Jill Medinger
Join the EQLiving team in Paris for one of the world’s most elegant celebrations of SHOW JUMPING.
PHOTOS BY George Kamper
[dropcap size=big]T[/dropcap]ravel exhaustion quickly transformed into excitement as our limo navigated the streets of Paris and turned the corner onto the Champs-Élysées, lined with colorful banners of the Saut Hermès logo. As we crossed the Seine on the Pont Alexandre bridge, the ornate gilded statues on each pillar glimmered in the sunlight. With banners and larger-than- life posters displayed everywhere, I realized this was no ordinary horse show; it was an event the entire city celebrated.
We continued our journey past the Grand Palais, the beautiful glass, metal, and stone monument building that usually holds the event but was under renovation in preparation for the Paris Olympics. Saut Hermès 2024 was relocated to the Grand Palais Éphémère, a uniquely constructed temporary venue for events held during the Grand Palais’ closure.
The new building is situated on the green expanse of the Champs de Mars, a large park between the Eiffel Tower and the historic military academy where Napolean studied. In view is a commanding equestrian military statue adjacent to an immense glass window reflecting the beautiful buildings behind it. As you enter the lobby, a massive Pegasus horse sculpture sets the tone for the event’s grandeur.
What sets Le Saut apart from other horse shows is the elegance and design of its production. Hermès imaginatively transformed the stark and institutional temporary space into a colorful and festive backdrop for the weekend’s events.
Designed in partnership with GL Events, the concept included fabric in the signature Hermès colors, which covered the concrete walls and stretched across open spaces to create more intimate areas and displays of Hermès wares.
[dropcap size=big]T[/dropcap]he dramatic design of the upstairs VIP areas was nothing short of amazing. Enormous displays of color and fanciful equine-centric shapes festooned the ceilings, while themed fabrics transformed the walls. Despite the vibrant decor, nothing distracted from the stunning view through the vast window that frames a stretch of green lawn leading to the captivating presence of the Eiffel Tower. With the tower as their backdrop, chefs donned in requisite pleated toques were stationed behind rows of tables preparing and serving their culinary delights. In addition to being edible works of art, the meals were delicious.
Hermès specifically created a new scarf and fragrance for the event. The scarf, naturally equestrian-themed, and the fragrance, aptly named Paddock, were displayed by brightly colored life-size horse models whimsically munching on stemmed carrots and flowers.
Without the distraction of sharing the Éphémère space with other brands, the overall effect of Saut Hermès is a beautifully unified and immersive experience.
A few trots away from the concourse, riders, and spectators gather at the vast indoor paddock. Horses and riders warm up for their events in the airy space as onlookers line the split-rail fences to watch some of the world’s best equestrians go through their routines.
EVENT DAYS AT THE GRAND PALAIS ÉPHÉMÈRE
From morning until night, the stands and aisle ways were packed for the competitions featuring the prestigious 5* classes. Hermès had assembled the finest show-jumping talent to compete, reflecting their commitment to excellence in every facet of their brand. In addition to the top-tier events, there was a special division, Les Talents Hermès, for promising under-25 riders. These riders were paired with the seasoned athletes to be coached through the weekend, underscoring the event’s dedication to nurturing future stars of the sport.
The Saut Hermès itinerary also presented entertainment between the show-jumping rounds. “I Could Never Be A Dancer” brought acrobats, dancers, and horses together to visually tell a story.
On a lighter note, “Trot and Roll” featured youngsters and their ponies in a high-energy competition of teams on Nordic skates, skijoring style. In “Crazy Patterns,” matching spotted Appaloosa horses and Dalmatians demonstrated a choreographed pattern around the ring, including jumping in pairs.
The spotted ponies and horses that had performed in the arena were also stabled outside in the park, putting on shows during the day and inviting spectators to engage with them. In an adjacent barn, adorable miniature horses were delighted to have children take turns brushing and cooing over them, and they thrilled youngsters with rides in small carts.
AN OPPORTUNITY TO CHAT
I was star-struck when I spoke with renowned Swiss show jumper Steve Guerdat, who has partnered with Hermès for the past three years. With so many credits to his resume, including individual gold in the London 2012 Summer Olympics, he was humble and soft- spoken about his many achievements. It was clear to me that, for him, it was all about his horses. “All the credit should go to my horses,” he said. “They work and train hard, and they give me their all; the best ones love to compete.” He shared how horses had been a cornerstone of his life, from growing up in his father’s stable to the emotional well-being they have brought him, the life lessons he learned, and the opportunities horses have afforded him. Our conversation naturally led to his work with the association Regar2moi, which enables children with disabilities to improve their lives through sports and with horses.
