Riders Wanted

Original Pony Express Poster advertising fast mail in 1860
1861 Pony Express poster from the Smithsonian National Postal Museum.

Join the Pony Express Re-Ride!

If you are interested in joining our association to be a member rider, please contact one the State Division Presidents to see about ride legs available in their state.

Click here to learn more about *Membership*

For Each State:
Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and California, Membership Applications are found under FORMS on each State Division’s respective webpage.

Rider Requirements:

OFFICIAL RIDERS shall be members who are fourteen years of age (turning 14 at ANY time during the Re-Ride year) or over, with a suitable horse, apparel and equipment. Persons 14 – 17 years of age must have parent or guardians consent.

  • Each rider must be a member in one of the state divisions.
  • Each rider must have on file a signed waiver/release of liability
  • Each rider must provide their own mount and tack.
  • Must arrange transportation and be at designated location two hours prior to ride time and complete ride in allotted time.
  • Must wear appropriate WESTERN attire:  Blue jeans, long sleeve red western shirt, brown vest, yellow scarf, boots and western hat or safety helmet.

Shadow / Buddy Rider

Shadow or Buddy Riders are those children under 14 years of age who would like to ride along with a mochila-carrying Official Rider.  This can be a parent or other responsible adult rider.  The Buddy Rider must be competent in the saddle to ride along so as not to slow down the Re-Ride schedule.  Usually we ask that they wear a white shirt and blue jeans.

Our Oath

In keeping with the tradition of the Original Pony Express, each pony rider is required to take the following oath, similar to the riders’ oath in 1860.

“I,___________, do hereby swear, before the great and living God, that during my engagement as a member of the National Pony Express Association Re-Ride, I will under no circumstances use profane language, that I will drink no intoxicating liquors, that I will not quarrel or fight with any other member of the Association, and that in every respect, I will conduct myself honestly, be faithful to my duties and so direct all my acts as to win the confidence of my associates. So help me God.”