The award, which was first bestowed upon the Ojo Caliente Polo Team in the British polo community, will made its international debut at the Open de France Barnes 16 Goal Tournament, held at the renowned Chantilly Polo Club.
The Standing Rock Fair Play Award was conceived by the Standing Rock Polo Team and it’s patron, Swiss polo player Philipp Mueller. This award embodies the principles of sportsmanship, respect, and dedication to equine welfare—values that are central to the spirit of polo. It recognises the team that not only demonstrates exceptional athleticism but also exemplifies the highest standards of conduct both on and off the field.
The Open de France Barnes, now in its 24th year, is the most significant international polo event in France. This year's tournament will be a remarkable spectacle, with 16 teams participating, representing 7 nations and showcasing some of the world's top polo players. The Chantilly Polo Club, alongside the Fédération Française de Polo, will host this grand event, bringing together more than 1,300 horses and nearly 250 grooms to care for these equine athletes.
The Standing Rock Fair Play Award will add a new dimension to this prestigious tournament. Throughout the competition, teams will be evaluated based on predefined criteria including sportsmanship, respect for umpires, friendliness, and care for their horses. The award serves as a reminder that success in polo is not solely measured by victory on the field, but also by the integrity and respect with which the game is played.
The recipient of this year's Standing Rock Fair Play Award at the Open de France Barnes will be announced during the closing ceremony, where they will be honoured. This exclusive trophy, intended for perpetual circulation, symbolises the enduring values of fairness and camaraderie that the award represents.
Philipp Müller and Standing Rock remain dedicated to promoting these ideals across the global polo community, inspiring players and enthusiasts to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship. The Standing Rock Fair Play Award, now recognised internationally, continues to set a new standard of excellence within the world of polo.
