April 2022 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN April 2022 Page 25 Real Estate weight.” She explained that polo is only a fraction of what WTR does. “Horses,” she said, “are just the vehicles” to help the kids achieve their potential. Councilman Jones celebrat- ed what he called “recreational diversity,” and how much it adds to the city’s economy and attrac- tion as a destination. “Whether you row, run or ride your way into success, it’s a pathway to prosperity. Whether it’s the Dad Vail Regatta, whether it’s the Penn Relays, now you add to that triple crown, polo, where people from all over the world will come to an urban environ- ment to experience the sport of kings,” he said, and added slight- ly hyperbolically, “Where else could a West Philadelphia kid meet an Argentinian and become lifelong friends? Only through sports, and we’re grateful that happened.” It's About More Than Polo Rosser says that the Classic will have four teams and two matches, and current WTR stu- dents will be on the teams. “The feature match will be myself, my younger brother Daymar and—fortunately or unfortu- nately—we’ll be going against Nacho.” For Rosser, though, this event is more than a polo match against his good friend. “It’s a special day for Philly. We get to bring something to the city that it desperately needs right now.” He considers the trajectory of his young life and how polo has affected him. “At eight years old I began my jour- ney here as a student. I’m so grateful for everything the orga- nization has done for me. Being around horses has allowed me to see life differently. It means everything to me.” Figueras says he has never seen a program like WTR, and he’s glad to be playing a part in its future. “I think that Lezlie’s a hero in this world, and this is a place everyone in Philadelphia should be proud of. I believe that Kareem is proof that this program should be celebrated. This place should be celebrated.” He is hoping that the Classic will inspire Philadelphia. “We would love for the people of Philadel- phia to get involved,” he said. “I can’t wait for this place (WTR) to be what Lezlie dreamed about. This is my first time here, and it almost brought tears to my eyes to walk into the barn. I have been part of this story for a very long time, but being here today was a special moment in my life.” Move Over, Newport…Polo is Coming to Philadelphia! (Continued from page 20) Remember...tell our advertisers you found them in East Coast Equestrian! To advertise call (717) 509-9800 . Devon Horse Show Preview! Distribution from racks on the Devon show grounds! Coming in the May issue! Brenda Carpenter Photography