Speedy Riders

The Pony Express astonished the nation when its first rider teams completed eastbound and westbound deliveries within the projected ten-day schedule, and the service's speed helped influence a divided California to remain with the Union during the American Civil War. News of President Abraham Lincoln's inauguration address arrived in a record-setting seven and one-half days. On a typical run, riders changed horses at relay stations every twelve to fifteen miles, while at home stations about every seventy-five to one hundred miles a fresh rider and mount took over for the next stretch. That speed came with strict limits: each rider could carry about ten pounds, restricted to what fit in the four pockets of the mochila, a leather apron placed over the saddle. High demand for this small carrying capacity, together with the great expense of operating the system, made rates extremely high at first, five dollars per half ounce, so that aside from the military and the U.S. Government, only major newspapers and other well-capitalized businesses and individuals could usually afford the service. The mochila was the rider's most important piece of equipment, with four small lockable pouches that held the mail securely as the horse raced to the next station, and the custom-made saddles used by Express riders were built lighter and more streamlined so the mochila could be quickly lifted from one saddle and thrown onto the next horse.

McGill, Nevada · United States