McCausland Arena Is a New Chapter for Philadelphia’s Youth

After more than three decades of equestrian empowerment, Work to Ride has officially cut the ribbon on the long-awaited McCausland Arena, a state-of-the-art indoor riding facility located at the historic Chamounix Equestrian Center in West Fairmount Park. Spanning 45,000 square feet, the arena gives under-resourced Philadelphia youth access to year-round riding, training, and competition — something the program had been working toward for over three decades.

That vision is already in motion. The arena hosted its inaugural Philadelphia Arena Polo Championship in September 2025, and the Buddy Combs International Arena Challenge — USA vs. Ecuador in internationally sanctioned arena polo — arrives June 13, 2026, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10.

With expanded pasture space — from 3.5 to 5.5 acres — and upgraded facilities for lessons, clinics, and tournaments, the McCausland Arena opens a bold new chapter in the nonprofit’s mission. For Philadelphia youth who’ve grown through the saddle — building confidence, discipline, and direction — this new facility means more time in the arena, more opportunities for excellence, and more lives changed through horsemanship.

McCausland Arena Carries the Legacy of Work to Ride Forward

Founded in 1994, Work to Ride is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that uses equine sports and mentorship to uplift urban youth. For over 30 years, its program has served as a national model — housed at Chamounix’s leafy expanse in West Fairmount Park, operating at the intersection of nature, discipline, and community. With the opening of McCausland Arena, it expands its reach year-round, ensuring no season hinders access and no young rider is sidelined by weather.

Kareem Rosser — polo champion, author, and Executive Vice President of Work to Ride — came up through the program himself, co-captaining the first all-Black team to win the National Interscholastic Polo Championship. “Work to Ride has always been about building community and opening doors,” Rosser said. Lezlie Hiner, Founder and Executive Director, calls the arena “31 years in the making” — a culmination of vision, grit, and sustained community investment.

McCausland Arena Becomes a Philadelphia Landmark for Opportunity

Beyond its striking design and technical functionality, the McCausland Arena places Philadelphia at the center of a movement to democratize equestrian access — making a historically exclusive sport a space for empowerment, mentorship, and community. From education and life skills to competition and career development, the arena is both a literal and figurative launching pad.

The McCausland Arena will continue to host community events, training sessions, and championships that reflect what Work to Ride has built here over 30 years. That mission is now amplified, weatherproofed, and open to all.

About Post Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

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