Lisa Unleashed: Andy, The Cavalry's Poster Horse
Andy the horse is what most people remember after visiting the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard (2GHG) at their headquarters in Newtown. Andy, a 16-year-old Shire mixed-breed horse stands about 16 hands tall and weighs approximately 1,600 pounds. It seems Andy likes the number 16. He also loves kids, treats and photo ops.
“He’s a real ham,” said 2GHG Public Affairs Officer Lt. Phil Karnoff. Because of his social skills, physical presence and ability to give a good nuzzle, Andy has been selected to be the ‘poster horse’ of the 2GHG, one of the last remaining units of the U.S. Cavalry. I’ve met Andy at one of the state militia unit’s open houses. He’s quite handsome with his black coat and big head. A thin white swirl on his forehead pointing down towards a white muzzle. you can tell he’s just waiting to tickle you with his whiskers, especially if you have a carrot for him!
Have you seen his adorable face around town? He’s everywhere. He’s at red lights on Route 25, near Ram Pasture and even at Exit 11. Andy’s image now graces those newly installed fundraising thermometers around the center of town. The 2GHG has placed them on highway signs to help publicize their latest round of fundraising.
Fundraising Efforts
The thermometers are a visual follow-up to a town-wide mailing the horse guard did about three weeks ago. The mailing is part of an awareness campaign to let the town know who they are and what they do in the community and beyond. The campaign was the brainchild of a new committee consisting of half a dozen horse guard troopers and volunteer professionals from outside the horse guard to assist them with fundraising efforts.
All fundraising for the 2GHG is conducted by the Friends of the 2GHG, a 501 (c) (3) organization that solicits and accepts donations on behalf of the horse guard. As a result of this first mailing approximately $1,500 has been raised. I even saw that the thermometer had risen this week. Nice to see progress.
It’s also nice to know that all monies donated to them — 100 percent of it — goes directly for the care of the horses. It pays for their hay, grain, veterinarian and blacksmith visits. It costs approximately $30,000 per year to provide for the ten horses currently in the herd that lives mostly outdoors on Wildlife Drive.
The new financial reality for the horse guard is that the state government in Hartford will not guarantee to keep them funded in the future. Not surprising, I’m sure everyone’s been following all that state budget shortfall ink in the media lately. In fact, twice in recent memory, the 2GHG was at risk of being disbanding. One of those close calls actually involved dismantling the herd — much to the horses’ distress — before last minute funding was secured.
For the next two years, through a special grant of $45,000, there is some funding to keep the guard going, to help pay for the facility and associated administrative costs. But Andy and his buddies still need help to keep them fed and with proper health and hoof care. All donations made to the non-profit are tax deductible. Online donations can be made at the .Friends of the 2GHG website
History’s Hoofbeats
“If you lose track of history, you lose what’s valuable in life, you lose the best parts of yourself.” Karnoff explained when describing why it’s important to keep the 2GHG alive. “I mean, who doesn’t want to see horses in parades!” His point is well taken. Horses are a part of America’s history and they need to be preserved and protected.
We need to keep horses in our culture, to remind us of their important place in history. They gave us transportation, they fed us as work animals on the farm, and continue to bring us enjoyment, education and entertainment as large companion animals. The 2GHG stands at the forefront of that mission. Recently, the guard invited about 60 students from Reed Intermediate School to learn about the cavalry’s history, the tack and the horses. The children’s level of engagement with this slice of U.S. history so close to home, literally across the street, was incredible, Karnoff said.
And so fundraisers must continue. This summer a 5K race at the 2GHG headquarters is planned as well as a vintage car show. The popular Double Dan Horsemanship Clinic will return and other events in conjunction with the Newtown Bridle Lands Association. The Newtown Kennel Club’s fundraiser, the K-9 Challenge, a competition for law enforcement and military working dogs, will also return in 2016. To learn more about these events including the unit’s annual Open House (and Barn!) visit the .Horse Guard website
In addition to raising funds for basic necessities of the herd, the guard is also looking to do something special for Andy. Because of his massive size, his usual saddle used in parades — an original 1928 McClennan cavalry saddle — does not fit him correctly. Funds raised will help pay for a special saddle with a wide tree made just for him that will not hurt his shoulders. It’s loving care like this from the troopers that allow Andy to continue to serve in his role as equine ambassador for the cavalry.
And if you want to see more of Andy than his cute mug on the thermometers, then keep an ear out for a sound from Christmas past in the next few weeks in the borough. Each holiday season the troopers decorate the horses with jingle bells and ride down Queen Street to Dunkin' Donuts. Andy will be there. If you are lucky, you might just find yourself face to muzzle with the horse guard poster horse!
Lisa Peterson — lifelong equestrian, show dog breeder and award-winning journalist, public relations specialist and podcaster — writes about horses, hounds and history at LisaUnleashed.com. Reach her at lisa@lisaunleashed.com or @LisaNPeterson.