Apr 29, 2025
Concluding its eight season, the Texas Arena League (TAL) celebrated another memorable year of competitive arena polo with its End-of-League Awards during the final weekend of the Classic Division, held from Friday, March 14 to Sunday March 16, at Brookshire Polo Club in Brookshire, Texas. The weekend’s competition featured the finals of the Southwestern Circuit General George S. Patton Jr. and Southwestern Circuit General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller. Awards were presented across all levels, recognizing the commitment, teamwork and passion demonstrated throughout the season. While the final matches brought a sense of closure, they also reflected the strong sense of community and spirited rivalry that define TAL.
“Texas Arena League has become THE PLACE for polo camaraderie in Texas. For the last few years, we’ve all gotten together for four weekends to enjoy nice, fun, down to earth, cool family polo. Thanks to TAL for making this happen, looking forward to many more seasons!”” – TAL competitor Gustavo Toro
The 0- to 3-goal level saw Cheval Athletics (Christina Cantu, Megan Flynn, Drew Luplow) take on Polo InterActive (Brooke Burke, Jose Velez, Carlos Ramirez) in a fast-paced, action-packed final for the Southwestern Circuit General George S. Patton Jr. Both teams earned their place with strong performances throughout the season, but Cheval Athletics wasted no time taking control of the game. Polo InterActive responded with grit and determination in every chukker, yet Cheval Athletics’ fluid teamwork and consistent pressure proved decisive for the 19-7 win.
Flynn reflected on the team’s chemistry and what made this particular win especially rewarding, “Drew (Luplow) and I have played together before, so we had a lot of confidence in each other going into the final, but what made it special for me was winning with Christina (Cantu). She started in my polo school, and this was her first buckle in TAL!”
Competing in the 3- to 6-goal division, Legends Polo Club (Omar “Adrian” Aguilar, John Hand, Garrett Bankhead) squared off against Polo InterActive (Jose Velez, Audry Persano*, James Glew) for the Southwestern Circuit General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller. In a tightly contested battle, the match featured strategic plays, rapid transitions and standout individual efforts as both teams pushed for control. Polo InterActive fought hard to stay in contention, but it was the composed and consistent performance from Legends Polo Club that ultimately made the difference. Competing in both military events, Polo InterActive’s Velez shared after the final horn, “I want to thank James Glew, Audry Persano, Brooke Burke and Carlos Ramirez. They were heroic in the finals!”
“I love playing in the Texas Arena League. The camaraderie is incredible, the competition fierce and every chukker sharpens my game. Thanks to all the amazing players and umpires for pushing me to improve every year—already looking forward to leveling up again next year.” – TAL competitor Gal Shweiki
Among the individual awards presented, the Polo Training Foundation (PTF) Most Improved Player was awarded to Taylor DeNeve. Reflecting on the honor, DeNeve shared, “I’ve prioritized learning the game and ensuring safe riding was second nature when playing over this past year. Due to this, I felt like I’ve been ‘slower’ in advancement than other players, but receiving this award proved my diligence was worth the time. My goal as a player has always been to prioritize my horsemanship and game comprehension. Since I haven’t been a high goal scorer, being awarded PTF Most Improved for my ability to contribute in game rather than statistics, is an honorable achievement.”
DeNeve added, “I think my improvement wouldn’t have been possible without my family who has always supported me since I picked up a mallet last February, Texas A&M University Polo Club (College Station, Texas), for allowing an affordable and friendly environment to learn in and Madi Holm who provided her incredible polo ponies for me to play throughout TAL. Additionally, watching old USPA Polo Network matches and utilizing the USPA Player Development Portal before (or during) classes had a big hand. Now I’ll be working to make sure this isn’t the last time my name is heard.”
“If you were to ask me what my favorite thing about Texas Arena League is, I don’t think I would be able to narrow it down to just one. But I think my favorite part about TAL is the pure joy and excitement of when you or your teammate scores a goal, and you have the biggest smile on your face while you’re cheering for your team and putting another point on the scoreboard.” – TAL competitor Avery Sterr
The Spirit of Patton Award celebrating the powerful connection between horse and rider was presented to Gunsmoke, played and owned by Stephanie Colburn*. Detailing how her unique partnership with Gunsmoke has shaped her polo career, Colburn said, "Gunsmoke and I had an incredible performance this season in the arena, reaching the pinnacle of success. He helped me clinch the 2024 USPA Women’s Arena Open and USPA Women’s Arena Handicap titles and the 2025 National Arena Delegate’s Cup. Gunsmoke exudes strength, power, speed and yet, has incredible handle and finesse which makes him unbeatable in the arena. Playing polo on Gunsmoke gives me an unparalleled confidence, where we both just feel unstoppable together!”
