Arizona President Catherine Young, of the National Society Children of the American Revolution, presented a program entitled “Keeping the Spirit Alive, Hashknife Pony Express” to the Sun City NSDAR Agua Fria Chapter.

Catherine is a sophomore at the American Leadership Academy in Gilbert. She presented a slide show depicting the history of the Pony Express and the Pony Express route from Holbrook to Scottsdale. Her Arizona CAR project goal is to raise enough money to help purchase a life-size statue of a Pony Express rider on a horse to be placed in Holbrook. Money is raised through donations and by people purchasing various items, which the organization is selling at program presentations and state conferences.

Agua Fria chapter members were encouraged to wear their western wear, cowgirl hats, bandanas, etc. to fit in with the theme of the program. In February, the Hashknife Pony Express 65th annual ride took place between Holbrook and Scottsdale. More than two dozen riders wearing authentic cowboy clothing participate by carrying mail bags containing 20,000 first-class letters on a 200-mile route. The bags are relayed from one horse and rider to the next horse and rider. This event is led by the Navajo County Hashknife Sheriff’s Posse.

More information about this event can be found at hashknifeponyexpress.com/hashknife-riders. Visit the Agua Fria Chapter at aguafriaarizonadar.weebly.com.