20 Relay Stations

Relay stations were built every 10 to 15 miles apart. As a rule, riders had two minutes to get a drink, go to the bathroom, and change the mochila over to a fresh horse. Two men usually manned the relay station: a station keeper and a stock tender, who were paid about $40 a month. The riders changed at the home stations which were 75-100 miles apart and were usually larger structures located at a ranch, hotel, or town livery stable.