Kareem Rosser, who went from West Philadelphia to a pair of national polo championships, spent two days on Aquidneck Island this fall talking with local students and then putting some of them on horses for the first time.
Newport Polo and FabNewport organized the program at Newport Polo’s Arena & Training Center in Portsmouth, bringing invited students and families from across the island.
Rosser was introduced to horses at age 8 through Work to Ride, a Philadelphia nonprofit that brings underserved young people into horsemanship and competitive polo. With his brother and teammates, he was part of the first all-Black team to win the National Interscholastic Polo Championship, taking consecutive titles in 2011 and 2012. He later captained Colorado State University to the 2015 national intercollegiate title.
He now speaks around the country and is the author of the memoir “Crossing the Line” and a second book, “When You’re Ready.”
After his evening presentation, the program moved into the arena the next day, where Rosser joined Newport Polo interscholastic coach Minnie Keating and members of Newport’s varsity interscholastic team to lead an introductory clinic. For many of the participants it was their first time around horses.
“It was an incredible experience introducing a group of young people to the sport of polo at Newport Polo. For many of them, this was their first time being around horses and experiencing the game,” Rosser said. “I know firsthand how transformative exposure to something new can be, and how one experience can open the door to opportunities you never imagined. My hope is that each of these kids walked away with a new sense of curiosity, confidence, and an understanding that there are no limits to what they can pursue.”
FabNewport, a Newport County nonprofit that works with young people through hands-on learning and mentorship, was a beneficiary of this year’s Newport Polo Foundation Charity Gala and helped organize the program through board member Annie Mahoney. Rosser and Keating have known each other since attending neighboring colleges in Colorado.
“It has long been a dream of mine to make the sport more accessible to young people from all backgrounds, providing mentorship through horsemanship and sharing the passion, values, and opportunities that polo has to offer,” Keating said. “Being able to inspire and invest in the next generation of riders and players is especially meaningful, because the future of our sport lies with its youth.”
Newport Polo, founded in 1876 and billed as America’s first polo club, is marking its 150th anniversary this year. It hosts the Newport International Polo Series at Glen Farm.
Newport Polo credited Hammetts Hotel and Island Books as community partners, along with the participating students and families.
