French fashion house Hermès’ equestrian competition takes it back to its roots
Company, founded in 1837 making harnesses for horses, stages latest prestigious Saut Hermès au Grand Palais, featuring world’s top 50 riders
French fashion house Hermès’ first customer, after it was founded in 1837, was a horse rather than a fashionista.
Today, the one-time custom-made harness maker still retains its links with horses thanks to its annual equestrian competition, Saut Hermès au Grand Palais, in 2010.
The latest edition of the competition at the Grand Palais in Paris, held from March 16 to 18, featured 50 of the world’s best riders.
Patrice Delaveau, riding Vestale de Mazure HDC, won the top event, the Prix du 24 Faubourg, in a time of 43.77 seconds as riders raced one another against the clock.
Felix Hasssman, riding on Balzaci, was second, in a time of 44.42 seconds.
Simon Delestre, of France, riding Hermès Ryan, won the Grand Prix Hermès.
Niels Bruynseels, of Belgium, riding Gancia de Muze, was second.
Switzerland’s Romain Duguet, riding Twentytwo des Biches, secured victory in the Prix du Grand Palais, with Britain’s Robert Smith, on Cimano E, second.