Frequently Asked Questions

Who can Ride in the Annual Re-Ride?  Rider Requirements

To ride in the annual Re-Ride, you must be a member of a state division, sign the state liability waiver, be in ride uniform and provide your own mount and tack for the re-ride. Official riders must be 14 years (turning 14 at ANY time during the Re-Ride year) or older (under 18 requires parental/guardian permission). Younger riders may shadow/buddy ride to participate in the annual Re-Ride. Check here for official  

How do I become a member?  Membership Information

Each state has different membership forms. In The States section of our website, choose the state you are interested in, go to the FORMS section of the state and the relevant forms are available there. Please ensure you coordinate with the State President  (National Officer Directory)  about riding in the state before sending in the forms. You will need to complete the membership form and insurance waiver.

When is the annual Re-Ride?  National Re-Ride Schedule

The Re-Ride takes place every June. In odd years, we ride from Sacramento, CA to St. Joseph, MO, in even years, from St. Joseph, MO to Sacramento, CA.  The 2020 Re-Ride had to be cancelled, due to Covid-19, so this direction is reversed from what it was prior to 2020. The Re-Ride is scheduled around a full moon, so the more isolated areas have some light at night. Each individual state’s schedule is available on the state’s webpage or by clicking on the brown state link from the National schedule.

How fast do I have to go?

We average what the original riders did (10 mph). Terrain and conditions may have riders go faster or slower at times. Just like in the 1860’s we ride 24/7.  We need to keep riding and moving the mochila consistently to complete the ride in the scheduled 10 days.  The horses going at a brisk trot or an easy lope will achieve this.  Time is of the essence on the mochila exchanges, however.  With about 900+ mochila exchanges across the Re-Ride Trail, even one minute wasted per exchange will greatly affect the ability of the Pony to stay on schedule.  

How far is each leg?

The legs vary by terrain and state, average is about 2-5 miles, but can be shorter or longer. Some sections do 1 mile legs and in the mountains it is sometimes necessary to do 12-15 mile legs.

How do I prepare for the Re-Ride?

There are several things to keep in mind while preparing for the event. Condition of your horse, what section/leg you are going to ride, shoeing requirements for your section/leg. Keep your mount conditioned and know your section. Some sections require water crossing, traffic, etc.  Ensure you and your mount are comfortable with your terrain. Work with your Ride Captain/Lieutenant to ensure you know your route and pre-ride the section. In some states, mountain areas may require winter deadfall and branch trimming.

How many riders does it take to complete the trail?

Each year it takes about 650 riders to complete the 1966 mile Pony Express trail for the Re-Ride. Each rider will ride a leg and then hand off the mochila at preassigned locations.  Ride Captains/Lieutenants will assign sections/legs to each riders before the Re-Ride. Some sections are managed in leap-frog fashion and riders will ride multiple legs, moving rigs ahead in-between legs.

How does my rig get moved while I am riding?

It’s best to have support driver that can move your rig, but it’s possible to work with your ride captain to identify someone who might be able to move your rig to the next section, sometimes the inbound/outbound rider.  Section groups usually can work together to manage this.

What is a Mochila?

The Mochila is a removable lightweight leather cover put over a saddle. It has 4 cantinas (pouches), one on each corner.  The mail is carried in the 4 cantinas. The mochila gets placed over the saddle, underneath the rider. 

Does the Mochila carry actual mail?  Send a Letter

YES! – usually about 1000-1200 letters. The mail travels the entire route and at the end point is transferred to USPS to be delivered worldwide. Anyone can purchase a letter to send – at the 1860 price of $5.00. In addition to the mail, there is a GPS tracking device carried in the mochila. The public is able to follow the Pony in real time — tracking information can be found here.

What happens to the Mochila after the Re-Ride?

The Mochila is returned to and then used in parades, etc., by the State that provided it. This responsibility rotates between the 8 states through which the Pony Re-Ride passes.

I don’t ride, how can I participate?

You can become a General Member for support General Membership Application 

Also, you can help with trail preservation. And, during the Re-Ride you can help with driving rigs and supporting the riders and their mounts at mochila exchanges. Taking photos of the riders. The organization is also active throughout the year with different outreach events at local schools and other venues. Check with the state president for further information. Several states also have HAM radio operators that follow the mail and communicate along the way. 

Can I still participate if I live in a state that is not along the trail?

Absolutely! Determine what state you would like to ride in and reach out to the State President to determine the state needs. Some states have more miles and require more riders!  National Officer Directory