On Sunday, March 16, the conclusion of the Open National Interscholastic Championship featured a match-up between three-time reigning champions Houston (Judah Altic, Faris Hanna, Joe Bob Lequerica, Asa Gangjee) against Southeastern regional winners and first-time national contenders Battlefield (Anushka Parasram, Aleem Siddiqui, Wil Ballhaus, Katelyn “KP” Pelaia, Zaki Siddiqui) at Empire Polo Club in Coachella, California. Houston’s dominant start and consistent play proved decisive in a match defined by exceptional teamwork, precise passing and outstanding horsemanship on both sides. Despite Battlefield’s determined final chukker push, Houston secured its fourth consecutive national title.
The competition kicked off on Wednesday, March 12, in a quarterfinal battle between Western regional winner Waiki’i (Charles Tang, Benjamin Tang, Ethan Matsui, Savannah Matsui) and Northeastern regional champions Kingswood (Brynn Whitten, Emerson Bruce, Estanislao “EJ” Robledo Puch Jr., Jacques Cauchon). Making their Open Division debut, Kingswood were well represented at the National Interscholastic Championships, with the Girls’ team soaring all the way into the finals, both coached by Federico Wulff. Consisting of two-sets of siblings, Waiki’i’s brother duo of Charles and Benjamin Tang led the scoring efforts. Ahead by six goals to open the third period, Whitten and Puch Jr. made a push for Kingswood, but the team from Hawaii ultimately sealed the 10-5 victory.
In the first semifinal, At-Large Selection St. Croix (Camila Pizarro, Robert Pizarro, Jandro Brugue, Hugo Brugue) met Battlefield. Joining Waiki’i as the second Open team to feature two-sets of siblings, St. Croix’s Robert Pizzaro struck early. Responding with grit and determination, four conversions from Pelaia aided Battlefield’s 10-8 win. Concluding Thursday’s doubleheader, Houston went head-to-head against Waiki’i. Utilizing the familiarity of their own string, Houston’s Lequerica excelled at the penalty line to gallop away with the 21-3 triumph.
Eager to defend Houston’s title in the desert, Altic initiated the scoring on an impressive nearside goal. Lequerica and Hanna added their names to scoreboard while holding Battlefield to a single goal from Pelaia in the first chukker. Keeping the pressure high in the second period, three consecutive goals from Lequerica sent Houston into the break ahead 7-1. Houston extended its lead in the third chukker, outscoring Battlefield 3-2. Digging deep in the fourth, the team from Virginia stepped up defensively, holding Lequerica to a single conversion while Aleem Siddiqui and Ballhaus capitalized in open play. Despite Battlefield’s best efforts, Houston’s hot start was ultimately too much to overcome, as the team in green prevailed, 11-7.
Houston’s victory marks the first national four-peat by a club since Culver Military Academy accomplished the streak from 1980 to 1983. Saturday’s triumph also vaulted Altic and Lequerica each to a fourth title (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025) and Gangjee to his second (2024, 2025) championship.
All-Stars were awarded to Charles Tang (Waiki’i), Wil Ballhaus (Battlefield), Katelyn “KP” Pelaia (Battlefield) and Joe Bob Lequerica (Houston). The Sportsmanship Award was presented to Waiki’i’s Benjamin Tang, receiving a three-year USPA membership for his continued positive attitude, fairness and support for his peers in and out of the arena. Houston’s Joe Bob Lequerica earned the Horsemanship Award for his outstanding and consistent demonstration of riding ability and attention to equine care throughout the competition. Best Playing String was presented to George Dill, who also boasted the Best Playing Pony Perfection. Rounding out the equine awards, Houston took home Best Turned-Out String.
All photos courtesy of ©Kerri Kerley.