The year was 1860, the ad in a California newspaper read, Wanted. Young, skinny, wiry fellows. Not over 20. Must be expert riders. Willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred.? Thus began the unforgettable Pony Express.
As one Pony Express rider started in St. Joseph, Missouri, heading west, another rider was leaving Sacramento, California, heading east, galloping along the jagged and barren-marked route of the Oregon Trail. Their special-made saddlebags were designed to transfer quickly to a fresh horse and were laden with mail. Ladened, too, with the vision to dare the impossible. At ten to twenty mile intervals the riders would stop briefly to change to fresh horses. The two men who left St. Joseph and Sacramento would ride a distance of nearly a hundred miles night and day.
It cost five dollars per half-ounce to send a letter by this means. With courage, fortitude and speed against life-threatening circumstances they rode through eight states and accomplished this in the amazing time of ten days! To our modern-day ears, this may not seem such an impressive event. But, back in the 1860’s, it took months for sailing vessels and covered wagons to reach the West Coast.
For almost two years the Pony Express riders carried the mail to the remote western towns or back to Missouri. They covered 650,000 miles and carried 34,753 pieces of mail. This required 80 riders, 420 horses, 100 stations, 12 miles apart; and, if that station was burned or plundered by hostile Indians or outlaws, they rode on. When Lincoln was elected President, when the South fired on Fort Sumter, when Civil War was declared, it was the gallant Pony Express Riders, armed with a Bible and a small Colt pistol that sped the news to California. Over the prairies, deserts, and mountains they galloped across the American wilderness, achieving speeds never before heard of.
With the first telegraph wires and the ‘Iron Horse? uniting East and West from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean, the Pony Express disappear from the frontier.
However, their deeds will long be remembered. Their determination to dare the impossible is a glowing reminder for future generations of the courageous spirit and imagination that embodied this nation to greatness.
On May 17, 2003, we will salute those valiant men and horses that galloped across a wilderness and into the pages and hearts of American history. Yes, the Pony Express will ride again!
The route is the Polly Ann Trail. The ride will be on Saturday, May 17th, at 10:00 a.m. There are six different routes to choose from, personalized for your individual needs. Some routes will start north of Dryden, and continue to Leonard. Riders will pick up mail according to the route they choose and drop off their mail at the Blanka Trail Head. They will have the option of picking up more letters, either to continue further south to Oxford, or north past Dryden. There are mail routes that leave Leonard at the Blanka Trail Head, traveling toward Oxford or toward Dryden, according to the route you choose. Don’t miss this opportunity of experiencing the thrill of riding your steed down the Polly Ann Trail for this memorable event!
However, unlike our historical comrades of the 1860s, safety not speed, coupled with a Good Samaritan attitude will be the goal for the Pony Express Rider of 2003. Riders will be judged on their efficiency in delivering the mail, the authenticity of their outfit, and the mannerisms of their mount. A Polly Ann tee shirt will be awarded to everyone who finishes his or her route. Each rider will have the option of riding alone or with a group. The winner or winners of the Pony Express Trail Ride will be recognized and asked to ride in the Strawberry Festival Parade on July 19th.
After the Pony Express Trail Ride, there will be a chili cook off at Blanka Trailhead. Everyone is welcomed! All entries need to be in by 3:00 p.m. that afternoon. Dancing will follow.
The money contributed will go for watering troughs, picnic tables and more for the Blanka Trail Head. Please register early. For more information, please contact Cathy Brakefield at 248 628-4415.
Experience the fun of riding the rails-to-trails upon your favorite steed, and enjoy an old-fashioned American tradition of good fellowship, good food and good music!
God Bless!
Catherine Brakefield is a freelance writer living in Leonard and Citizen Representative for Equestrian Affairs for the Polly Ann Trail Management Council.

April 28, 2003

Oxford Leader
Oxford, Michigan

Attention: Mr. C. J. Carnacchio
Editor

Dear Mr. C. J. Carnacchio:

Please note the attached article about the Pony Express. The main objective of my article is to inform the reader of the factual information regarding the Pony Express and encourage participation in the forthcoming event.
Please let me know if you will publish this article.

Thank you for time, and if you should have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience.