The McCausland Arena brings equestrian activities to the heart of Fairmount Park

The McCausland Arena is a brand new equestrian space in the heart of Fairmount Park. The 45,000 square foot facility costs 14 million dollars to build and will be able to host spectator events like polo matches. We've been using the space now since June. Now we're looking to open it up hopefully in the next few months. The non-profit behind the arena is the Work to Ride program that benefits young people ages 8 to 18. Good girl. We introduce the kids to many different disciplines when it comes to the equestrian space. Polo is one of the favorites, kids show jump, you do your size. Kareem Rosser is not only the program's executive vice president but he was in the program from the age of eight. I was a very timid, shy boy and afraid of almost everything so it took me some time to build the confidence to actually want to even walk a horse. This is Miss Dahlia. Kids from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not be exposed to horses get a chance to learn aspects of the sport and become responsible adults. We're close to West Philly and North Philly here but the kids themselves come from all over. For years the outdoor pasture was the only space they had, now the program can be year-round. Come on cutie. The ability to generate new revenue, to host events, to increase our programming, opening the space to more people. Leslie Heiner is the visionary who founded Work to Ride 30 years ago. Stay quiet. Leslie's idea was really to use horses as a vehicle to transform lives. Kids come here to find peace and a better way of life and you certainly see that. They offer riding lessons and a summer camp as well but the day-to-day core program develops life skills. It's amazing when you see a kid show up with no confidence and then all of a sudden they're smiling and running to pedal horse or to brush a horse. Participants in the program have to make a long-term commitment and keep a focus on school. The kids are required to maintain a passing grade average to remain active in the program. Kareem himself went on to have an impressive career in the equestrian world and still competes. I've had some tough moments in my life but this organization has afforded me some incredible moments. He was a member of the first all african-american polo team to win a major national high school title and he continues to compete on an international level. In the FIP world arena polo championships I was selected to team USA this year and currently training for that. Kareem was also the stunt double for Idris Elba in the movie Concrete Cowboys. That was a cool experience. When Kareem recalls how the journey started he tells how his brothers were kids riding their bikes who made a wrong turn. We're very very fortunate to have discovered this place. From looking back to looking ahead proud moments for Kareem and work to ride abound. It's a dream come true.