Beth Self started out the Navajo County Sheriff’s Posse Pony Express ride from Holbrook to Scottsdale last Wednesday, leaving Gillespie Park carrying bags of letters written by Holbrook school kids to their pen pals in Scottsdale.
Beth Self started out the Navajo County Sheriff’s Posse Pony Express ride from Holbrook to Scottsdale last Wednesday, leaving Gillespie Park carrying bags of letters written by Holbrook school kids to their pen pals in Scottsdale. Photo by Kellie Spangler
Navajo County Sheriff David Clouse (left) presented a proclamation to Governor Katie Hobbs in a ceremony at the Museum of the West in Scottsdale. Also pictured are Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky (second from left) and Holbrook Mayor Kathleen Smith (right).
Gary Sprague, the “Singing Cowboy” of Scottsdale was on hand during the festivities, celebrating the history of the Old West at the Museum of the West in Scottsdale.
It’s a long-arduous journey on horseback and riders need sustenance. Chuckwagon cook Randy Baird was on hand to make sure everyone was well fed and well taken care of.
Marshal Dempsey makes the hand-off to Brantley Baird as the riders travel relay-style down the rim for their first stop in Payson in the three-day ride.
The Navajo County Sheriff’s Pony Express Ride is a family affair with (left to right) Polly, James, Kevin and Scott Self all taking part, as well as Scott’s wife Beth (not pictured).
Four generations of the Baird family, a longtime ranching family in Joseph City, were present. Brantley Baird (on horseback), was sworn in for the ride. Brantly is the oldest rider at 88 years of age. On hand were Brantley’s granddaughter Tori Rice (left), great-granddaughter Aurora Rice (center) and daughter Teddy Baird (right).
Navajo County Manager Bryan Layton (left), and elected officials (left to right) Sheriff David Clouse, Holbrook Justice of the Peace Krista Wilkinson, Mayor Kathleen Smith, Navajo County District I Supervisor Fern Benally and Navajo County Superintendent of Schools Rachael Lewis were all on hand as riders were sworn in to carry the mail.
Holbrook City Manager Sharon Jakobowski Wolz (left) thanked Sheriff David Clouse (right) and the Pony Express riders for representing Holbrook on this year’s ride.
Sheriff David Clouse and his young son lead the parade down Buffalo Street held prior to the ride last week. The riders rode past Holbrook schools, which had students lining the streets to cheer and support this long-standing tradition.
Among the riders taking part in the Navajo County Sheriff’s Posse Pony Express Ride are (left to right) Todd Cluff, Marshall Dempsey and Rick Attenberger.

The City of Holbrook and Scottsdale celebrated the Old West with the Navajo County Sheriff’s Posse Pony Express Ride held last week. Riders on horseback made their way from one city to the other over the course of three days, riding relay-style and carrying the precious cargo of school children’s letters to be delivered to their counterparts in Scottsdale.

As part of the event, Sheriff David Clouse presented a proclamation and plaque to symbolize the event at the Museum of the West in Scottsdale to Gov. Hobbs.

This year’s riders were a collection of long-time area residents, ranchers and their families that comprise the Navajo County Sheriff’s Posse search and rescue operation.