DEBRA STRICKLAND

     The RamRod of a trail ride is the one who oversees all aspects of the ride, not just the ride itself. They are generally though not always the main boss or owner of the outfit. Whether it be a wagon train, trail ride, campaign, ranch or what have you. In some cases they may be the head of a collective or committee. They are the broad scope overseer whereas other positions break the total into manageable areas they are responsible for. While the trail boss may manage problems on the trail the ramrod is in all aspects responsible in the complete endeavor. Making sure there was enough food, water, ammunition, protection, support at stops,and what ever else might be needed

      Traditionally a person would sign on with a ramrod thus ensuring that any special conditions could be met as concerned the participants or employees (as the case may be). The ramrod would then assign the trail boss. People would depend upon the reputation of both the ramrod and their chosen trail bosses.  On many occaisions (  long trails ) you may have several trail bosses for your route but there would be only one ramrod. The ramrod would bear the credit or infamy of the trek by retellings or reports. The two ( RamRod and Trail Boss ) would of course have to be able to depend on, and trust each other.

       Many Ranches, trails, wagon trains etc, could make it or break it based on the ramrod in charge. The expression was taken from the loading 'stick' of the old rifles, that would be used to pack the charge. Anything in its path, ( powder, bullet, wad, dust, dirt,residue ) would be rammed ( packed into ) its position /destination. It was then workable, and effective.

       The analogy is most common in cattle trails where they would push (ram ) the cattle through anything, bad land, passes, deserts, indians, rustlers etc. to get them through. The Ramrod made sure they got to where they were supposed to go, under any conditions.

   
                       JIM HANNAH

   Before the ride the trail boss should set out what will be accepted throughout the ride, what passing habits they want used and where it may not be advisable, if there are areas that require single line riding, where they may want you to let a rider clear a traverse before you proceed etc.

      The reason for the trail boss is obvious but we will explain it anyway. This is the person who is in charge. They are responsible for the path/route that is ridden, for the speed of the ride, as well as the safety and welfare of the horses and riders. On designated routes he/she should be the one that knows the route well (others should as well but that isn’t always the case.). They are also the one that should make the inspection of the horses and tack, for one, to make sure both are adequate and another, to allow him/her to judge the capabilities of horse and rider ...Likewise they can at this time, check for any possible special concerns such as studs, mares in season, etc.

                       DOUG SHAW -PONY EXPRESS FLAG
                JOSH GARRET-AMERICAN FLAG

   The  name says it all. and for this ride there will be two Flag Bearers, one with the Pony Express flag and the Other with the American flag. As well as being the vanguard of the group they also help for others to see the front of the column (line) more easily from the middle or the back.( In latter days they had the advantage of being spotted at greater distances or even as in the desert, above the dust ) Used not only for Identification of the group but also the bearers of authority of the group. As is traditional the flag bearers lead ahead of the column in general being lead only by those of supervising rank.

      We ask that as a sign of courtesy that all riders other than the lead mounts observe tradition and allow the flag bearers to lead, particularly on entering the Wild West Extravaganza Main street Parade.

   The mail ( the envelopes that you submit ) will be carried in a Mocila, the traditional " mailbag" of the pony express. The carrier may change throughout the route at various stages but the last carrier will have the honor of bringing the mail into 'town'.

   The outrider is the person that usually rides at the side of the group moving his way (generally) up and down the outside. This role may be one of communication, relaying conditions, and/or needs of the free riders, forward or backwards. It is also a free flowing rider position that can evaluate the conditions of horse, tack, and rider at a closer level. They can also act as a transitory rider for other positions in the case of a group separation or incident. At times they may be called on as a forward rider to check on conditions on the trail before the group gets committed to a certain course. This may happen due to rain or other circumstance since the last time the trail was checked. In many cases, at the trail Boss’s discretion, he/she may be asked to lead someone on a short cut back to the staging/finishing area or to replace the drag rider doing so. It's usually left up to the outrider to make sure the drag rider is still within sight of the group.

      Many groups may choose to allow designated riders to change positions to allow a change for the horse or rider- such as allowing a drag rider a chance to stretch out a faster horse held at a slower speed before he gets dopey, lazy or comatose, or allow an outrider a chance to rest or relax their horse (or themselves) from fatigue or over excitement. At times an outrider may replace the trail boss position for short periods of time for the same reasons or just to give the trail boss a chance to look the group over.

   The drag rider is as it sounds, one who rides the drag or rear of the group. Sometimes called a duster. The drag riders also have responsibilities. One of these is to look ahead into the group to spot any potential problems. This is a needed position as the trail boss should be looking ahead and to the sides, because you don’t want a trail boss riding backwards. They have the vantage point to see if someone peels off the group into a detour or different area.

       The drag riders may be the last person to see a discarded or dropped piece of equipment. In certain situations, they may be more able to reach a trouble spot in the group before the trail boss, seeing how they may spot it first and are already headed in that direction. They have the responsibility of closing gates or replacing other items that may have been altered to let the group through. As well they may hang back as guides for rescue/service vehicles, or riders at access points. This should be at the last access point to let them know which direction to follow.

      A drag rider should maintain a position at the rear of the group as half way up into the group nullifies his effectiveness. Exceptions, of course, would be horses that can’t have horses behind them, etc., at which time they may ride closely in front of them or drop far enough back to not be a hindrance. In the event of a stoppage (tack adjustment etc.) they should remain with the last rider until such time as they catch the group. In this event, or the event of them hanging back as guides, an outrider can temporarily take the last position in the main group

excerpt from trail article -pvhorse.com