photography PEPPE TORTORA
coordination CONCETTA D’ANGELO
On the 12th through 14th of April the world’s top riders came together under the great domed roof of the Grand Palais, competing for the fourth edition of the Saut Hermèshorse show jumping competition.
The Hermès Maison—saddler and harness makers since 1837— has reaffirmed its equestrian roots by creating an event that has achieved recognition from competitors, professionals and the general public, becoming one of the most important equestrian competitions in France.
The world’s top riders competed in the highest class of jumping—given a CSI 5* rating by the Fédération Equestre Internationale and the Fédération Française d’Equitation. The event features the showpiece Grand Prix Hermès class; the Saut Hermès class, in which mixed pairs selected during qualifying trials compete; and, uniquely, the Talents Hermès class. Talents Hermès brings together twenty young riders under twenty-five, mentored by a rider entered in the CSI 5* class.
Michael Robert—equestrian consultant for the Saut Hermès since its inception in 2010, and the most medalled French rider on the international circuit—along with world renowned course designer, Frank Rothenberger, oversaw the smooth running of this year’s event.
The competition included two unique performances: Entre Ciel et Terre, an original performance created by the riders of the Cadre Noir de Saumur in collaboration withElastonautes; and Voltige Equestre—equestrian vaulting—by Nicolas Andréani and Marina Joosten-Dupon.
