HOLBROOK – This month marks the 63rd ride of the Sheriff’s Posse – Hashknife Pony Express. The 200-mile route usually takes place every February but has been postponed to April this year due to the pandemic.
The historic ride began in the late 1950s. Today drivers ride on the shoulders of the Holbrook to Scottsdale freeway.
To prepare the stage, so to speak, a Hashknife Pony Express Parade is to begin at 11:30 a.m. in Holbrook.
Drivers will travel from 9th Avenue in Holbrook to Hopi Street and then to Navajo Boulevard. You land at the Old County Courthouse to swear at noon or “noon.”
Drivers are sworn in by the Post as official mail carriers for the US Postal Service.
The actual journey doesn’t begin until 8 a.m. the next morning.
Approximately 30 local drivers take part, working as a coordinated team as they carry and drop the mail from section to section.
Above – Hashknife Pony Express drivers Scott Self on ‘Babe’ (left) and Robert Black on ‘Chief’ practice handing mail in front of their fans on February 3, 2019. The journey with the Hashknife Pony Express 2021 starts at the Holbrook Post office at 8 a.m., Wednesday April 14th.
According to Ride Captain Mark Reynolds, there are also around 30 support crew members who organize, coordinate, and assist every aspect of the ride.
“We couldn’t do this year after year without their amazing talents,” said Reynolds. “The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office provides security, medical assistance, and emergency dispatch. We also have a specialized mail crew, a cooking crew, and multiple vehicles that drive in front of and behind the drivers for added safety. We have people who open and close gates when the drivers get in and out. “
There are also two farriers riding in the Hashknife group. If a horse throws a shoe, it can be repaired on site.
“The group also has a truck and horse trailer that follow to transport any horse that has an injury – no matter how minor,” Reynolds said. “Several riders bring two or three horses so that they can get out if necessary.”
They trot and gallop the distance as safety dictates, covering every mile in 7 to 10 minutes. Each driver walks a mile and then hands it over to the next driver. This method makes the journey faster and reduces stress and strain, Reynolds said.
“Our horses are conditioned to ride and we make sure everyone stays fresh and alert,” Reynolds said.
April 14, 8:00 a.m. – Hashknife Pony Express drivers leave the Holbrook Post Office in the mail.
April 14, 11.30 a.m. – The drivers arrive at the Heber-Overgaard post office.
April 14th – lunch in Heber – for drivers only.
April 14, 1.30 p.m. – 2.30 p.m. – Mail collection at Creekside Cafe, Christopher Creek & Pine, Az.
April 14, 4:45 p.m. – Drivers arrive at Payson Post.
April 15, 9 a.m. – The ride continues with drivers and mail leaving the Payson Post Office.
April 15, 3 p.m. – Drivers arrive at the Fountain Hills Post Office.
April 16, 11 a.m. – The program begins at Scottsdale Stadium, home of the San Francisco Giants, 7408 East Osborn Road, Scottsdale, Az.
April 16, 12 noon – The Hashknife Pony Express Riders and the Post arrive at Scottsdale Stadium!
Hashknife Pony Express Captain Mike Reynolds and drivers greet the public and thank everyone for their continued support.
If you are attending the swearing-in ceremony or any of the post-stops, please practice social distancing and wear a mask or face covering if social distancing is not an option.
Special Hashknife mailers are available at the Pet Food Warehouse in Shanty Town, 2001, East Deuce of Clubs in Show Low.
For more information, visit the website: hashknifeponyexpress.com or call Hashknife Captain Mark Reynolds at 928-587-5742.
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