Having lived in the area around VC for a while now, I have always thought the idea of Hoss riding into Virginia City from the Ponderosa, for the Doc, the sheriff or what ever, was one of the most period incorrect things about the show. Today, it takes about an hour in a car to cover the 40 some miles. This is on good roads, and light traffic. Hoss would have had poor roads, little traffic, but a poor horse that had to carry him. I would say the trip would have been at least a day or more. The other part is you go down hill 3000 feet, the have to climb almost 3000 feet, during each trip. Litl rooster probably has a better idea on what strain that would put on a horse, but I sure feel sorry for that horse!!!!