White.

Wealthy.

Male.

All terms usually attributed to polo — which has historically been referred to as the “sport of kings.”

Cherie Harris is breaking down the narrative of exclusivity that surrounds the sport. She has become the first African American woman to play at the highest level of American polo.

She has impressed her country and fellow players with her superb polo-playing skills, earning her the title of Player of the Year by the U.S. Polo Association, which is no easy feat.

Especially considering, as Harris told WCBS, “You are controlling a thousand-pound animal, plus you have to hit the ball and try not to hit anyone over.”

Harris accidentally stumbled upon the sport when her mother made a wrong turn on a turn pike and they found themselves passing stables.

Harris soon discovered and participated in Work For Ride, a Philadelphia-based non-profit, which offers disadvantaged youth the opportunity to participate in activities related to horses and education in exchange for working.

It wasn't easy, either, with Harris recalling, “Summers I worked there all-day, everyday; from 8 in the morning to 9 o’clock at night. It’s a full commitment.”

Her obvious talent and excellence earned her a polo scholarship to Cornell University, where she led the polo team to National Finals.

We suspect Cherie Harris will continue to break boundaries and solidify a name for herself in the world of polo, and hope that she will continue to break barriers on and off her horse.

Cherie Harris

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