The sun is gleaming and there is a slight breeze wafting through the stables and across the grassy fields. It is a peaceful scene of horses grazing and playful cats emerging from between dusty bales of hay. There is a certain calm that comes from being around barns, and horses, and unspoiled spring days. It is the same calm that emanates from Maureen Finnegan-Rozzero, a lover of horses and the owner of The Pony Express in Cranston. Finnegan-Rozzero has funneled a lifelong passion for horses into a business that provides not only horseback lessons and "Pony parties", but also offers a platform for Maureen to teach others about the importance of understanding and taking care of these magnificent animals.

Maureen Finnegan-Rozzero spent her childhood summers living on her family's thoroughbred farm in Lyme, Ireland and there began her close bond with horses. She also spent a good part of her upbringing on a farm in New Hampshire and developed a deep respect for the "language" and the lessons of these gentle creatures. This is why Maureen knows a great horse when she sees one, and why when she first met "Blaze", her devoted 17-year old miniature horse, she knew she had found a "really good fellow."

“Blaze" was rescued by Maureen three years ago from a farm in Pennsylvania and has since become the real star of the show at The Pony Express. He is trustworthy, hard-working and "very serious about his job" giving pony rides. Maureen describes him as her "go-to guy" for children's parties, and sees his easy-going nature, especially with her own five-year old daughter Julianna. In horse-talk, "Blaze" stands only 9 hands tall, making him the perfect attraction for any child weighing up to 60 pounds (he is a stout little fellow, so this is about all the weight he can bear!)

"Blaze" is a popular pony, so if you are interested in booking your own "pony party", don't delay. The Pony Express gets busy in the summer, so call ahead and arrange for the best entertainment a child could ever ask for! Maureen and "Blaze" will travel to you anywhere in Rhode Island and nearby Connecticut.

In addition to pony rides, Finnegan-Rozzero offers horseback riding lessons. Along with basic horsemanship skills, she uses these sessions to teach and instill in her students a sense of the respect and compassion for horses that resonates so deeply in her. With several of Maureen's own horses to ride, these lessons are offered for half and full hour sessions, depending on the student's age and ability level.

For your riding lessons or pony party, call Maureen Finnegan-Rozzero at 575-9968 and ask for "Blaze" (or email them at equineathlete@yahoo.com!) The Pony Express is based out of Klitzner Farm on 1410 Hope Road in western Cranston.