Colburn continued, “Ben (Colburn) and I purchased Gunsmoke about four years ago on our way home from a TAL event. Over the last four years, Gunsmoke and I have built a deeply rooted partnership based on shared kindness and trust. Gunsmoke is not your stereotypical gelding and does not trust everyone he meets. He and I have a special bond, and I would like to think he enjoys working hard for me. I have always felt like Gunsmoke is incredible athlete and my personal best playing pony. It makes me so happy to finally see him getting recognition."
Following the final matches, TAL celebrated standout performances with its End-of-League Awards, recognizing both game day impact and season-long achievement. Honors such as Most Valuable Player, Best Playing Pony and Sportsmanship were awarded per match, while other distinctions—voted on by fellow TAL participants and umpires—highlighted those who best embodied the spirit of the League. Final team rankings were determined by overall win-loss records, rewarding consistency and competitiveness throughout the season.
Although the 2025 TAL season has officially wrapped up, anticipation is already building. As new rosters take shape, the league promises fresh talent and surprising moments that keep even the most experienced players on their toes. The welcoming atmosphere and dedicated fanbase ensure that arena polo will continue to thrive deep in the heart of Texas.
“I truly enjoyed playing in TAL for the first time. My overall experience was unforgettable, and I intend to return in 2026. The experiences are made by all the volunteers- Megan Flynn and Robin Sanchez. Thank you!”” – TAL competitor George Ramon
The Texas Arena League extends its gratitude to the sponsors, donors, host sites, coordinators and volunteers who played a key role in making this season a success. For updates on the 2026 season, visit www.texasarenaleague.com.
Winning Team - Red River Polo
Runner-up - Los Pollos Locos
3rd Place - Diamond Y
4th Place (tie) - Legends Polo Club and Polo InterActive
Galvin Agency Most Valuable Player
Loreto Natividad
Nutrena Best Playing Pony
Daisy, played and owned by Loreto Natividad.
JD Polo Sportsmanship
Rachel Mittman
Jackrabbit Tack Horsemanship
Emrey Owen
Jockey Club Incentive Program Best Playing Thoroughbred
Corazon, played by John Hand and owned by Legends Polo Club.
Royal B Threads Best Team Player
Matthew Schlomer
Best Offensive Player
James Glew
Casablanca Best Defensive Player
Brady Williams
US Arena Polo Sharp Shooter
Jordan Upchurch
Outstanding Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Alumni
Patrick Shanahan
Polo Training Foundation Most Improved Player
Jose Velez
Murrell Photography Best Presented
Legends Polo Club
Best String
James Glew
Best Playing Homebred
Frosty, played and owned Brady Williams. Bred by McFaddin Ranch.
Winning Team - TAMU Men
Runner-up - Roxstars
3rd Place - Sullivan Group
4th Place - La Luna
Galvin Agency Most Valuable Player
Joe Bob Lequerica
Nutrena Best Playing Pony
Sunny, played and owned by Robert Orthwein.
JD Polo Sportsmanship
Stephanie Colburn
Jackrabbit Tack Horsemanship
Nick Cifuni
Jockey Club Incentive Program Best Playing Thoroughbred
Bette Davis, played by Shane Rice and owned by Hidden View Farm.
Royal B Threads Best Team Player
Niklaus Felhaber
Best Offensive Player
Chad Bowman
Casablanca Best Defensive Player
Will Mudra
US Arena Polo Sharp Shooter
Tiamo Hudspeth*
Outstanding Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Alumni
Joanie Jackson
Best String
Shane Rice
Best Playing Homebred
Sarabi, played and owned by Chad Bowman. Bred by Rocking P.
Winning Team - Bar-Spur
Runner-up - Cedro Sauna
3rd Place - Roulette Polo
Galvin Agency Most Valuable Player
Gus Osburn
Nutrena Best Playing Pony
Bob, played and owned by Amy Shweiki.
Polo Training Foundation Most Improved Player
Taylor Deneve
Winner - Air Horse One
Runner-up - B-Flight Baddies
3rd Place - The Bee’s Knees
4th place - Wicked Pink Ponies
Galvin Agency Most Valuable Player
Carly Schneider
Nutrena Best Playing Pony
Dually played by Avery Sterr, owned by Jeepers Ragsdale.
Catena Sportsmanship
Gabby Rimer
Jackrabbit Tack Horsemanship
Callan Harrison
Jockey Club Incentive Program Best Playing Thoroughbred
Broadway, played by Emily Andre and owned by Sydney Morris.
