Local residents re-ride in Pony Express

by Carolyn Maberry

In yesteryears gone by — actually, 149 years ago — the Pony Express was started in St. Joseph to carry letters from the home front to loved ones in Sacramento, Calif. These letters, as those of today, carried happy news and heartbreaking news. Pony Express riders also returned carrying letters to St. Joseph. This ride took place in a 10 day span — the fastest way of communicating in those days.

Now fast forward in history to the year 2009. Anticipation and excitement are in the air, just as in the year 1860 when the Pony Express riders were all skinny, wiry young boys. In 2009, some of the riders are skinny, some not so skinny, some young and some not so young. However, all are young at heart and ready to go and ride their allotted time.

Among the riders were Dillion Lowery on Dumb Dumb, from Pattonsburg; Jake McCracken on Cowboy and Bill Maberry on Penny, both from Dawn; and Laci Peterson on Penny, from Pilot Grove. Laci and Dillion are grandchildren of Bill Maberry.

Now is the time to come along and visualize yourself preparing for a Pony Express ride. Start by taking the oath of all Pony Express riders for 149 years. The oath states you are not to use any profanity or be guilty of any substance abuse or have ill feelings toward your fellow riders.

Next slap your arm into a bright red shirt and proudly snap or button it. You are ready to put on your brown vest, and last, but not least, tie your yellow neckerchief. Don’t forget your cowboy hat to keep the sun or rain out of your eyes. Remember, you may ride in the sun or rain.

Your saddled horse is ready for the locked saddle bags to be slung over the saddle and you are off, galloping at the speed of 10 miles an hour, with the honored American flag on one side and the famous Pony Express flag on the other.

You are re-living history with a grin, sitting proud and tall in the saddle and hearing the clicking of the horseshoes making an unforgettable sound down history lane.