Chasin'

Work to Ride is a Work of Love of Lezlie Hiner who founded the program in 1994 with the improbable premise that inner city at-risk youth could learn to play polo, and with the persistence and dedication that such an endeavor would entail, succeed in education and life.  The program is located in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park with a stable and grounds in view of highrise apartment buildings. Succeed she has, with the help of many volunteers, in teaching her kids, not only to play polo, but the art of discipline, with some significant academic achievement along the way.  With a proverbial carrot and a stick enticement, students must maintain passing grades to stay in the program and tutoring is provided where needed.  Succeed they have, as well, playing polo at such a high level that they compete nationally and internationally (2008 in Nigeria), and matriculating into military college and university.  Lezlie has brought her kids out from Philadelphia to race ponies and horses at the Point-to-Points in the spring every year, and the final Steeplechase race of the season, the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup (Unionville), for years and this year was no exception.

For more information, go to www.worktoride.net

Rhyheem Cauley checks tack on Jeannie, pre-race, under the watchful eye of team-leader Lezlie Hiner (hidden).

Regina Welsh of the North American Point to Point Association goes over the rules of the Fieldmaster Chase, with Sheree Harris looking on and listening intently.

James Paxson, Joint Master of the River Hills Foxhounds, signals the commencement of Division II, Large Pony/Non-thoroughbred Field Master Chase.

McDynamo, multiple Eclipse award winner, ridden by his long-time jockey Jody Petty, leads a crowded field of Division II contenders. Sheree Harris (red jacket in the middle), on Jeannie the Appaloosa, stays discretely behind the fieldmaster, but in striking position.

Sheree Harris shows good form in the first time round the course and past the viewing stand.

The second time past the viewing stand is the race to the finish, and here Sheree dukes it out with Anna Juliet Smith.

KenShaun Walker races to the finish on Gumby.

KenShaun and Sheree return to the Steward's box before dismounting. Sheree's face says it all.

Shariah Harris on Lookie Cookie, pad number 9 on the chestnut horse, makes a first pass past the viewing stand in the next race, Division III, Horse.