Western history makes for brief Carson City stop during Pony Express 2017 re-ride
The annual National Pony Express re-ride strolled through 2nd and Curry street in Carson City earlier than expected Wednesday morning. But those who arrived early to watch came prepared with cameras and bright smiles as two riders exchanged horses and pleasantries in middle of the road.
An exchange of the historic mochila was placed upon the rider's horse’s saddle at around between 11:15 to 11:20 a.m., as a new Pony Express rider took hold of the reins and the re-ride continued onward, embarking on a new journey to the state line at Lake Tahoe.
Before being replaced by the transcontinental telegraph and lasting for nearly 19 months, the Pony Express still holds major significance in U.S. history. According to the National Pony Express Association, these riders established a relay communication system.
Crossing eight states as a means of east-west communications during 1860. From Missouri to California the Pony Express Riders delivered thousands of letters as fast as anyone during that time period, establishing themselves as a thread that tied the East and West together.
For this reason, the National Pony Express Association recreates the journey every year, sending hundreds of riders along the same historic trail, 24 hours-a-day each June.
Express rider Anne Martins described her recent journey.
“I rode two other horses in Cold Springs and Sand Springs last night. And then this morning, after my co-rider did a load of work, I carried it from Deer Run Road to here,” she said.
Martins explained what these rides meant to her.
“It’s absolutely exhilarating,” she said. “This is my sixth year. And it is a little crazy trying to get things organized, like finding what leg you’re running on. Or who your captain is going to be, but once that gets going the thrill will carry me the rest of the way.”
After its brief stop in Carson City, the re-ride continued to Lake Tahoe and then onto Placerville and its final destination, Sacramento by Thursday.