The Unsung Horsemen Behind the 250 Ride

When visitors watched Caesar Rodney’s historic ride come to life across Delaware and into Philadelphia on June 12–13, they witnessed the culmination of months of planning, the dedication of dozens of volunteers, and a remarkable partnership that made the journey possible.

Long before the carriage departed Historic Christ Church in Dover and ultimately arrived near Passyunk Avenue for the ceremonial walk to Independence Hall, organizers recognized one reality above all else: safely navigating modern roads with horses and a colonial carriage required the very best expertise available.

They found that expertise among their neighbors in Delaware’s Amish community.

Professional drivers Jake Stoltzfus and Matthew Lapp, alongside experienced horsemen Amos Glick, Emanuel Glick, and James Lapp, became indispensable members of the 250 Ride team. Their knowledge of working horses, modern traffic, road conditions, and carriage travel proved invaluable throughout every stage of planning and execution.

Rather than relying on a single team of horses, the group carefully prepared and rotated more than five horses throughout the two-day journey. Every horse was specifically selected for the demands of the reenactment, with safety and endurance always taking priority.

At every stop along the route—from Historic Christ Church in Dover to the team’s arrival near Passyunk Avenue before the final ceremonial walk to Independence Hall—the horses were watered, rested, shaded, and carefully monitored by their owners and crew. Their health and well-being remained a constant priority throughout the journey.

Every mile reflected careful preparation and years of experience.

“We made the decision very early that if we were going to do this, we needed to work with the people who understand horses and buggies on today’s roads better than anyone,” said Event Director Lisa Marcozzi. “Their professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to safety gave our entire team tremendous confidence. They knew every stretch of road, every challenge we might encounter, and they helped make this historic journey possible.”

Preparation began months before the June reenactment.

According to Co-Producer Hugo A. Immediato Jr., numerous practice runs were conducted using different horses and the historic carriage. These rehearsals allowed the horses to become comfortable with the carriage, changing road conditions, traffic, crowds, and the unique demands of a two-day historical journey.

“Nothing was left to chance,” Immediato said. “Every practice ride helped prepare both the horses and drivers for the historic journey. Their dedication gave everyone confidence that we would be ready when the time came.”

For Ciro Poppiti III, Founder of 250Ride.org and the Delaware Italian American Foundation, who portrayed Caesar Rodney during the reenactment, the partnership became one of the defining experiences of the entire project.

“I am grateful to the Amish community, whose expertise in traversing modern roads with horse-and-buggy was indispensable to our success,” Poppiti reflected. “Our Amish colleagues were enthusiastically helpful. They explained: nowhere else on the planet could they enjoy such religious freedom without fear of reprisal and with so much opportunity to create prosperity.”

He continued:

“We love this country!” said they in such a way that I regretted not having a bullhorn available so all Americans could hear and, better put, take heed.

Poppiti also reflected on the character of the entire team.

“From the very beginning to the very end, they were simply wonderful people to work alongside. Their kindness, their knowledge of each individual horse, and their understanding of the landscape made what first seemed like an enormous undertaking become an achievable reality. Every member of the crew cared deeply—not only about the success of the ride, but about the safety of the horses, the carriage, and every person involved. This accomplishment belongs to all of them.”

While 250Ride.org commemorates Caesar Rodney’s historic ride to cast Delaware’s deciding vote for American independence, the initiative has also sought to tell the stories that history often overlooks.

The project’s Unheard Voices of the Revolution reminds audiences that history is shaped not only by famous names, but also by countless individuals and communities whose contributions deserve recognition. In many ways, the partnership with Delaware’s Amish horsemen reflected that same spirit—quiet professionals whose extraordinary knowledge, generosity, and dedication became essential to bringing history to life.

The successful recreation of Rodney’s historic journey was not simply the work of historians, actors, organizers, or volunteers. It was also made possible by horsemen whose daily way of life uniquely prepared them for the challenge.

Their names may not have appeared on stage or in front of the cameras, but from the first practice run to the final steps toward Independence Hall, they carried history safely forward—one mile at a time.