Royal B Threads Best Team Player
Ashley Welch
Best Offensive Player
Emily Andre
Casablanca Best Defenseman
Holland Tapper
US Arena Polo Sharp Shooter
Carly Schneider
Outstanding Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Alumni
Sheridan Strong
Polo Training Foundation Most Improved Player
Reagan Drummer
Murrell Photography Best Presented
The Bee’s Knees
Winner - Cheval Athletics
Runner-up - Spence Polo
3rd Place - Polo InterActive
4th Place - G2
5th place - Texas Military
Galvin Agency Most Valuable Player
Javier Insua
Nutrena Best Playing Pony
Toscana played by Megan Rahlfs and owned by Legends Polo Club.
Catena Sportsmanship
George Ramon
Jackrabbit Tack Horsemanship
Megan Flynn
Jockey Club Incentive Program Best Playing Thoroughbred
Serious Fun, played by Brady Williams and owned by Karl Hilberg.
Best Playing Homebred
Moette, owned and bred by Victor Aguilar.
Best String
Osburn Family
Royal B Threads Best Team Player
Stephanie Colburn
Best Offensive Player
John Hand
Casablanca Best Defenseman
Mark Osburn
US Arena Polo Sharp Shooter
Brooke Burke
Outstanding Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Alumni
Brady Williams
Polo Training Foundation Most Improved Player
Christina Cantu
Murrell Photography Best Presented
Cheval Athletics
Winner - Legends Polo Club
Runner-up - Roxstars
3rd Place - Polo InterActive
4th Place (tie) - G2 and Dallas Polo Club
Galvin Agency Most Valuable Player
Loreto Natividad
Nutrena Best Playing Pony
Biddle, played by Tiamo Hudspeth and owned by Ben and Stephanie Colburn. Bred and trained by Tiamo Hudspeth.
Catena Sportsmanship
Brady Williams
Jackrabbit Tack Horsemanship
Tiamo Hudspeth
Jockey Club Incentive Program Best Playing Thoroughbred
Pinata played by Megan Flynn, owned by Hiddenview Farm.
Best Playing Homebred
Colors, owned and bred by Victor Aguilar.
Best String
Will Walton
Royal B Threads Best Team Player
Audry Persano
Best Offensive Player
Drew Luplow
Casablanca Best Defenseman
Ariel Mancebo
US Arena Polo Sharp Shooter
Garrett Bankhead
Outstanding Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Alumni
Mark Osburn
Polo Training Foundation Most Improved Player
Stephen Stout
Murrell Photography Best Presented
G2
Winning Team - Bar-Spur
Runner-up - TAMU Men
3rd Place – Prestonwood
4th Place - PoloWeGo
Galvin Agency Most Valuable Player
Zak Coleman
Nutrena Best Playing Pony
Simba, played and owned by Chad Bowman.
Polo InterActive Sportsmanship
Megan Rahlfs
Jackrabbit Tack Horsemanship
James Glew
Jockey Club Incentive Program Best Playing Thoroughbred
Awesome Sauce played by Shane Rice and owned by Hiddenview Farm.
Best String
Chad Bowman
Best Playing Homebred
Adalina, played and owned by Nick Cifuni.
Royal B Threads Best Team Player
Mark Osburn
Best Offensive Player
Shane Rice
Casablanca Best Defenseman
Will Mudra
US Arena Polo Sharp Shooter
Chad Bowman
Outstanding Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Alumni
Sydney Morris
Murrell Photography Best Presented
Sullivan Group
Spirit of Patton Award
Gunsmoke, played by Stephanie Colburn and owned by Ben and Stephanie Colburn.
*Audry Persano, Stephanie Colburn and Tiamo Hudspeth are Team USPA alumnae. Team USPA is a USPA program designed to enhance and grow the sport of polo in the United States by identifying young, talented American players and providing mentored training and playing opportunities leading to a pool of higher rated amateur and pro players and the resultant giveback to the sport of polo.
All photos courtesy of ©David Murrell.
Effective Date: Saturday, May 16, 2020
The suspension of USPA Tournaments and Events will be lifted for USPA Member Clubs in locales where hosting polo matches and tournaments is permitted under applicable state and local laws, executive orders and similar decrees. The USPA Member Clubs in these locales are encouraged to follow all such requirements of their state and local authorities with respect to polo operations. In addition, we also encourage all USPA Member Clubs to take the precautions recommended by the CDC. We are preparing a detailed list of best practices for USPA Member Clubs as they return to hosting USPA Tournaments and Events and plan to circulate these guidelines within the next week. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and will notify you if we determine a different course of action is necessary.
Read More
