The Pony Express story is short but it is quite an epic; in the period between 3rd April 1860 and 26th October 1861, daring men - who were real and true heroes, mocking danger - were capable, in a breathtaking race, to cross the most inhospitable and dangerous places to deliver mail in the shortest time possible - at the time it almost seemed magical - from the east to the west and the return trip from west to east. This incredible race across a desolate landscape, hostile Indians and dust which suffocated the heroes on horseback, was an idea that took the name of Central Overland California and Pike's Peak Express Company. It was set up by three men: William Hepburn Russel, Alexander Majors and William Bradford Waddel. The Pony Express epic lasted the necessary time for telegraphy to cover the hundreds of miles that covered the distance between Missouri and the Far West. At a time when mail was carried by land or by sea taking months to cross the United States from east to west, or vice versa, the ten days taken by the Pony Express were something out of this world, especially in virtue of the fact that it meant having to carry a bag, the Mochilas, on horseback, avoiding all possible and unimmaginable obstacles which this trail presented. The standard equipment included a pair of blue trousers, a red shirt, a rifle, a colt and a bible. Whatever the weather conditions, always at risk of being constantly attacked by hostile Indians who patrolled the west far and wide, the men of the Pony Express, or more simply, the pony express, galloped from one station to the next, spurring their steeds to the limit. The horses chosen for the Pony Express service were physically superior animals, the best horses on the market. The trail between one supply station and the next was approximately 10 or 15 miles; having arrived at the way station, the rider abandoned his fatigued mount and, without wasting any time, mounted the proud horse that was waiting for him, fresh and rested, for the next stage of the journey across the unknown. The Pony Express service was an economical suicide if one thinks of the dozens of supply stations with relative personnel, the number of horses used and the revenue that such a service could have. It was launched with a cost of $5 per half ounce. A mochilas could only take a maximum of 20 ounces and so one can easily understand that the cost of this service could never be repaid. But the Pony Express was another representation of an America constantly aspiring to achieve a dream. The Pony Express epic ended when the transcontinental telegraphic service was completed on the 24th October 1861.