Pony Express Rides Again

For 50 years, Pony Express Riders of Iowa volunteers have been riding horses and raising money across the state to support Iowa Easter Seals and children and adults with disabilities.

The organization’s annual Good Friday / Easter weekend horseback ride helps raise money for Easter Seals’ Camp Sunnyside in Des Moines. Regional rides begin on Good Friday at various points throughout the state and converge in Des Moines Saturday afternoon for a parade into Camp Sunnyside and an evening victory dance.

Friday morning, Glenwood once again served as the starting point for the eastbound Highway 34 route in western Iowa, which included stops along the way in Malvern, Red Oak, Corning, Creston and Winterset.

Pony Express Riders of Iowa Regional Vice President Stephen Bomer of Pacific Junction said the organization has had a strong presence in Mills County and western Iowa for many years. On Friday, Amy Johnson and Darren Bomer, both of Silver City, were among the first riders to take part in the relay across Highway 34. They were joined by riders and other volunteers from other western Iowa and eastern Nebraska communities.

“We have riders and volunteers from all around the region taking part in this,” Stephen Bomer said. “This year is the 50th year for the ride.”

Since the inaugural ride in 1967, the statewide Easter weekend event has raised more than $10 million for Camp Sunnyside.

Camp Sunnyside is a place where children and adults with disabilities are given the opportunity to learn new skills during the summer months while enjoying outdoor activities like horseback riding, boating, and camping.

Additionally, Camp Sunnyside loans wheelchairs and durable medical equipment to families who can’t afford to buy their own, along with respite services to disabled individuals and their caregivers. The camp also serves and supports farmers with disabilities who want to stay on their farm.
 

The Opinion-Tribune

116 S Walnut St Glenwood, IA 51534-1665
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Phone: 712-527-3191
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Fax: 712-527-3193

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