Students will:

• Learn the history of the Pony Express;
• Understand the dangers of horseback mail delivery;
• Reenact this time period by dressing a paper doll in the clothing style of a Pony rider and writing about a trail experience.
  

• What was the Pony Express?
• What made the Pony unique?
• Before the Pony Express, how did mail get back and forth across the continent?
• Who could ride for the Pony?
• What do you think the recruitment standards were?
• What do you think it was like to ride for the Pony Express?
  
  

• Was the Pony a successful venture?
• How did the Pony contribute to the future?
• Would you have signed up as rider for the Pony Express? Explain
• What do we have today that could be compared to the Pony?

Project Part 1: Doll pattern
Give each student a copy of The Pony doll pattern. Instruct students to design an outfit for the doll, using either the traditional attire for the Pony Express riders or the style worn by those out West.

Project Part 2: Writing
Give students directions for the writing activity. As a class, review the following story prompt. You are a rider for the Pony. Tell about one of your adventures. Provide lost of detail. Story should be at least three paragraphs.Give projects appropriate due date.

• Design a Pony Express recruiting flyer.
• Hold a mock interview with pony Bob.
• Write a rebuttal to Sir Richard Burton's description of Nevada.
• Write a resume for a Pony ride