Special Events gallery
Hashknife Pony Express 2010 February 3, 2010
Neither rain, sleet, nor dark of night can stop the Hashknife Pony Express. Each January for the last 49 years, the old west is brought to life as an elite group of riders thunder through Arizona. This exciting event is the oldest officially sanctioned Pony Express in the world. Each rider is sworn in as an honorary mail messenger braving weather, terrain, and modern-day obstacles to deliver the United States mail. Beginning in historic Holbrook, the horseback mail route covers over 200 miles from the majestic Mogollon Rim through the wilderness of the Mazatzal range to the desert city of Scottsdale to kick off the Scottsdale Jaycees Parada del Sol celebration.
Riding into Payson, on time and with mail, the way it used to be done. Matt McRae leads the Hashknife Pony Express riders to the waiting postmaster for delivery.
Maya Wilson and brother Tyler now have autographs from several Hashknife riders and are joyous with the keepsake scarves.
Looking every bit a cowboy from the Old West Dave Fortney rests and waits for the hoopla and excitement to subside, as autograph seekers and excited kids mill around, ask questions and talk with Hashknife riders.
Hashknife symbols adorn this saddle. The stirrup up on the saddle horn makes for a safety precaution so no little starry eyed cowboy or cowgirl in the making is too tempted to try their hand at getting aboard this pony.
Wayne Ramey tells a story or two about cowboys of the past he has researched who have been pony express riders of several generations ago.
Ralph E. Collins is sketching one of the riders in action and will present the finished piece to a friend who is currently a Hashknife Pony express rider. This is Collins first time at the gathering and he had a great time and will be back next year.
Chuck Jackman adjusts his saddle before the final group ride of the Hashknife Pony Express to the Payson Post Office, Wednesday, Jan. 27.
Handing off the mail, this Hashknife rider and postal employee meet in perfect syncopation as the riders line up to deliver the goods at the Payson Post Office. They are one leg closer to the final destination of Scottsdale, AZ.
Xavier Kendall looks at this photographer with apprehension before his mom, Kaylene Kendall, gives him the OK to smile. Too late, the shutter has been released and you are forever recorded as you are now. Nice scarf on your head, too.
JoAnne Jones had the misfortune of her batteries running down while she took pictures and was left with too few recorded images. Hope this helps you feel better.
A popular activity for young and old is getting up-close and personal with horses and riders of the Hashknife Pony Express. Beau Taylor, Jeana Hunter, Mark Hunter and Lacey Taylor take turns petting this lucky horse.
Wayne Ramey, all decked out in authentic gear.
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