5. What is the main idea?
If you wanted to become a Pony
Express rider, you had to be an
expert horseman. The work was
dangerous and demanding. Riders
rode 100 miles regardless of the
weather. They jumped onto a fresh
horse about every ten miles and
galloped at top speed. Because their
speed was important, small, light-
weight riders were preferred. One
California newspaper in 1860
advertised for riders listing these
requirements: skinny fellows, not
over 18, willing to risk death daily.