Connecticut's First Company Governor's Horse Guard is the oldest continuously serving U.S. cavalry unit. If you're in search of a fun, free family activity in the Hartford area, head to the First Company Governor's Horse Guard headquarters at 232 West Avon Road in Avon, Connecticut, each Thursday evening to watch these mounted troops, part of the state militia, practice drills and carry on a proud tradition that dates to 1788.
If you arrive early, you'll have a chance to meet some of the horses and chat with some of the riders before they begin their drills at 7:30 p.m. Horse Guard members are volunteers, and new riders are recruited and trained annually. While the role of the First Governor's Horse Guards is mostly ceremonial today, these drills, taken from early U.S. cavalry manuals, keep the unit fit for active duty should the need arise. For more information, call 860-673-3525.
