Pony Express makes its way through Carson City during annual re-ride
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Wed, 06/26/2024 - 3:30pm
The Pony Express returned to the capital city Wednesday, making its annual re-ride across the West. This year, as an even-numbered year, the re-ride began in St. Joseph Missouri on June 17 and will continue east into California.
The Pony Express entered Nevada early Monday morning and made its way through Carson City on Wednesday. The riders will continue over the Sierra and will hand off the mochila (mail bag) to the California riders around 5 p.m. this evening in Stateline.
Riders will continue into Old Town Sacramento, the final destination for the ride, on Thursday.
Allyson McCrae is one of the Carson City riders. She has been matched with her horse, Blakey Stones Solid Gold for two years. When asked why she participates, she said it is a family affair. Her grandfather, a Hamm radio enthusiast and history buff, was a rider before her: "The best part is reliving history."
In total, the ride lasts ten days every year in June (coinciding with the full moon), with riders continuing 24 hours a day in the relay until the mail is delivered in honor of the old Pony Express system that allowed communication through the old west.
The re-ride has happened annually since 1978, the first year the entire route was ridden, connecting smaller local rides throughout the western states.
“This involves around 700 horse and rider relay teams and too many supporters to count,” a spokesperson for the Re-Ride said. “One mochila containing about 1,000 letters is transferred from horse to horse. At the end of the ride (Sacramento or St Jo, depending on the year) the letters are posted to the USPS and delivered.”
You can order letters from the National Pony Express Association website at https://www.nationalponyexpress.org The national organization has a Facebook page (National Pony Express) and the Nevada Division also has its own page (National Pony Express Nevada Division).
“This is an all volunteer organization,” the spokesperson continued. “The Nevada Division also provides a scholarship to a graduating senior from one of the communities along the route. We have riders who present to grade schools, making history come alive before the students' eyes.”
Riders (and their horses!) participate for a love of the ride as well as an interest in our local histories.
“The horses are magnificent and love doing this event, the riders are both horse people and history buffs and the support people are happy to be along for the ride! See you in 2025 when Nevada will host the Annual Convention.”
