Pony Express Re-Ride sees four different generations ride
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Neb. -- Kara Riggle is the fourth generation of her family to ride the Pony Express.
Originally from Endicott, she started riding in the National Pony Express Re-Ride with her father before she could ride on her own in 2011.
But I have been riding along many years before that, in front of my dad on the saddle or being pony on a separate horse as he carried the male,” said Riggle.
This year, she starts at Rock Creek Station in Jefferson County and will go two miles.
“The fourth generation to be doing this in my family,” said Riggle. “This year, we will just have two generations. It’s down to just my dad and I, who are still riding.”
The national re-ride spans across eight different states, to help educate the public on the history of the Pony Express.
“We have a mission and vision to help educate, maintain and promote the national historic trail,” said Pam Dixon-Simmons, President of the National Pony Express Association.
Riggle said she is glad to relive history and the extents the riders went through to deliver mail.
“Get mail in 10 days from St. Joe, Missouri to Sacramento, California is amazing and its worth reliving and being a part of,” said Riggle.
The reride heads along the original near 2,000 mile Pony Express Trail, that was established in 1860 and has fascinated Americans.
The riders will hand the mochila off across Nebraska until Thursday, where they will reach the Wyoming border.