The Pony Express

The importance of horses and the times of the Pony Express!

Just saying the horse has been important to man is not enough!

For thousands of years, the horse has given man a dependable, fast way to move from one place to another. Hunters have chased their pray and soldiers have charged horseback into battle. American pioneers have hitched sturdy teams to pull wagons and stagecoaches from east to west, and the Pony Express delivered mail horseback long before today’s type of mail delivery was even a thought. So, to say the horse has been just important is simply not enough!

Today, the horse isn’t used as much for transportation, hunting or rushing messages by Pony Express. However, it is important in equally exciting ways. People all over the world enjoy horses for recreation, work, sport and entertainment. Perhaps you, or someone you know, ride in competitions, train, race or saddle up for therapeutic or health reasons. Why, horses have even become famous movie stars like Lone Ranger’s horse, Silver and Roy Roger’s horse, Trigger.

Crazy about horses? Test your knowledge with AQHA’s Junior Master Horseman program. You can even earn certificates!

However, ranked among the most remarkable feats to come out of the American West, the Pony Express was in service from April 1860 to November 1861. Its primary mission was to deliver mail and new between St. Joseph, Missouri and Sacramento, California.

183 men are known to have ridden for the Pony Express during its operation of just over 18 months with the oldest, 40, and the youngest only 11.

Look later in the week for a fun activity and more facts to learn more about the horsemen of the Pony Express!