Nestled in the heart of Paris, where the Seine River winds its way through history, stands a testament to modernity amidst the city’s timeless grandeur—the Grand Palais Éphémère. It is here, against the backdrop of the iconic Champ de Mars and within sight of the majestic Eiffel Tower, that the 2024 Saut Hermès show unfolds, seamlessly blending haute couture with equestrian excellence.
By Therese Alhaug. Photo Lena Saugen
The sleek, contemporary lines of the Grand Palais Éphémère, with its expansive glass walls inviting Parisian sunlight to dance within, offer a striking contrast to the city’s classical architecture. Yet, in harmony with the surrounding aesthetic charm, it becomes a stage for simplicity and refinement, a perfect setting for the celebration of Saut Hermès.
Honoring Heritage, Celebrating Grace
Founded in 2010 by the esteemed French luxury brand Hermès, the Saut Hermès event is a tribute to the brand’s deep-seated affinity for the equestrian world—a bond rooted in the company’s origins in the 18th century. From its humble beginnings as a Parisian harness workshop to its current status as a global symbol of sophistication, Hermès has woven the grace and beauty of horses into the very fabric of its identity.
“Horses have profoundly influenced the identity of Hermès,” notes Chloé Nobécourt, Managing Director of the Equestrian department at Hermès. “They embody craftsmanship and excellence, celebrating the grace and beauty of these majestic animals.”
A Symphony of Sport and Artistry
Each year, the Saut Hermès show dazzles audiences with its seamless fusion of equestrian sport, artistic expression, and craftsmanship. From thrilling show jumping competitions that capture the essence of grace and precision to captivating artistic displays and a curated selection of exclusive Hermès collections, the event is a testament to the brand’s meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication to quality.
“What defines our audience is the passion for horses and our values,” explains Nobécourt. “We bring together both horse lovers and non-horse people because we want to share that passion.”
Innovation and Tradition Hand in Hand
But what sets Saut Hermès apart from other equestrian events? According to Nobécourt, it’s the delicate balance between celebrating the world’s top riders and honoring the love of the horse itself.
“First of all we host some of the best riders in the world,” she explains, “as well as taking care of the horses and grooms to ensure their well-being and happiness.”
This year’s riders list includes some of the world’s best, such as Steve Guerdat, Ben Maher, Peder Fredricson, Scott Brash, Marcus Ehning, Daniel Deusser, world no. 1 Henrik von Eckermann, and a strong group of partner riders like Julien Epaillard, Jérôme Guery & Simon Delestre, proving their skills in front of a thrilled audience. But beyond the technical prowess of show jumping, there is an undeniable sense of poetry and harmony in the air—a moment frozen in time, leaving spectators spellbound and hearts racing with admiration. A factor Nobécourt, who’s been a horse lover herself from when she was a kid, adores so much.
“Every year, we strive to renew the event through innovative scenography and animations, aiming to surprise our guests and riders and spark excitement for our new presentations,”
Chloé Nobécourt
Because yet amidst the glitz and glamour, Saut Hermès remains grounded in its reverence for the horse. As a symbol of strength, grace, and freedom, the equine companion embodies the timeless allure of the equestrian lifestyle. Whether galloping across the verdant countryside or performing intricate maneuvers in the show ring, the horse remains a source of inspiration and wonder for generations past, present, and future. A true love story.
Indeed, the commitment to innovation and tradition is evident in every aspect of the event, which also separates this event from others. From its innovative and highly artistic scenography that surprises and delights guests each year to its collaboration with rising young talents under 25 years old—a testament to Hermès’ dedication to passing on values and experiences.
Not to forget the evening show itself. For this year, Hermès has invited the creative duo “I Could Never Be a Dancer” to design an original equestrian show for the fourteenth edition of the Saut Hermès. In this innovative production, storytelling takes center stage, seamlessly blending theater, horses, and dancers into a captivating tapestry of performance art.
The Spirit of Faubourg: A Creative Journey
Sentral to the Saut Hermès experience is its scenography, a creative endeavor that unfolds each year anew, uniting different artists and talents in a celebration of innovation and collaboration. Inspired by the historic district of Paris, Faubourg, this year’s theme, “Spirit of Faubourg,” pays homage to the city’s rich cultural heritage while at the same time infusing the event with a playful and cheeky spirit.
We can’t help but chuckle at the colorful horse figures scattered around the arena. Their playful presence adds an extra layer of amusement to the already colourful atmosphere, eliciting smiles from spectators as they watch the best of showjumping unfold. Visitors are eager to photograph themselves next to them, and so are we. One horse figure carries a carrot in his mouth, another one with a hat on his head. Amidst the elegance of the event and the thrill of competition, these quirky equine sculptures serve as a reminder not to take life too seriously.
