Boerne’s history with polo runs deep, so deep, in fact, that some historians believe the very first polo game ever played in the United States happened just west of town in 1876.
This News Is Presented by The Lion & Rose British Pub
As Boerne’s connection to polo reminds us, a bit of British influence has always been part of Hill Country history. You can still experience that tradition just up the road at The Lion & Rose British Pub in Leon Springs.
From Scotch eggs and Sunday roasts to a pint at the horseshoe bar or on the dog-friendly patio, it’s the perfect place to gather after a day at the polo fields. The Lion & Rose is located at 23330 W I-10 in Leon Springs and is open daily from lunch through late night.
A group of English officers and local cowboys took to the field that day, marking the beginning of a sport that would become one of Boerne’s most unique historical connections.
Now, nearly 150 years later, polo is officially making a comeback. The Spanish Pass Polo Club will host Boerne’s first-ever Arena Polo Tournament on Saturday, November 1, and Sunday, November 2, at their new grounds on Spanish Pass Road.
The tournament will be the Cecil Smith Memorial Cup, honoring one of the sport’s greatest players — and a local legend. Often called the “Babe Ruth of Polo,” Cecil Smith held the sport’s highest rating for more than 30 years and played competitively into his 80s. He lived on a ranch just east of Boerne, where he trained and raised polo ponies long after his retirement.
“It’s surprising that our greatest player has never been memorialized with his own tournament,” said William Askins, one of the club’s founders. “So we’re remedying that oversight.”
The inaugural event, sponsored by the United States Polo Association, will feature arena polo, a fast-paced but highly spectator-friendly format played three-on-three with a larger ball that’s easier to follow.
Tournament Schedule:
Saturday, November 1 – First match at 1 p.m., second match to follow
Sunday, November 2 – Finals at 10 a.m., followed by the consolation game
Admission is free, and the event is family-friendly. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs, enjoy local food trucks, meet the players, and learn more about the sport.
A few things to note:
- No dogs are allowed on the premises.
- Outside seating is recommended.
- Parking and admission are free.
For Askins and his family, who recently rediscovered what’s believed to be the site of Boerne’s original polo field, this event marks the beginning of a new chapter. “We’ll probably hold an exhibition game there in the future,” he said.
The Spanish Pass Polo Club hopes this tournament will introduce a new generation to a sport that has been part of Boerne’s story since the 19th century — and that once again, the sound of thundering hooves will echo through the Hill Country.
Learn more at SpanishPassPoloClub.com.