PASADENA, Calif. -- The United States Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard, based aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow Calif., takes their business seriously when they show the world the prestige behind the Marine Corps.
MCLB Barstow houses the only Mounted Color Guard left in the Marine Corps, formed in 1967. The MCG participates in events throughout the year and across the country including parades, funerals and equestrian-related events.
The MCG projects a positive image of honor and nobility whether they participate in scheduled events or just make an occasional public appearance.
The Mounted Color Guard has about 60-100 events a year, said Cpl. Anthony Villalobos, a Marine Rifleman now stationed with the MCG. “Some events are more than a day long,” he added. The Mounted Color Guard has over 100 public appearances in a year alone, he said.
The MCG takes preparations for the showing of their horses as seriously as one would take their job in a combat zone.
“The Mounted Color Guard doesn’t stop after an event’s passed,” said Gunnery Sgt. Peter McConnell, The staff NCO in-charge of the MCG. After one event happens, we need to be ready for the following one,” he added.
The time and effort put into the care and upkeep to these horses demands constant attention. The MCG makes sure they stay just as fit as a Marine should be.
“We take care of their grooming, diets, and fitness,” said Sgt. Nick Cox, an NCO with the MCG. They’re taken on hour long rides to make sure they keep up with good physical standards, not to mention how well they handle a rider on them,” he added.
“The horses are ridden daily and have at least an hour a day in the round pen for exercise to keep up their physical fitness,” said Villalobos.
As far as grooming standards go, the Marines of the MCG conduct several tedious duties to ensure the horses look as valiant and regal as possible.
“The day before a show, we wash the horses,” said Villalobos. “Their hair is trimmed and full body suits are put on to avoid the horses getting dirty,” he added.
Although some of the events are smaller in scale in reference to the number of viewers, some are quite the opposite. Events the MCG has been apart of in previous years have included a Pro Bull Riding event that was featured on ESPN, a Southern Methodist University football game in Texas, the Kentucky Derby, and the Tournament of the Roses Parade.
“I was speechless when I found out what I was to be doing in Barstow when I came here,” said Villalobos. “Riding in these events with the Mounted Color Guard has been an experience I never thought I would have with the Marine Corps,” said Villalobos he added.
The Mounted Color Guard strives for excellence as they continue to show the nation the sense of honor and pride the United States Marine Corps embodies.