydia and Lily, juggling by members of The Newtown Juggling & Circus Arts Club, arts and crafts, a bake sale, live music in the afternoon, face painting, a silent auction, raffles, and more.

Admission is $10 per child (no charge for adults) and all proceeds go toward The Jessica Rekos Foundation to raise funds to provide children with yearlong horse riding lesson scholarships and a horseback riding summer camp who would not otherwise have the opportunity.

This annual event began in January 2013 when King’s Bridge Farm wanted to do something special for the Rekos family. Jessica, a horse enthusiast and riding student at King’s Bridge, was one of the children killed on 12/14. She had begun riding lessons at age 5, and continued weekly for 14 months.

“Jessica Rekos was a beautiful, bright and very funny little girl with a big love for horses,” said Montana Calloway, Jessica’s former riding instructor and one of the event organizers. “After Jessica’s death we knew we had to do something special for Jessica and her family, so in January 2013 we held the first Pony Rides For A Purpose fundraiser.

“Even though it was freezing cold the day of the event, the turnout was incredible,” Ms Calloway continued. “We knew this had to become an annual event.”

Pony Rides For A Purpose event has been moved to May in order to coincide with Jessica’s birthday month. This year’s event will take place the weekend before what would have been her ninth birthday.

The event has become wider celebration in remembrance of Jessica’s life and her love of horses and all things equestrian.

To learn more about Pony Rides For A Purpose, visit jessicarekos.org and ponyridesforjessica.org. To learn more about the 2GHG, visit thehorseguard.org.