Pony Express Association gets set for re-ride

The 2012 Pony Express Re-ride returns to its normal schedule this year, departing Sacramento, Calif., on June 13 and arriving in St. Joseph, Mo., June 23. Last year the annual event was delayed to August due to a highly contagious equine herpes virus, EHV-1.

The mail is expected to pass through Thayer County on Friday, June 22; departing from Oak at 6:45 a.m., and traveling west to east. Approximately 30 local riders will carry the mochilla to Highway 53 at Alexandria before crossing into Jefferson County.
Local Pony Express Trail Master Richard Heinrichs, who organizes the ride through the area, said the Thayer County Visitor’s Committee will serve coffee and rolls at the Pony Express monument located at the intersection of U.S. 81 and Road Q (Monument Road). He thought the riders would be at the monument between 8-9 a.m.

Over 1,000 members of the National Pony Express Association and other volunteers conduct the annual eight-state re-ride.

Anyone wishing to view the ride should be aware that riders may arrive anywhere two hours ahead to two hours behind schedule.