Pony Express Riders trek across Iowa for annual charity ride

The annual two-day journey raises funds for Camp Sunnyside programs.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 2:56am

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a group of riders on horseback moving through a hazy, out-of-focus landscape, conveying the nostalgic and pastoral atmosphere of the annual Pony Express Riders' charity event in Iowa.The annual Pony Express Riders' charity trek across Iowa evokes a sense of timeless tradition and community spirit.Hampton Today

The Pony Express Riders of Iowa began their annual trek across the state on Friday, making their way south along Highway 65 through Sheffield and stopping in Hampton. Riders from across Iowa are taking part in the two-day journey to Camp Sunnyside near Ankeny, raising money through donations collected along the route.

Why it matters

The Pony Express Riders' annual charity ride has been a beloved tradition in Iowa since 1968, raising nearly $11 million for programs that support children and adults with disabilities at Camp Sunnyside. The event brings together horse enthusiasts from across the state to celebrate their shared passion while giving back to the community.

The details

Among the riders was Faith Subia, a student at Hampton-Dumont-CAL, who joined the group in Sheffield alongside her horse, Whisper. Participants, including local riders who joined along the route, will continue toward Des Moines on Saturday, where the annual ride will conclude.

  • The Pony Express Riders of Iowa began their annual trek on Friday, April 4, 2026.
  • The two-day journey will conclude on Saturday, April 5, 2026 in Des Moines.

The players

Pony Express Riders of Iowa

A group of horse enthusiasts who have been organizing an annual charity ride across Iowa since 1968 to raise funds for programs at Camp Sunnyside that support children and adults with disabilities.

Faith Subia

A student at Hampton-Dumont-CAL who joined the Pony Express Riders' trek in Sheffield, riding alongside her horse, Whisper.

Camp Sunnyside

A camp near Ankeny, Iowa that provides programs and services for children and adults with disabilities, which has been the beneficiary of the Pony Express Riders' annual charity ride for decades.

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What they’re saying

“I mainly really wanted to do it once I got my horse because I realized how cool it was and how they sing. I just love horses so much. She's like once in lifetime kind of horse. Like I won't ever find a horse probably like forever again. She just clicks with me. You know how like your best friend, how you click together? That's how me and her are.”

— Faith Subia, Student

What’s next

The Pony Express Riders will conclude their annual two-day charity ride in Des Moines on Saturday, April 5, 2026.

The takeaway

The Pony Express Riders' annual charity ride has become a beloved tradition in Iowa, bringing together horse enthusiasts from across the state to celebrate their shared passion while raising critical funds for programs that support children and adults with disabilities at Camp Sunnyside.