Meadow Matches — The Work to Ride Program

Founded in 1994, Work to Ride (WTR) is a 501 (c) (3), non-profit community-based prevention program that aids disadvantaged urban youth though constructive activities centered on horsemanship, equine sports and education. The program is housed at Chamounix Stables, located in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. This setting provides a unique opportunity to bring urban youth in contact with animals and nature. Work to Ride is designed as a long-term program for 7 to 19 year-old youth who must commit to a minimum of one year of participation. It is, however, expected that participants will choose to remain with the program through high school graduation. Work to Ride graduates receive help with college enrollment, and most also choose to return to Chamounix to mentor new participants.

How does it work?

Work to Ride provides youngsters with a positive outlet for their energy and an alternative to negative "street" activities. Participants develop discipline, responsibility, and life skills through training, riding, and performing horse care and barn management chores. They also develop confidence, self-esteem, and the skills necessary to complete successfully in their chosen activities. The youth are allowed to choose among various horse sports. While most are trained and talented in several sports, polo has proven to be the perennial favorite of Work to Ride youth. In addition to acquisition of life-skills, Work to Ride also emphasizes the necessity of academic achievement. Staff and volunteers provide after-school tutoring to help students maintain the passing grades required for program participation.

Why does it work?

Work To Ride programs and activities are designed to explore new ways of engaging youth in significant educational, social and cultural experiences that are otherwise unavailable. The youth build relationships and develop problem-solving skills through spirited teamwork and cooperation. Activities at the stables as well as during competitions and trips allow participants to interact with diverse people and to be exposed to a variety of new experiences.

Additionally, Chamounix Stables becomes a "home away from home" for participants. Spending time there helps kids develop family-like relationships that become integral components of their lifestyles. Participation in Work to Ride teaches the youth that the combination of hard work and supportive relationships leads to success.

Bios

Tasha Harris
Tasha Harris, an eighteen year old senior, has been in the Work to Ride program since 2003. Tasha is captain of the Cowtown Dahlias WTR Interscholastic polo team. Tasha was voted to the Regional Interscholastic Polo All Star team in 2007 & 2008. In addition to her love of polo, she enjoys training horses, team penning and aspires to be a veterinarian. She will be heading to college this fall to pursue her dream!

Daymar Rosser
Daymar Rosser aka. "Gerb" is a thirteen year old in 6th grade, is the 2nd member of the Rosser polo clan. Gerb has been in the Work to Ride program since 2001 and has been playing polo for the past four years. He has been playing on the Varsity Cowtown/Work to Ride polo team since 2006. In 2008 Gerb is captaining the Cowtown/WTR team in the S.E. Interscholastic Polo Tournament at University of Virginia. He hopes to be a lawyer and a polo player when he grows up. Gerb also enjoys pony racing and field master chases.

Kareem Rosser
Kareem Rosser is a fifteen year old freshman at Valley Forge Military Academy. Kareem has been in the Work to Ride program since 2001. Kareem played on the varsity Cowtown/Work to Ride team 2004, 2005 & 2006 and voted an All Star Player at the Eastern Regional Interscholastic Tournament In 2005, 2006 & 2007 & 2008. Kareem has attended Valley Forge Military Academy on scholarship the past 2 years. Kareem is now playing for the VFMA Interscholastic Team and captained his team at the SE Interscholastic Polo Regional Tournamnet in 2008. His first love is polo and aspires to be a pilot. Kareem also enjoys horse racing, jumping and field master chases.

Brandon Rease
Brandon is a 12 yr old 7th grade student. Brandon joined the Work to Ride program in the fall of 2005. Brandon is a quick learner and started playing polo his first year of riding. He rode in his first field master chase this year and won on WTR�s polo pony mare "Jeannie". He also enjoys competing in pony races and team penning.

Kevin Jones
Kevin Jones is a 17 yr old junior in high school student at Valley Forge Military Academy. Kevin joined the WTR program in the spring of 2006. Kevin quickly learned to ride and started playing polo a year after joining the program. Kevin expressed an interest in attending VFMA with Kareem and through luck and a generous benefactor Kevin is now enjoying life at VFMA. This year Kevin was able to play with the Cowtown Interscholastic team but next year he will be joining Kareem Rosser to play on the Valley Forge Squad.