Guided by the timeless wisdom of the Native Americans, Standing Rock Polo Team’s mission is rooted in a deep respect for the values upheld by Native American tribes. Central to Standing Rock’s ethos are the “Seven Lakota Values” – enduring principles that guide Standing Rock’s actions both on and off the field, including generosity, respect, kinship, compassion, fortitude, wisdom and spirituality.
On 28th June, 2025, Standing Rock hosted a spectacular event at the prestigious Guards Polo Club, Windsor, UK, bringing the polo world together to celebrate Native American culture and heritage for the launch of its philanthropic initiative, the Standing Rock Foundation.
When guests arrived at the sparkling drinks reception, they were greeted by Native American performers from South Dakota, USA, dressed in magnificent regalia, before being wowed by a mesmerising performance of indigenous music, singing, dancing and storytelling.
Philipp Müller delivered a warm welcome expressing his heartfelt gratitude for the support of all guests in attendance at the exclusive event, and Professor Manuel Menrath, an expert in Indigenous cultures in the US and Canada, gave guests a brief but fascinating insight into the history of the Native Americans.
Captivated by the Wild West and the story, bravery and then fate of the Native Americans from a young age, Philipp visited Native American Reservations in South Dakota at the end of last year to see how indigenous communities live today and to learn more about their history and values.
Seeing the contrast between the historical suffering and enduring spirit of these communities first-hand highlighted a need for action and solidarity, and it was following this powerful and emotional visit that Philipp felt there was a need for action and solidarity. Therefore the Standing Rock Foundation was created, inspired by the beliefs of Native American communities, particularly those of the Lakota Sioux — the tribe of the legendary leader Sitting Bull, a symbol of dignity and resistance.
Throughout the evening guests enjoyed a thoughtfully-curated four course menu inspired by Native American culinary heritage, with highlights of the menu including: Three Sisters Soup with Roasted Cornbread Bannock; Cedar-Planked Haida Salmon with Wild Herb Pesto & Roasted Sunflower Seed Crust; Slow-Roasted Bison Tenderloin with Maple-Glazed Root Vegetables & Wild Rice Pilaf; and Dark Chocolate & Blueberry Tart with Wild Berry Coulis. Each course was paired with a wine from Nk’Mip Cellars – North America’s first Indigenous-owned winery, operated by the Osoyoos Indian Band and located in Osoyoos, British Columbia.
Receiving a standing ovation for the announcement of the official launch of the Standing Rock Foundation, Philipp pledged commitment to the following key goals:
- Supporting disadvantaged children and youth by improving access to education, healthcare and psychological care, empowering them with opportunities for a better future.
- Preserving Indigenous cultures and traditions, protecting the identity and heritage of communities at risk of being forgotten.
- Responding to humanitarian and social needs, offering help where it is most needed.
- Promoting respectful treatment of nature and animals, particularly in equestrian sports, by supporting initiatives that ensure ethical and sustainable practices.
The Foundation supports carefully-selected initiatives that reflect Standing Rock’s core values and mission, with key focus areas currently including: James’s Place, providing immediate mental health support to young men in suicidal crisis; Laureus Switzerland, using the power of sport to uplift disadvantaged children; Lakota Waldorf School in South Dakota, preserving Indigenous culture by integrating Lakota language and traditions into holistic, Waldorf-based education; Sands End Associated Projects In Action (SEAPIA) in London, empowering children and youth through after-school programmes combining education, creativity and sports; Bastifund, supporting Bastian «Basti» Fernandez, a young, polo-enthusiastic man whose life was changed by a serious horse riding accident; One Nation Walking Together in Colorado Springs, delivering humanitarian aid and essential supplies to Native American communities across the western United States; and Children’s Hospital Bethlehem in Palestine, providing essential paediatric care and life-saving surgeries as the sole exclusively paediatric hospital in the West Bank.
The Standing Rock Foundation is made possible through the generosity of private individuals and corporations who share our values.
Images Paddy Ramirez
Text Standing Rock
