NARRATIVE: The Pony Express was an American mail service that used relays of horse-mounted riders between Missouri and California. Established in 1860, it lasted eighteen months and was out of business by October of 1861. Though short-lived, it quickly found a place in the romantic world of great stories about the expansion of the American West.

"The Send Off – Pony Express 1861" illustrates a moment in the fast-paced world of riders and horse wranglers that made up the critical elements of the express. Relay stations were between 10-15 miles apart and a quick stop involved a change of horses, a cool drink of water and not much else. A slap on the hind quarter of the rider's horse is a reminder that keeping a tight schedule was top priority.

I have created other paintings about the Pony Express in my career and was excited to do another specifically for "American Narratives in Fine Art." It's dedicated to the men who rode hard and helped change the American frontier.