National Pony Express Association re-riders in the Genoa Western Heritage Days Parade in May.
Photo by Kurt Hildebrand.
Even as the Carson Valley Days carnival prepares to open in Gardnerville and Douglas High grads are preparing to matriculate in Minden, the annual Pony Express Re-ride will be hoofing it through Carson Valley on Thursday.
The 2025 National Pony Express Re-Ride departs 2 p.m. Wednesday from Old Sacramento heading east.
With a mostly full moon to guide them and clear weather, the California rider is expected to arrive in Woodfords around 1 p.m. to turn over the mochila to Nevada’s contingent and Genoa at 3 p.m.
Each year, the National Pony Express Association commemorates the legendary 1860-1861 Pony Express mail service by organizing this cross-country relay. Riders in authentic attire carry a mochila filled with commemorative letters, honoring a vital chapter in U.S. communication history.
This year’s journey will span over 1,900 miles and continue 24/7 on horseback, following the original mail route to St. Joseph, Missouri, with arrival expected at 7:30 p.m. June 21 at the steps of the Patee House.
The ride will be carried out non-stop through California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri. The public is invited to follow the riders via GPS at https://nationalponyexpress.org/re-ride/follow-the-ride/, attend local send-off and arrival events, and share photos on social media using #PonyExpressReRide2025.