The Pony Express Riders of Iowa are back in the saddle this Easter weekend as hundreds of them make the trek on horseback from across Iowa to Camp Sunnyside near Ankeny. This is the 51st year the riders have traveled to the Easter Seals facility, bringing with them money from a series of fundraising activities. Tim Allen of Whittemore is the group’s president.

“Throughout the state, there’s 300 to 400 riders that start in all four corners of the state,” Allen says. “Every county’s got their own little thing they do. We all end up at the John Deere plant just outside of Des Moines and we all parade in. It gets to be quite the show.” After the ride to the camp, there’s a celebratory dance, a thank you to all of the volunteers, he says. Allen has some advice for motorists this holiday weekend.

“Just look out for the horses because we’ve got riders of all ages,” Allen says. “My daughter, this will be her 3rd year riding on the ride and she’s 11 years old. My son’s 9 and he rides with me, so just be careful out there.” Some $270,000 was raised last year by the Pony Express Riders to help with the camp that has been in operation for 80 years, serving children and adults with disabilities. This year’s goal is $280,000.

(Radio Iowa)