NARRATIVE: This painting depicts the earliest beginnings of the United States Postal Service which connected mail service from East to West and back again. It ran from April 1860 - October 1861 and was discontinued because the telegraph was invented and the railway system connected to the western border.

It was officially named by the US government as Central Overland California and Pike’s Peak Express, but was later shortened to The Pony Express because it was easier and faster to say. Our country owes so much to the honorable and brave individuals who enabled this communication service for the early citizens of this land.

My painting shows a young rider crossing through Simpson Springs, Utah with the beautiful mountain ranges in the background and surrounding desert area. Speed was the name of the game and each rider would travel along a specified route to meet another waiting rider who would immediately remove the leather satchels from the arriving horse, place it on his horse and quickly ride off. They carried a gun, animal skins filled with water and possibly hardtack or jerky. No rope was carried as the rider tried to streamline for speed and weight. They were subject to attacks by Indians, wild animals and thieves. The elements of heat and cold weather were also threatening.

We honor the memory of these amazing individuals who were paid well, but took upon themselves many challenges to get the mail through. Sadly, some even gave their lives for this cause.