ACTIVITY
Ride the Pony Express!
Have you ever mailed a letter and wondered how it gets to where it’s going? In 1860, long before postal workers
moved the mail like they do today, courageous young horsemen carried letters from one point to the next until
their destination was reached. This service was known as the Pony Express. These young riders faced many
dangers, such as thieves, extreme weather conditions, and over 1900 miles of rugged land. They rode day and
night using the moon’s light or flashes of lightening to keep the mail moving across the country…no matter what!
Fascinating facts about the Pony Express:
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Riders followed a route from Sacramento, California to St. Joseph, Missouri.
Riders were able to keep horses running at full speed for most of the entire distance by mounting
a rested horse about every 10 miles along the route.
This service was the first main United States postal link between the east and west.
Relay stations were placed about every 10 miles, with the third station being where fresh horses,
firearms, and provisions (food and supplies) were kept. It was also here that the mail would be
handed over to a new rider.
The Pony Express had about 400 ponies and over 200 stations and was started up and ready for
business in about two months.
In the following activity, horsemen will play a fun group game to better understand how Pony Express riders rode
cross-country to deliver the mail.
Objective: To better understand Pony Express history and method of moving the mail
Time: 35 minutes
Materials: Several brooms, mops, or yardsticks; watch with second hand; old postcard, letter, small package;
provisions (snacks, first aid, supplies, etc.) United States map with states, mountains, rivers, and land markings
for tracing Pony Express route.
Saddle Up: Look at the Pony Express Map. Imagine riding along with one of the many brave Pony Express
riders! Make your own Pony Express adventure come to life by finding an area outside to ride your own
imaginary Pony Express route and following these steps:
1. Mark Pony Express exchange stations with bandanas or flags; three stations for mounting a fresh horse
with a new rider being ready at every third horse.
2. For a group, divide into small even groups. The goal will be for each Pony Express rider to safely and
quickly carry mail along the route. Make sure everyone understands the route and routine of changing
horses and riders.
3. Place game horses and provisions at stations.
4. Take your position the starting line. The word to start the race will be giddy up! This is a fun timed race
for an individual or group.
Now, get going and run the route as fast as you can! (Be sure to replace provisions for other riders)
Trail Talk: Talk about what kind of provisions might have been left at each third station of the real Pony Express.
How would today’s provisions be different that those used during the Pony Express days? Remember:
Provisions could be human or equine food, drink, first aid supplies, tack, etc.
Ride Further: The U.S. Postal Service has an amazing history to explore in many fun ways!
• Use a U.S. map to mark a route that might have been similar to the one traveled by Pony Express riders.
Explain that the route could not be as the crow flies (straight line), but instead had to follow the lay of the
land.
• Create a newspaper article and illustration advertising the Pony Express.
• Explore more about the exciting history of the U.S. Postal Service by visiting Smithsonian web site:
http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu
McREL National Standards:
 Language Arts (Standard 4, Level II) Gathers and uses information for research purposes: Uses
multiple representations of information (maps, charts, photos, diagrams, tables, to find information for
research topics)
 History- Historical Understanding (Standard 2, Level II) Understanding the historical perspective:
Understands that specific decisions and events had an impact on history
 Physical Education
o (Standard 1, Level II) Uses mature form and appropriate sequence in combinations of fundamental
loco-motor, object control and rhythmical skills that are components of selected modified games,
sports, and dances
o (Standard 5, Level II) Understands the social and personal responsibility associated with
participation in physical activity: Works in a group to accomplish a set goal in both cooperative and
competitive activities