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, a sixteen year old sophomore in high school, has been in the Work to Ride program for three years. She has played interscholastic polo for two years and is the current fearless captain of the all girls Cowtown Dahlias interscholastic polo team. In addition to her love of polo, she wants to be a veterinarian. She will be one step closer to her dream this summer when she attends the Vet Step Program at Tuskegee University.

John Fields: John Fields, a fourteen year old in 8th grade, has been in the Work to Ride program for six years. He has played interscholastic polo for the past two years and is the current captain of the Junior Varsity Lancaster/Work to Ride interscholastic polo team.

Kareem Rosser: Kareem Rosser, a thirteen year old in 7th grade and twin brother to Kareema, has been in the Work to Ride program for the past four and a half years. Despite only playing for three years, Kareem’s polo star is on the rise, having been on the Varsity Cowtown/Work to Ride team since 2004 and voted an All Star Player at the Easter Regional Interscholastic Tournament in 2005. He will be attending the Valley Forge Military Academy in the fall of 2006 and aspires to be a pilot.

Kareema Rosser: Kareema Rosser, a thirteen year old in 7th grade and twin sister to Kareem, has been in the Work to Ride program for the past two years. Kareema has been coming into her own on the polo field, having played on the all girls Cowtown Dahlias interscholastic polo team in 2005 and on the Junior Varsity Lancaster/Work to Ride polo team this year. Her love of the horses is reflected by her hopes to be a veterinarian.

Daymar Rosser: Daymar Rosser, an eleven year old in 4th grade, is the third member of the Rosser polo clan and has been in the Work to Ride program for the past four and a half years. Daymar has played polo for the past two years, playing on the Varsity Cowtown/Work to Ride polo team in 2005 and is on the Junior Varsity team this year. He hopes to be a lawyer and a polo player when he grows up.

Work To Ride Accomplishments & Acclaim

• 1999 Work to Ride made history with the first African-American Polo team in the nation.
  
• 2003 Work to Ride was featured on HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumball.
  
• 2004 Work to Ride was featured in Sports Illustrated by acclaimed sports writer Gary Smith.
  
• 2005 Work to Ride won the Eastern Regional Interscholastic Polo tournament and Advanced to the National Tournament.
  
• 2005 Work to Ride's Jabarr Rosser was voted #1 National All Star player.
  
• 2006 Work to Ride was featured on HBO's Real Sports for an update on the 2003 airing
  

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