One of our favorite parts about being part of this little mountain town is all of the history! Each year, the Hashknife Pony Express riders come right through town on their way from Holbrook to Scottsdale. The annual ride is coming up, and you have an opportunity to see it for yourself, whether you’re here in Strawberry or in Scottsdale. Keep reading for a brief history of the ride, and to see the schedule for the events.
In the tradition of bygone generations, the Pony Express Riders follow a set route each year carrying mail bags. The original Pony Express operated during the 1800s, with about 190 stations covering 2,000 miles. The Hashknife Pony Express is a resurrection of the original, and has been going for 65 years now! The letters they carry are postmarked with a special stamp to indicate the unique method of mail delivery. They deliver around 20,000 pieces of mail each year, and the ride through Arizona takes 4 days, with the riders handing off the mailbags to fresh riders and their horses at each pitstop. Dozens of riders and horses participate each year, along with support staff.
If you’d like to see the fun for yourself, you can watch the riders ride into Payson on Wednesday, January 31st at 4:45pm at the Payson Post Office. They will leave the Payson Post office on Thursday, February 1st at 9:00am. If you’re in the Valley, head to the Museum of the West on Friday, February 2nd at noon to see the riders come to town and complete their ride. If you plan to go to Scottsdale, arrive early, as it gets pretty crowded!
Here is the link to the complete Pony Express ride schedule.
Don’t forget to book your stay with us that week! See you ‘berry soon!