NEWS

The first leg of the Texas Arena League (TAL) is right around the corner. The first event will be held January 26-27 at Legend's Horse Ranch (East Texas Polo Club) in Kaufman, Texas. TAL is a series of arena polo events played around the state with teams earning points toward final awards. Prizes are given in both flights (0-3 and 3-6 goal) to the winning and runner-up teams. Individuals will also vie for High Point Individual, Sportsmanship and Most Valuable Player end of league awards. The equine teammates will be playing their hearts out for the Best Playing Pony title.

For 2019, TAL has added a number of improvements. Nutrena will be sponsoring the Best Playing Pony prizes. Additionally, Cargill is sending Equine Nutritionist, Sharon Choney to each event to answer questions and offer advice to players and horse owners. "Sharon has been really helpful for me in improving the topline on my horses," said Robin Sanchez. "I learned a lot from her workshop at Fall Fandango and she's has been available for advice ever since."

The Sportsmanship Award winners (one in each division) will be given a beautiful Catena Swiss watch at the end of the league, and Megan Mitchell of Jackrabbit Tack will be at the Two Wishes Ranch event to help players find the correct Bomber bit and fitting for their horses.

Make-A-Wish is the official charity of Texas Arena League and ticket proceeds benefit their mission. For children battling critical illness, as well as their families, Make-A-Wish grants one-of-a-kind wish experiences that restore crucial hope and give kids a reason to keep fighting. Make-A-Wish will be sending one of their ambassadors to throw in the first ball and present trophies at the event.

A C-flight has been added for members of polo schools and new players to get a taste of their first polo competition with their coaches playing with them.

Allen Bowman of AB Custom Boots will be playing and available for measurements and orders of custom polo boots. "I'm really excited to play this year with a team from Oklahoma;” shared Bowman. “This event is well-promoted and organized. I even made some special boots just for Texas Arena League."

As in 2018, Texas Arena League will be playing multiple USPA circuit arena events over the course of the league including military and Intercollegiate/Interscholastic alumni cups.

Host clubs include Central Texas Polo Association, Two Wishes Ranch, Midland Polo Club and the aforementioned Legend's Horse Ranch which is part of the East Texas Polo Club. Last year, 15 different USPA clubs were represented by players in TAL. Every host location throws a social event for the participants.

For more information, visit www.texasarenaleague.com. Follow all of the action, events, schedule and awards for Texas Arena League on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.