– The Hashknife Pony Express Rides Again –
Before the modern mail system, letters and mail were delivered by horseback. Most people have heard of the Pony Express, but they may not realize that Arizona has its own Pony Express, the Hashknife Pony Express.
The Hashknife Pony Express is still riding and delivering mail for the United States Postal Service. In fact, it is the longest-running official Pony Express in the United States.
Once a year, they make a 200-mile journey via horseback from Holbrook, Arizona to downtown Scottsdale with about 20,000 pieces of mail. Each year, over two dozen riders who have been sworn in as “honorary mail messengers” in full cowboy gear make the trip.
Send a Letter with the Hashknife Pony Express
Did you know you can mail a letter that will travel with the Hashknife Pony Express? All you need to do is purchase a special “Pony Express Mailer” for a $1 donation via one of the locations listed here. Then, when your letter is ready to be mailed, write Via Pony Express on the bottom left corner of the envelope and drop it back off by February 1st.
Before the ride, the Pony Express riders will hand stamp each letter with the very special “Via Pony Express” logo. And after negotiating 200 miles on horseback, your letters will be delivered on February 9th to the Scottsdale Museum of the West in Downtown Scottsdale.
What a great way to celebrate our Western history and end up with a very special letter.
VIDEO OF 2016’S RIDE
2018 Schedule of Events
There are days of events that lead up to the annual ride, including parades and breakfast with the riders. Then there are additional events in each of the cities they are passing through over the several day journey.
On the final day, February 9th, the mail will be delivered in Old Town Scottsdale.
This is so neat! I had no idea Arizona had its own Pony Express. Love the idea of watching this big caravan ride through town, like a glimpse of years gone by. Might have to look into sending a letter. Thanks for posting.