The clip-clop of the Pony Express Riders of Iowa will soon be heard as the group makes its 39th annual ride to benefit Easter Seals. Pony Express coordinator Charley Scarlett says the two-day event will go from the Minnesota border to Camp Sunnyside, near Des Moines.
Scarlett says they’ll re-create the original equine delivery system relay. Horses will travel a mile before the rider hands off the bag to another rider until they get to Camp Sunnyside, with donations being collected at “road blocks” along the route.
Scarlett says the ride starts Friday, with all donations going to Easter Seals. It helps people with disabilities attend summer camp there, with horseback riding, fishing, paddleboating, swimming and more. He says it gives the people with disabilities a fun time but also gives their caregivers a bit of a break.
Scarlett says in almost 40 years, the Pony Express is nearing the eight-million mark in funds raised for Camp Sunnyside. As of last year, they’d raised seven-point-seven million and he’s confident they’ll reach eight-million this time. For more information, surf to “www.ponyexpressridersofiowa.org” or call (515) 289-1933.
Related web sites:
More info on the Pony Express