A horse, his owner, and a trainer were honored recently at a special awards ceremony at the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard.

The Troop has many members who have been following the progress of famous racehorse Funny Cide and felt that since Funny Cide is a dark colored bay gelding like most of the horses in the Troop’s herd, he should be made an “honorary member” of the herd.

Now that the racing season is coming to an end, it was an appropriate time to honor Funny Cide by inviting local Connecticut resident and co-owner Dave Mahan and his wife Nadine to come and receive the award.

The Troop was in perfect military formation for the ceremony as Mr. Mahan was presented a large beautifully framed photo collage depicting photos of the entire Troop’s mounts surrounding a photo of Funny Cide. Mr. Mahan was also given a certificate naming Funny Cide as an honorary member of the herd, as well as a large gift basket which contained troop t-shirts and polo shirts embroidered with the Second Company’s insignia.

The gift basket also contained some “Breezy Bite” horse treats made especially for Funny Cide by Troop members. The horse treats are baked by Troop members themselves and are sold at local tack shops and stores to help benefit the Troop and the Troop’s charities it sponsors.

The Troop also honored Chief Charles J. Sowles, (retired) Chief Warrant Officer (CW-5) of the United States Army. Chief Sowles of Alexandria, Virginia, has been a valued friend and an excellent horse trainer for the Troop.

Chief Sowles recently retired after 25 years of service in the “Old Guard” or the Caisson Platoon of the Third Infantry Regiment based in Fort Myer, Virginia. The Third Infantry Regiment is the official escort to the President of the United States, as well as officially standing guard over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The regiment also escorts dignitaries and has provided mounted escorts for as many as 6 military funerals a day at Arlington.

Chief Sowles has served as the Caisson Platoon’s Horse Officer and Platoon Leader. Chief Sowles has acquired a vast knowledge in the training of horses over his many years of service and since he is now retired, he said he would rather now be called “Chuck.”

But Troopers still call him “Chief” out of respect.

Chief Sowles spent the past two weeks at the Horse Guard working with several of the Troop’s mounts by doing some groundwork. With his easygoing and gentle ways of training the horses quickly took to him and responded well. Chief Sowles also was a huge help to the Troop when the Troop traveled to Washington DC back in January of 2001 for the President’s Inaugural Parade.

Chief Sowles was instrumental in providing stables for the horses and fulfilling their needs for the three-day stay. Chief Sowles also aided with the logistics for the Troop as well which greatly helped the troop in time of need.

Charles J. Sowles was made an honorary captain of the Troop and presented a certificate proclaiming same. A Troop cap with captain’s bars was also presented to him.