State Grants Horse Guard Funding For New Stables

By Kim J. Harmon

The horses of the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard on the grounds of Fairfield Hills will be getting new stables thanks to $615,000 in funding approved by the Connecticut State Bond Commission on October 29.

The announcement was made by state representatives Julia B. Wasserman, Pat Shea and John Stripp.

“We have been trying for so long to get that money,” said Rep. Wasserman. “It’s well deserved. It is a great outfit with very little financial backing. The guard spends so many hours as volunteers, caring for the horses, and mucking out the stalls. This will help to assure that this fine organization has the quality facilities its needs.”

The money will be used for renovations to the administration building, according to Lieutenant Governor M. Jodi Rell. The administrative building includes a day room, office space and restrooms. This is the third and final stage of a project to update the property of the Second Company.

“The renovation of the administration building will complete this update and restoration of the Second Company,” said Lt. Governor Rell. Updating this (administration) building will allow the guard to preserve its history in Newtown and to maintain is base of operations.

The total project – all three phases – will come to over $1 million. Back in early June of 1998, the State Bond Commission approved $435,000 for the second phase of the project. The first phase included demolition and other work necessary to convert the former cow barn for horse use and the second phase included the installation of horse stalls.

“The Second Company of the Governor’s Horse Guard participates in parades almost everywhere in Connecticut,” said Rep. Stripp. “They are a Connecticut tradition and deserve the best of care. The improvements that will be funded with these grants will make the barn a healthier and safer place.”