The Governor General’s Horse Guards

The Governor General’s Horse Guards (GGHG) is the senior reserve armoured regiment in Canada, tracing its lineage to 1822, when early volunteer cavalry troops were raised in York (Toronto). These mounted units took shape throughout the 19th century, eventually forming organized cavalry regiments that performed local defence duties, ceremonial functions, and militia training.

In 1885, elements of the regiment served during the North-West Rebellion, marking their first operational deployment. By the early 20th century, the regiment had fully organized into structured cavalry units such as the Governor General’s Body Guard and the Mississauga Horse, which later formed key components of the modern GGHG lineage.

During the First World War, members of the regiment contributed to cavalry, infantry, and support units within the Canadian Expeditionary Force, serving in both mounted and dismounted roles as warfare shifted toward trench combat. In the Second World War, the regiment transitioned from traditional cavalry to mechanized roles, providing soldiers to armoured regiments deployed in Europe and contributing to Canada’s growing need for armoured reconnaissance capabilities.

In 1950, the regiment officially adopted the name The Governor General’s Horse Guards, solidifying its modern identity. Over the postwar decades, GGHG members trained as reconnaissance soldiers, operating armoured vehicles, gathering battlefield intelligence, and supporting regular force units in both domestic and international operations.

GGHG personnel have deployed on missions around the world—including Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and the Middle East—while also supporting domestic tasks such as natural disaster response, major event security, and community aid. The regiment also maintains a strong ceremonial presence, including mounted activities through its Cavalry Squadron, connecting modern operations to its deep historical cavalry roots.

Today, the Governor General’s Horse Guards continues to serve as the armoured reconnaissance regiment of 32 Canadian Brigade Group, carrying nearly two centuries of history, tradition, and service to Canada.