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Pony Express Riders Carry Tradition Through Hudson

Waterloo Mayor Dave Boesen greets Pony Express riders on Good Friday at City Hall as they collect donations. Rider April Simpkin introduces her horse during the stop.

Pony Express riders made their way through Hudson and surrounding communities on Good Friday as part of the annual statewide fundraising ride.

In Waterloo, riders received a police escort to City Hall, where Mayor Dave Boesen greeted the group as they collected donations. Rider April Simpkin introduced her horse, though the mayor opted to keep both feet on the ground.

This year’s northeastern Iowa route was once again coordinated by Darrell Ludwig, who has organized the local segment of the ride for more than 50 years.

Longtime Pony Express supporters gather in Hudson following the ride. From left are Bill Ludwig, Darrell Ludwig, Sally Ludwig and Dr. Phil Edler.

As riders traveled through Hudson, they honored longtime participant Larry Scurra with a riderless horse led by Justin Freese. The tribute recognized Scurra’s decades of involvement in the ride, even as he navigated the challenges of cerebral palsy.

Despite rain and storms along the route, riders continued on, loading horses into trailers when needed and resuming when conditions allowed.

Community members and longtime volunteers gathered along the way, continuing a tradition that has spanned generations across Iowa.

A riderless horse, led by Justin Freese, travels through Hudson in honor of longtime Pony Express participant Larry Scurra. The backward boots in the stirrups symbolize a fallen rider.