Speedy Riders
The first teams of Pony Express riders amazed the nation
by accomplishing their east and west bound deliveries
within the projected schedule. The speed of the riders
even had a role in swaying a divided California to stay with
the union during the American Civil War. New of President
Abraham Licoln's inauguration address was delivered in
record-setting time - a mere seven and one-half days.
On a typical run, Pony Express riders changed
horses at "relay stations" located every 12-15
miles. At "home stations," spaced about every
75-100 miles, a fresh rider and mount would =
continue the run to the next relay station.
With speed however, came limits. Each
express rider had a carrying capacity of
about 10 pounds. The payload was limited
to what could fit into the four pockets
the "mochila."
High demand for such limited capacity, combined
with the monumental expense of funding the system
made Pony Express rates extremely high: initally $5.00
per half ounce, or $1,000 per ounce in 2002 dollars. Consequently,
other than the military and the U.S. Government, only major
newspapers and other well-capitalized businesses and individuals
could afford the service.
"One of the hardest rides I ever have made was when I carried President
Lincoln's inaugural address from the telegraph station at Fort Kearney.
Another was when the news came that Fort Sumpter had been fired on.
Such things broke the routine, and made every Pony Express rider feel that
he was helping to made history."
Western Nebraska Pony Express Rider, William Campbell
The Mochila
The mochila, a leather apron that slipped over the ridder's saddle,
was the most important piece of his gear. It had four small, lockable
pouches that securely held
the mail as the horse galloped
toward the next station.
The saddles used by Express
riders were custom made to be
lighter and more streamlined,
alløwing the mochila to be
easily removed from one saddle and tossed over the horn and seat
of the saddle on the next horse.
Saddles made by Israel Landis typically
were lighter and more comfortable for
both horse and rider.
[Picture captions]
Israel Landis, saddle maker
1840-1900, St. Joseph,
Missouri
"Changing Horses at the Station" Artist, William Henry Jackson, Courtesy of the
Howard K. Urggy Collection, Gerald R. Sherratt Libtrary, Southern Utah University
