The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard – one of two remaining cavalry militia units in the United States – opened its doors at Fairfield Hills last Sunday for its annual Open House.

With demonstrations by the University of Connecticut vaulting team, a musical ride, military drills, barn tours, a working forge, pony rides, and a talk on the history and recruiting of the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard, the Open House – which started at 10 am – had plenty to offer interested horse enthusiasts.

The Company was formed back in 1808 to “protect the governor in times of peace and war” and Colonel Peter Moritz (ret.) and Lt. Rocco Deugenio reflected on the past 192 years of the guard in their discussions in the headquarters building.

Those interested in joining the unit found information on becoming members.

Down below, in the main riding ring, the UConn vaulting team was featured along with the Unit’s popular musical ride and military drill. The precision of the musical ride and military drill came through the careful guidance of Captain Gordon McNeil and Lt. Paul Mazarra.

Inside, there were tours of the newly-renovated barns – in the midst of a three-phase construction project to update the facilities, which owes a lot of its impetus to state representative Julia Wasserman, as well as many others. Sgts. Karen DeFriesse and Laura Razowsky spoke on the effort of maintaining 32 horses on a daily basis throughout the year and also provided people with a historical look at the saddles used as far back as the 19th century.

A trip to visit Platoon Sgt. Dan Messner, a farrier and blacksmith, introduced people to the world of early american metallurgy.

Seeking Recruits

The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard is seeking new members and an Open House for those interested in joining the united will be held on Saturday, September 9, at 10 am, at the headquarters at Fairfield Hills.

Staff officers will be on hand to narrate the history of the Company and to answer questions regarding membership. The Company is in search of both riding and non-riding members, whose function will be to support a growing office staff.

Neither military nor riding experience is required, although both are desirable. Recruits are taught the fundamentals of both.

The Unit is all volunteer and maintains 32 horses at its facility. Most of its work is in the communities of southern Connecticut, where it serves the historical function of performing ceremonial duties on behalf of the governor.

For further information, call 426-9046 or 459-4275.

The facility is accessible from Exit 11, I-84, and from South Main Street.