<P> An estimated 400 horses in total were used by the Pony Express to deliver the mail . Horses were selected for swiftness and endurance . On the east end of Pony Express route the horses were usually selected from U.S. Cavalry units . At the west end of the Pony Express route in California, W.W. Finney purchased 100 head of short coupled stock called "California Horses"' while A.B. Miller purchased another 200 native ponies in and around the Great Salt Lake Valley . The horses were ridden quickly between stations, an average distance of 15 miles (24 km), and then were relieved and a fresh horse would be exchanged for the one that just arrived from its strenuous run . </P> <P> During his route of 80 to 100 miles (130 to 160 km), a Pony Express rider would change horses 8 to 10 times . The horses were ridden at a fast trot, canter or gallop, around 10 to 15 miles per hour (16 to 24 km / h) and at times they were driven to full gallop at speeds up to 25 miles per hour (40 km / h). Horses of the Pony Express were purchased in Missouri, Iowa, California, and some western U.S. territories . </P> <P> The various types of horse ridden by riders of the Pony Express included Morgans and thoroughbreds which were often used on the eastern end of the trail . Mustangs were often used on the western (more rugged) end of the mail route . </P> <P> In 1844, years before the Pony Express came to St. Joseph, Israel Landis opened a small saddle and harness shop there . His business expanded as the town grew, and when the Pony Express came to town Landis was the ideal candidate to produce saddles for the newly founded Pony Express . Because Pony Express riders rode their horses at a quick pace over a distance of 10 miles (16 km) or more between stations, every consideration was made to reduce the overall weight the horse had to carry . To help reduce this load, special lightweight saddles were designed and crafted . Using less leather and fewer metallic and wood components they fashioned a saddle that was similar in design to the regular stock saddle generally in use in the West at that time . </P>

What kind of horses were used in the pony express