NEWS

Hosted by Legends Polo Club in Kaufman, Texas, the 3- to 6-goal tournament concluded on Sunday, March 17, at the Dripping Springs Ranch Park & Event Center as part of the widely popular Texas Arena League (TAL). The competition began in late January and welcomed a deep field of 10 teams. After four weeks of play Elite Motion & Performance (Amanda Massey, Mark Osburn, Tiamo Hudspeth*) and Polo InterActive (Jose Velez, Luis Mancebo, Javier Insua) emerged as finalists for a battle between the boards. Meeting for the second time in the series, Elite Motion delivered another impressive performance, defeating Polo InterActive 20-15.

Facing off again, Elite Motion & Performance knew what to expect for the rematch. “We had played this team earlier in the league and squeaked a win in a very close game,” said Hudspeth. “I knew they were going to be hungry and not wanting to lose to us twice—equally, we knew it is difficult to beat the same team twice!” The Elite Motion trio had time on their side; the three competed together in the Texas Arena League during the 2023 season to win the 6-goal division. This year, they aimed to build on that synergy and arrive to the arena with a dynamic defensive strategy in tow.

Entering the arena, Polo InterActive picked up one goal on handicap to effortlessly take the lead. Evenly matched, the teams traded goals throughout the first period to tie the score 4-all. Hudspeth kicked it into gear in a second chukker two-point extravaganza, quickly scoring the first of five total from both teams, including two from Hudspeth, one from Massey and back-to-back two-pointers from Mancebo. Outscoring their opponents by double, Elite Motion & Performance held a four-goal lead at the break.

Returning to the arena determined to maintain the lead, Elite Motion & Performance made calculated horse list decisions. “Mark came out on BPP J-Lo and I came out in my best horse, Varro, who was awarded BPP the last three weekends,” said Hudspeth. “Amanda was also confidently mounted on Izzy, a horse lent to her by Mark.” The threesome dominated the second half, scoring five more goals in chukker three courtesy of Hudspeth and Osburn. Osburn intentionally marked Mancebo while Massey focused on covering Insua, disabling Polo InterActive’s strongest scoring powers. “The strategy was for me to mark their 4-goaler and Amanda to go to their second pro and get help from Tiamo when one of them gave us the slip,” said Osburn. “No watching, have a man at all times!” he continued. Elite Motion & Performance also shifted their defensive tactics in the second half. “We started sending Amanda deeper on defense to block their two-pointers, counting on Tiamo and myself to stay with the pros.”

In their best chukker yet, Mancebo and Insua kept Polo InterActive in the running with six total goals, but Elite Motion & Performance barreled ahead with three combined goals from Hudspeth and Osburn to seal the deal. In the end, Elite Motion & Performance emerged the victor, all three team members contributing to the final score 20-15 over Polo Interactive.

Tiamo Hudspeth was named Galvin Agency Most Valuable Player as the game’s top scorer with 12 goals on the day.“Winning MVP was special for me—I have worked really hard to organize my team and my string of horses, and I feel like mentally my game has come a long way,” said Hudspeth. “I am always trying to improve and feel one of my biggest strengths is leading and organizing my team. Amanda and Mark make it easy. They work so hard for the team and make me a better player.” Massey commended Hudspeth’s leadership abilities, saying “Tiamo is an excellent captain of our team and always has a plan A and a plan B.”

Mark Osburn was awarded the Polo Interactive Sportsmanship Award for his optimistic attitude and showing support to his peers and teammates in and out of the arena. Nutrena Best Playing Pony honors were presented to Jalo, played and owned by Osburn. Known around the barn as J-Lo, the mare was played by Osburn throughout the third chukker. The 10-year-old mare joined Osburn’s ranks several years ago when the Texan began assembling a string. “J-Lo is a beast,” said Osburn. “She’s a thick girl with all the power in the world but quick feet like all the best polo ponies. She is the ultimate combination of size and heart.”

“This team has so much chemistry and trust in each other. I have so enjoyed getting to play together a second season,” Hudspeth gushed. “We left it all in the arena, there wasn’t much energy left for celebrating!” Osburn recounted.

*Tiamo Hudspeth is Team USPA alumna. 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.