The clatter of hooves and the sight of cowboy hats will soon signal the return of the Navajo County Sheriff’s Pony Express Ride, a time-honored tradition that celebrates the spirit of the Old West. This year’s ride begins on Tuesday, Jan. 28, bringing the excitement and history of the Pony Express to life once again.
The festivities kick off at 11 a.m. with the Navajo County Sheriff’s Posse parading down Buffalo Street in front of the schools, east to Gillespie Park; a spectacle that draws crowds from around the region to catch the event. At 12 noon, the riders will gather at Gillespie Park for the official swearing-in ceremony, led by Sheriff David Clouse, marking the beginning of the multi-day event. The day concludes with a send-off dinner at 6 p.m. at the Navajo County Fairgrounds, where guests can enjoy pulled pork with sides for $12.
On Wednesday, Jan. 29, the riders will mount up at Gillespie Park at 8 a.m. and begin their journey. The route will take them through Heber and into Payson, where they are expected to arrive at the Payson Events Center by 4 p.m. There, the mailbags will be secured for the night as the riders prepare for the next leg of their journey.
Thursday morning, the riders will depart Payson at 8 a.m., weaving through the scenic forest as they head toward the Verde River and Fort McDowell. This picturesque stretch of the ride leads to an overnight campsite along the river, a quiet pause before the excitement of the final day.
On Friday, Jan. 31, the posse will saddle up one last time, leaving the Verde River campsite and riding into Scottsdale. By 12 noon, the riders will arrive at the Museum of the West for a special ceremony. Governor Katie Hobbs will be honored with a presentation from Sheriff Clouse, who plans to present a gift taking part in a decades-long tradition of the governor attending the event.
The adventure culminates on Saturday, Feb. 1, with the riders’ participation in the Parada Del Sol, a beloved Scottsdale tradition that begins at 9:30 a.m. As the riders make their way through the parade, spectators will have one last chance to celebrate their journey before the posse returns home. More details about the parade can be found at ScottsdaleParade.com.
The riders participating in the ride include Nick Attenberger, Brantly Baird, Deputy Boston Bentley, Robert Black, Sheriff David Clouse, Patrick Cluff, Marshal Dempsey, Jason Hendricks, Kaylissa Hendricks, Sammie Hendricks, T.J. Hendricks, Alan Palmer, Pat Reynolds, Beth Self, James Self, Kevin Self, Polly Self, Scott Self, Jake Shumway, Deputy Betty Starns, Chief Deputy Brian Swanty, Lt. Alden Whipple, Hoby Wilhelm and Henson Winn.
Those riders are supported by volunteers Randy Baird, Garry Cooper, Rick Gibson, Tom Hill, Laurie Jones, Jacob Lank, Perry Lank, Greg Long, Jackie Long, Shawn Maestas, Kevin McLaws, Mike Nilsson, Nicole Reynolds, Alan Rose, David Shumway, Cary Simpson and John Wehrmen.
Though the ride may only last a few days, its legacy continues year-round. Once the dust settles, the riders will resume their roles in search and rescue operations for the county, carrying the spirit of the Pony Express with them until next year’s adventure begins.