The day after Le Saut, Steve was flying to Wellington, Florida, with 15 horses, mostly younger ones he is producing, to continue their training and exposure. He emphasized, “I have an amazing staff and support team, and I couldn’t do any of this without them.”
Left: The author with Swiss show jumper, Steve Guerdat.
Next, I chatted with one of the under-25 riders, Léon Pieyre, who was thrilled to be chosen and paired with one of the senior riders who would coach him for the event. He recounted, “It is a huge honor to be at Le Saut, and I’m going to make the most of it!” Léon has benefitted from the Swiss junior talent system, which is dedicated to shaping the next generation of talented riders. He explained that their activities include team building and skill development, providing opportunities to work with accomplished top riders. “Most importantly to me, I was taught the values of respect and listening to the horses,” he emphasized. When asked about his goals, Léon replied, “I like riding on a team, so to be chosen for The Nations Cups, or even someday the Olympics, is my dream.”
After the interview, Léon invited me to walk the course with him for the next class. Stepping into the arena and experiencing the space and incredible design of the jumps was a treat. I was struck not only by the impressive size of the jumps but also by the technical challenges of the course. Set in an enclosed space so close to the crowd, it added another layer of difficulty for both horse and rider.
[dropcap size=big]I[/dropcap] also had a chance to visit with Chloé Nobecourt, Hermès Equestrian Metier. She explained how she joined the team in 2013 as a rider and came to this role from previous experience within Hermès. Chloé’s passion for Hermès and all that it stands for was evidenced by her enthusiasm as she spoke about what she does, elegantly yet casually dressed head to toe in beautiful Hermès clothing and signature jewelry. I enjoyed hearing her explain some of the company’s history and her excitement about how things have evolved. “Harness maker Thierry Hermès first opened the Paris workshop in 1837. Now we have opened a second atelier in Louviers, Normandy, where we build the newest saddles, which utilize the newest technology yet are still expertly stitched by hand,” Chloé explained. “The Faubourg is a jump- ing saddle with a deeper seat. It has been developed using a unique ‘double bespoke’ process where each saddle is perfectly fitted to both the horse and its rider.” Chloé explained how vital the quality of leather is and how carefully it is selected. “It is important because the saddles will last forever if cared for properly. They must be able to sustain a lot of friction from the riders’ legs and conditions like sweat, rain, and sand.”
A key part of Chloé’s job, which she clearly enjoys, is working closely with partner riders to further the brand and help riders succeed. She welcomed their newest partner, British show jumper Ben Maher, and Paralympic star Chiara Zenati to this event. Nobecourt added, “Chiara has a long career ahead of her and will help us educate the public about this important Para discipline.”
[dropcap size=big]D[/dropcap]uring a break in the competitions, I meandered the quaint streets around Hotel Lutetia, my home away from home during the event. In addition to fascinating people-watching, I particularly enjoyed the beautiful flower shops and elegant storefronts. I happened upon an Hermès store steps away from my hotel and, of course, had to wander in. What a surprise! I realized this was the Left Bank’s revamped flagship store. It is hard to describe how it feels when you first walk in. Part of the lower-level terrazzo floor gives hints of the grand old swimming pool, originally part of the Lutetia next door. As you walk down the stairs lined with wooden trellises and look back, you’ll find a beautiful golden statue looking down on you. As in any Hermès store, there was a tempting equestrian section where I exercised restraint. I was particularly impressed by an area where decorative furnishings were constructed from recycled saddle-trees and leather scraps.
The EQLiving team was treated to yet one more beautifully presented luncheon with the ever-present Eiffel Tower backdrop before we headed to the featured event of the weekend, the FEI 5* Grand Prix, with two rounds and an exciting jump-off.
THE GRAND PRIX
[dropcap size=big]T[/dropcap]here was so much going on all weekend that it was a pleasure to finally sit and watch an entire class, focusing on the course, how it was ridden, and marveling at the amazing horse and rider teams. The contest was demanding, with two rounds against the clock followed by an exhilarating jump-off. The jumps were high (1.60m), the course technical, and the jump-off was fast and thrilling. When the French rider, Julien Anquetin on Blood Diamond DuPont, claimed the prize, the Parisian crowd erupted with excitement. The energy continued to the award ceremony but silenced as “La Marseillaise,” the French national anthem, played for the hometown crowd, the air full of pride and sentiment. The victory gallop around the ring reignited the crowd’s cheering and applauding again, giving me goosebumps.
Next year, Saut Hermès will return to the newly renovated Grand Palais. It is certain to be an event with great fanfare, design, and exhilarating sport. If this year’s event is an indication, it would be well worth putting the Saut Hermès weekend on your 2025 calendar.
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