FROM: Jim Hannah, Nevada, Ride Captain
PST
Although the weather was dicey both the day and night before, we got the mail right outside of Austin under soon to be clear skies. We were blessed with good weather, uphill but regular terrain, excellent support and even better riders and mounts. We ran a smooth fast leg with very little trouble and helped put the mail back on time at Smith Creek Ranch. We were able to cut the allotted time on our 30-ish mile section by an hour and ten minutes.
Our horses and riders were Jimmy Hannah on Quince and Anna, Vince Hannah on Mileno, Jimmy Hannah on Winter, Hunter on Peaches, Darrell Beighley on Tico, Barbara on a flashy QH, and me on two of my horses – Rusty and Dora. Art Johnson on his Paint Horse helped to pace my nephew Jimmy on Anna for a few miles leading up to Railroad Pass and provided on-trail advice.. My wife Mary Hannah, sister in law Loretta Hannah, and Niece Kyla Hannah were our support team and our reserve riders.We held yet another horse, Tess, in reserve, but didn’t need her. We barely put any miles on our other reserve mounts as our primary mounts held up well for us.
We had a great time camping out at the Austin Roping Arena. Lots of shade, water, space, and good company.
We all feel blessed to be part of the Pony Express again this year. We’re already looking forward to next year. All of us Hannahs would like to say thanks to our state president and officers, all who helped with the ride, all the riders who pushed the mail through all kinds of conditions, and a special thanks to Barbara and Elizabeth who befriended us at Austin.
Go Pony!