4 Legs and a Tail - Keene - Spring 2015/16

The Governor’s Dick Lynch - Jaffery, NH Horse Guards began on June 24, 1859 when they were first incorporated by an act of the N. H. Senate and House of Representatives in General Court. The constitution and by-laws were adopted at the first annual meeting of the corps, held at Concord, on Wednesday January 11, 1860. They were attached to the fourth brigade of the second division of the State Militia with their duties being that of escorting the Governor on public occasions. Former President, Franklin Pierce was honorary Colonel.

The civil war made inroads into the ranks of the Guards, and at the last parade, for the inauguration of Governor Smyth in 1865, not over half of the corps were in line. In 1879 an attempt was made to muster the “Guards” for escort duty at the inauguration of Governor Head who was himself a former member of the “Guards.” The attempt was unsuccessful and was the last official act of the corps. The Horse Guards were officially dissolved on January 2, 1986.

On September 28, 1999 Governor Jeanne Shaheen directed that a cavalry organization be formed and operate as a ceremonial unit of the New Hampshire National Guard to be known as the Governor’s Horse Guards. Richard Lynch of Jaffrey was appointed Captain. Major General John E. Blair, Adjutant General of the State of New Hampshire inspected the members of the newly reformed unit at a January 12, 2000 ceremony conducted at the State Armory in Concord. A Proclamation signed by Governor Shaheen officially recognized January 12, 2000 as Governor’s Horse Guards Day. Secretary of State, William Gardner reactivated the original 1859 corporation, and their first ceremonial duty was to escort the Governor at the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Manchester, NH. Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut accompanied Governor Shaheen in an inspection of the troops.

Just a few of the more memorable events have been opening the show, “Pfizer Fantasia” with a color detail, mounted demo and saber drill at Equine Affaire, leading the NH Day Parade at the Eastern State Fairgrounds on several occasions, a mounted appearances at UNH and providing a detail for “Honor Flight.” The unit participated in the funeral detail for a NH Chief of Police killed in the line of duty, escorted VIP’s and the NH Congressional Delegation at the presentation of the NH Medal of Honor, caisson escort for two members of the military KIA, and provided the honor guard for the Count de Lafayette when he visited the NH State House. The unit has been involved in several movies including a WGBH-TV Production of “The American Experience,” and most recently “Pale of Settlement,” filmed in Sugar Hill, NH. The unit has also appeared in a CT PBS production as well as a VT PBS film and several others.

To date the unit has participated in 152 events, 79 of those being parades. One of the most memorable parades was Nov. 11, 2011 when the unit participated in the Veterans Day Parade in NYC. Members paraded their horses up 5th Ave. and on into Central Park returning by way of Times Square. The unit has received many awards including the President’s Volunteer Service award and is a member unit of the Centennial Legion of Historic Military Commands.

In 2011 the Guards formed a Search Unit to assist NH Fish & Game in Region IV. Having previously participated in two private searches, the unit decided in 2014 to include private searches as part of their public service. Dismounted members carry the colors during parades and work at the command post or search on foot during SAR.

When the unit is not volunteering their services many of the members participate in trail rides such as a recent trip to Gettysburg, PA for a ride around the battlefield. Some members participate in cowboy mounted shooting, ski joring, civil war cavalry reenacting, and cattle drives.

The Horse Guards operate at their own expense when representing the State, the Governor and the NH Army National Guard. Occasionally the “Guards” are paid for participating in parades or for other special appearances out-of-state.

Anyone who may be interested to join this historic military organization or would like additional information is requested to contact LTC Lynch at (603) 532-6415 or e-mail cavalrycpt@hailstorm.org