*This is the first in a series of profiles highlighting the roles of Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard (2GHG) members.

*Subject: Captain Paul Mazzara of Bantam.

*Family: I have an 11 year old daughter, Isabelle. My father, Captain Robert Mazzara, is a member of the First Company Governor’s Horse Guard in Avon.

*Years with Horse Guard: I have been in the Horse Guard for 33 years now. I joined the Horse Guard in 1989 at age 18. My father had been a member of the unit since I was 12 years old. I joined because of him and my love for the military and horses.

*Role with Horse Guard: I am currently the Executive Officer and the Operations and Training Officer where I am second in command of the unit after the Commandant, who is a Major. I currently oversee all operations of the Horse Guard and coordinate all training for the unit.

*Reason you joined: I love the horses and training our members how to ride our horses better. I also really enjoy organizing the unit and accomplishing our mission.

*What do you enjoy about the Horse Guard: The most rewarding thing about the unit is its people. We are like family.

*A Horse Guard horse (past or present) to ride off into the sunset: Picking a favorite horse is very difficult, but perhaps my favorite Horse Guard horse of all time is a horse named Goblin. He was the most willing horse and I learned so much riding him. I miss him to this day.

*Other interests: My other interests are spending time with my daughter, studying American Civil War and cavalry history, kayaking, going to the beach, and playing ice hockey.

Come meet CPT Mazzara and the rest of the Horse Guard troop at their Open House across from Reed Intermediate School at 3 Trades Lane on Saturday, September 10, from 11 am to 3 pm. This is a fun-filled family day open to all.

The Horse Guard is currently seeking new members for their next recruit class. If you would like to join, or know someone who would be interested, please e-mail 2ghg.ctmd@ct.gov.