This weekend, Greene County will once again be part of a heartfelt tradition as a group of dedicated youth on horseback make their way through the area, riding for a cause much greater than themselves.
Petra Dawson, Chair of the Greene County Pony Express Riders of Iowa, is helping lead the charge for the Pony Express Rider Ride Weekend, a long-standing annual event aimed at raising funds for Camp Sunnyside in Des Moines. The camp provides support and services to individuals with special needs, and the Pony Express Riders of Iowa have become an important source of financial support through their tireless efforts.
On Friday afternoon, riders are expected to pass through the downtown square in Jefferson between 3 and 4 p.m., where the community is invited to gather and cheer them on as they make their way through town. Their journey doesn’t end there—after spending the night camping at the Greene County Fairgrounds, the riders will mount up again early Saturday morning at 7 a.m. to continue the final stretch of their ride to Camp Sunnyside.
“This is more than just a horseback ride,” says Dawson. “It’s about community, compassion, and making a difference for people who rely on the support Camp Sunnyside provides.”
She’s also asking local drivers to keep an eye out for the horseback riders as they travel through Greene County and nearby areas. “Please slow down, give them room, and help keep everyone safe,” she adds.
So if you’re in Jefferson on Friday, don’t miss the chance to witness this inspiring tradition in action. Bring your family, wave them on, and be part of a ride that truly changes lives.
