PONY EXPRESS CHALLENGE SEES MAIL DELIVERED

By Jill Dunbar

The Pony Express Challenge held in Barriere, BC on August 22 was a phenomenal success with 29 entrants. Competitors arrived on  Friday night, played hard all day Saturday, then relived the fun over a fabulous feast prepared by sisters Joanne and Jacqui. After Sunday’s pancake breakfast, everyone hit the trails on a picturesque poker ride. The weekend was loaded with smiles and excitement.

The mail run is not just a speed event; for lots of riders, it’s the challenge of saying “I can do this.” It’s not the winning that makes it exciting — it’s the trying!

Thanks to all our helpers — John, Kathy, Bruce, Linda, and Norm — who spent a gruelling day with clocks, stopwatches, microphones, and directions. A special thanks to Pacific & Prairie Horse Journal for your great sponsorship and for helping us get the word around.

We’re planning next year’s event for August 21 and 22, 2010!

Major Results:
Individual Advanced: Christiane Nauen, 100 Mile House BC
Individual Intermediate: Kalin Keller, Vernon BC
Team: Caroline Esser and Jessie Maxim, Vernon BC
Pair: Lane Makowichuk and Jane Leamy, McLure BC
Poker Ride: Darwin Sovdi, Red Deer AB

Photos: Jill Hayward