Born out of Hermès’s desire to reconnect with its roots through its totem animal, the Saut Hermès has established itself over the past 15 years as the must-attend event for equestrian sports enthusiasts. To mark its 16th edition, taking place March 20–22 at the Grand Palais, we look back on a love affair with horses sealed under the Parisian sky.
Every year, it’s the same ballet. When the warm weather returns, the racetracks fill up, combining horse shows with outdoor experiences.
Ranked among the most prestigious events on the equestrian competition calendar, the Saut Hermès has, however, only been around for about fifteen years.
Its origins are closely tied to the history of the House of Hermès, that of a saddler who, over time, became a benchmark of Parisian elegance with an international reputation.
The Legacy of a Man Named Thierry
If the highly “branded” Saut Hermès has managed to establish itself in the equestrian competition landscape, it is because it is an exemplary demonstration of the duty of cultural consistency to which every brand should adhere, especially when operating in the demanding and discreet world of luxury.
The love story between Hermès and the horse began in 1837 when Thierry Hermès opened a boutique on Rue Basse-du-Rempart, near the Madeleine district, specializing in horse tack. It offered custom-made harnesses and saddles.
The convergence of artisanal excellence and artistic vision soon established the House’s solid reputation, which grew so successfully that it expanded into other fields such as leather goods and fashion before setting out to conquer the world of beauty.
First client: the horse
In 2009, Hermès sought to reconnect with its equestrian heritage and harbored the ambition to create an equestrian showcase blending culture and craftsmanship within the walls of Paris, the global capital of fashion and elegance.
To“serve its first client, the horse”, an iconic venue in the City of Light and former hub of equestrian activity was chosen: the Grand Palais. The building—which as early as 1901 hosted the City of Paris Horse Show—had not hosted show jumping events since 1957. After World War II, the building, which had once housed actual stables in its basements, traded carriages and horses for the sleek machines of the Paris Motor Show.
For the saddler, the opportunity is too good to pass up to link past and present and thus honor his duty to pass on the tradition, notably with the rebirth of his sand arena beneath the central nave, 200 meters long and 50 meters wide.
The first edition in 2010 did not yet have the scale it does today, but the ambition was clearly there. 30 world-renowned riders gathered for two days around three highlights (show jumping competition, show, and exhibition), all under the monumental glass roof of the Grand Palais.
From its very inception, the Saut Hermès’s show jumping competition has been part of the CSI 5* circuit, the highest category classified by the French Equestrian Federation (FFE) and the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). The event’s design was entrusted to Sylvie Robert, founder of the Salon Equita Lyon, and GL Events.
The artistic direction, meanwhile, is entrusted to the renowned acrobatic rider Bartabas, founder and artistic director of the Versailles Equestrian Academy. He is responsible for creating the equestrian shows for the opening and closing ceremonies, while helping to establish the unique identity of Saut Hermès, at the intersection of sport and art.
German rider Marcus Ehning and his horse Sabrina were the first winners of the Saut Hermès. The German rider repeated his victory in 2014. But it was French rider Simon Delestre who left his mark with three victories (in 2018 and 2019 with his horse Ryan, then in 2025 with Cayman Jolly Jumper).
In 2019, the event introduced a new feature: riders under the age of 25 sponsored by their seniors on the CSI 5* circuit to compete as part of Talents Hermès, launched in 2011, which showcases emerging equestrian talent.
Bringing a sparkle to the eyes of young and old alike
Over the course of sixteen editions, the Saut Hermès has faced many challenges: the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of two editions (2020 and 2021), while the event was relocated from 2021 to 2024 to the temporary Grand Palais, pending the completion of renovation work on the Grand Palais.
In 2025, the Saut Hermès finally returns to the Grand Palais, its original home.
From now on, the Saut Hermès runs over three days, featuring a dozen events that allow young and old alike to admire around a hundred horses and some 70 riders representing the French and international elite.
Since 2017, the highlight of this equestrian event has been its evening show, during which riders compete in the 24 Faubourg speed event.
The event also features demonstrations of craftsmanship by the Maison’s artisan saddlers, a dedicated bookstore, and activities for the whole family, including pony rides and grooming sessions.
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Featured photo: Christophe Tanière/Hermès
