The Texas Arena League (TAL) united polo enthusiasts and players across the Lone Star State from Friday, February 21, through Sunday, February 23, at the San Antonio Rose Palace (SARP). The TAL Classic Division showcased an intense action-packed weekend, with matches ranging from -3 to 9-goals, offering something for everyone. As temperatures dipped on Friday and Saturday, the U.S. Polo Assn. limited edition sherpa hoodies provided a cozy reprieve for TAL players. While spectators found warmth in the stands- inside the arena only grew fiercer, delivering an unforgettable weekend.
The San Antonio Rose Palace, nestled just outside San Antonio, Texas, boasts a rich legacy as one of the state’s premier venues for rodeos, horse shows, western lifestyle events, and more. Now hosting polo through TAL, the San Antonio Rose Palace continues to play a pivotal role in Texas’ equine culture. Its storied past and bright future ensures it remains a cornerstone of the state’s equestrian scene and a promising future for the sport of polo. Reflecting on her experience at San Antonio Rose Palace, Lindsay Bellack shared, “We had a good time playing on the SARP footing, the ball moved really well, and we were able to run with the ball a fair amount.”
“I think the best part about these tournaments is playing amazing horses provided to me by Legends Polo Club Owner Nacho Estrada. All four of the horses played amazing that day. Corazon really stood out. She’s such a powerful and talented horse, I’m very lucky to have horses like her on my string. Having a horse I play get Best Playing Pony is the best award I can receive because it means that I was able to show what that horse is really capable of.” – TAL Classic Division competitor Lindsay Bellack
Sullivan Group’s Nick Cifuni keeps his eyes on the ball.
The weekend showcased a dynamic mix of teams and players. The B and C-Flights saw a strong presence from San Antonio Polo Club (San Antonio, Texas), with local teams and players coming out in full force. The stands were packed with both familiar faces and newcomers, as the crowd’s energy fueled the intensity of the games, pushing players to exceed their limits and bring their best competition to the field.
As the competition unfolded, Ursula Pari, a key figure in the San Antonio polo community, shared her enthusiasm for TAL, stating, “Texas Arena league is undoubtedly the most popular offering of the year to our new members as well as veterans. It’s highly competitive, and because you are exposed to the best arena players and horses all weekend, it keeps you striving to move up in the ranks from season to season. Our players simply love it, especially because they can jump right into the spring season with horses that are ready for grass play.”
TAMU Men’s Aiden Meeker prepares to drive the ball down the arena, as Bar-Spur’s Stephanie Colburn steps up to defend.
Continuing play from the debut matches at Brookshire Polo Club (Brookshire, Texas) and bracket play at Dripping Springs Ranch Park (Dripping Springs, Texas), the National Arena Delegates Cup highlighted the intensity of the TAL Classic Division. TAMU Men and Bar-Spur emerged victorious in their brackets, advancing to the final.
Meanwhile, the 0- to 3-goal Southwestern Circuit General George S. Patton Jr. sponsored by Patton Legacy Sports, featured high-stakes matchups as teams competed fiercely for a spot in the final. Polo InterActive faced off against JD Polo, while Cheval Athletics battled G2 Ranch for a chance to advance. After intense, hard-fought matches, both Polo InterActive and Cheval Athletics earned their spots in the highly anticipated showdown. The companion tournament, the Southwestern Circuit Arena Sportsmanship Cup final was equally thrilling, with Eagle’s Landing emerging victorious after a rigorous and hard-fought contest against Texas Military.
Prestonwood’s James Glew and Legends’ Megan Rahlfs battle for possession.
Starting with 10 teams in the 3- to 6-goal Southwestern Circuit General Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller, the semifinals showcased an incredible display of skill and determination. The final four teams fought for a spot in the championship, with Polo InterActive and Legends emerging victorious to secure their places in the final. In the Southwestern Circuit Sherman Memorial, the companion tournament to the Southwestern Circuit General Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller, Roxstars narrowly defeated Wild Dog/High Goal Veterinary Imaging Services in a back-and-forth battle, with a final score of 15-14.
The near-final weekend of the 2025 TAL season featured numerous challenging matchups as teams pushed themselves to the limit. Games at every level were filled with thrilling moments, including buzzer-beating two-pointers, precise penalty conversions and dramatic last second charges to goal.
Bar-Spur’s Chad Bowman lines up for a powerful shot on goal.
As the event unfolded, Texas Tech University’s men’s polo team was also on hand, playing a vital role behind the scenes. Raising funds for their upcoming Intercollegiate regionals, they worked tirelessly, assisting with various duties throughout the weekend. Their strong work ethic and dedication to the sport not only supported their team but also reflected the core values of service and hard work emphasized by the Intercollegiate/Interscholastic program.
The final weekend of the 2025 TAL season will be hosted at Brookshire Polo Club from Friday, March 14, through Sunday, March 16. Players will give their all until the very end, with TAL End-of-League Awards on the horizon, ready to honor their outstanding achievements.
Sullivan Group’s Audry Persano delivers a clearing neckshot down the arena.
View the full list of award recipients for the third weekend and stay updated on all games and standings throughout the Texas Arena League season. For more details on the 2025 season, score updates and ticket information, visit texasarenaleague.com or follow the Texas Arena League on Facebook and Instagram.
CLASSIC DIVISION WEEK 3 AWARDS
Galvin Agency Most Valuable Player
Aiden Meeker
James Glew
Audry Persano*
Johnny Richardson
Avery Sterr
Ben Colburn
Joanie Jackson
Loreto Natividad
Garrett Bankhead
Don Gruntmeir
Lauren Sterr
Stephanie Colburn*
John Hand
Brooke Burke
Nutrena Best Playing Pony
Simba – Chad Bowman
Macaroni – James Glew
Adalina – Nick Cifuni
Arthur – Sheridan Strong
Colibri – Callan Harrison
Biddle – Tiamo Hudspeth*, owned by Ben and Stephanie Colburn.
Rodney – James Glew
Jelly Bean – Joanie Jackson
Niner – Will Walton
Pinot Noir – Garrett Bankhead, owned by Legends Polo Club.
Izzy – Gus Osburn
Déjà vu -Drew Luplow
Corazon – Lindsay Bellack, owned by Legends Polo Club.
Moet – John Hand, owned by Victor Aguilar.
Kiwi – Javier Insua
Cavalor Sportsmanship
Aidan Meeker
Garrett Bankhead
Sydney Morris
Reagan Drummer
Mariel McKnight
Megan Flynn
Stephanie Colburn
Nick Cifuni
Fabian Osses
Omar “Adrian” Aguilar
Christina Cantu
Madi Holm
Gustavo Toro
George Ramon
Player of the Week
Drew Luplow
Casablanca Polo Defensive Player of the Week
Audry Persano
*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 ©Tequila Sunsets Photography.