Pony Express rider down but not out

The silhouette of the Pony Express rider on the ridge above Mound House has been noticeably missing in the last couple of weeks, but he's not gone altogether.

"He's just laying down on the job," said Larry McPherson, former president of the Nevada Division of the National Pony Express Association.

McPherson said recent winds knocked down the monument, which was erected in June 2007.

"I think Mother Nature did what no one else could do," McPherson said. "She put him out of business."

McPherson organized the effort to erect the state's first monument to the Pony Express, created by Carson Valley artist Bill Muerle, owner of Decorative Iron Plus.

"The Pony Express is a legend," McPherson said. "Last year, we celebrated the 150th anniversary of it. It's a part of history. And what that silhouette depicts is a part of history - the lone rider out by himself."

McPherson said he will make sure the monument is re-erected, however there are some obstacles. The road they used to erect it the first time, has now been cut away to accommodate the railroad tracks for the V&T. He also needs to find the right people with the right equipment and expertise to repair it.

"It's going to be a heck of a job getting in there, but we'll do it," he said. "One way or another we'll get it back up. We'll set her back up and weld her a little bit better. Maybe put some braces on it."

He said he hopes to have the rider back in position by May 25.

"That's my legacy," he said. "I'm kind of proud of that thing."