“Every year, we strive to renew the event through innovative scenography and animations, aiming to surprise our guests and riders and spark excitement for our new presentations,” Nobécourt explains.
“This year, the scenography is playful and cheeky, reflecting the Hermes brand’s spirit, which is especially enjoyable as it’s not always how people perceive us, often focusing more on the serious side,” she adds.
“The scenography is a collaborative effort,” Nobécourt elaborates. By involving different artists, some with no experience with horses from earlier, we get a fusion of diverse talents that makes our scenography and show truly unique.”
“This year, the scenography is playful and cheeky, reflecting the Hermes brand’s spirit, which is especially enjoyable as it’s not always how people perceive us
Chloé Nobécourt
A taste of spring
Wandering through the Saut Hermès is like stepping into a vibrant tapestry of springtime joy. The atmosphere is charged with excitement as you watch the best of showjumping in action. Everywhere you look, colorful decorations celebrate the season, filling the air with a sense of renewal and vitality.
Colours also dominate the exclusive dine in space while the aroma of delicious French cuisine tempts your taste buds, offering a culinary experience that’s as exquisite as the equestrian performances outside. And as you enjoy your meal, you can steal glances at the iconic Eiffel Tower in the distance, a timeless symbol of Parisian charm.
Embodying Excellence: Hermès Equestrian Line
Beyond the spectacle of the event itself lies Hermès’ enduring commitment to excellence in its equestrian line. From Talaris saddles crafted with the utmost precision and tailored design to saddle pads and grooming equipment exuding elegance and sophistication, Hermès’ equestrian products are a testament to the brand’s mastery of craftsmanship and quality.
“Our goal when developing saddles is to achieve the perfect balance between maximum closeness, comfort, and security,” Nobécourt emphasizes, “prioritizing the horse’s comfort above all else.
“We aim to minimize the layers between horse and rider, ensuring direct communication. “To me, the ultimate saddle is one you forget, which means one should barely notice there’s a saddle between you and the horse, that is where we can create the best communication and harmony with the horse.”
The Head Saddle Maker at Hermès showcasing his newest saddle
“Transparency is key when developing saddles,” the Head Saddle Maker at Hermès says while showcasing his newest saddle, which reveals nothing of the construction beneath. “We strive to craft saddles that allow riders to feel as though they’re not even saddled up. Materials are chosen for flexibility, ensuring they adapt to the horse’s movement,” he explains.
Beyond the spectacle of the event itself lies Hermès’ enduring commitment to excellence in its equestrian line.
A Return to Grandeur As the Grand Palais Éphémère hosts the 2024 Saut Hermès show, plans are already underway for the event’s return to the historic Grand Palais in 2025—a reunion with the building’s storied past and Paris’s rich cultural heritage. For Hermès, the Grand Palais holds a special significance, not only as a venue for equestrian events but also as a living testament to the brand’s enduring legacy and the timeless elegance of Parisian culture.
In essence, Saut Hermès is more than just a show—it’s a celebration of tradition, innovation, and the enduring bond between humans and horses. Against the backdrop of Paris’s historic grandeur, it stands as a beacon of sophistication, inviting audiences to experience the timeless elegance of Hermès in all its glory.
Thanks to Saut Hermès for the generous invitation!
Hermès History: Hermès, founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès, began as a small harness workshop in Paris, specializing in crafting high-quality equestrian goods. Over the decades, the company expanded its repertoire to include leather goods, notably the iconic Birkin and Kelly bags, beloved by fashion enthusiasts worldwide. With a commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail, Hermès has earned a reputation for unparalleled luxury and timeless elegance, offering a diverse range of products, from their equestrian collection, ready-to-wear fashion, leather bags, silk scarfs to fragrances, all bearing the hallmark of exquisite craftsmanship and French savoir-faire.
Hermès Equestrian Line Hermès offers an extensive range of products for both horse and rider, including Talaris saddles, bridles, saddle pads, grooming equipment, and riding clothes. The aesthetics of these equestrian products are truly breathtaking, boasting impeccable finish and tailored design for both horse and rider. Crafted from noble and top-quality materials such as leather and fabric, Hermès products exude elegance and sophistication. Utilizing a blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, Hermès showcases exceptional expertise in creating its range of products, including the innovative Talaris saddle with a carbon tree for superior comfort and lightness. Each saddle can be custom-made and adjusted to ensure the perfect fit for both horse and rider, reflecting Hermès’ commitment to saddle-fitting. From show jumping to dressage, Hermès offers a variety of saddles tailored to different equestrian disciplines.
