Sport and style united at the fifth annual prestigious Saut Hermès and Grand Prix Hermès equestrian competition that was recently held March 14th through March 16th at the magnificent Grand Palais in the French capital. For this year’s competition, a live broadcast of the event on Sunday, March 16, was featured on a giant screen in front of the Hôtel de Ville along with pony rides for children.



Committed to all things equestrian, Thierry Hermes founded Hermès in 1837 when he opened his first store specializing in horse harnesses. In the 1860’s the French luxury house debut its handmade saddlery, and to this day is still known for their craftsmanship of exquisite equestrian and fine leather goods.



Steeped in sophistication, stylish spectators had the distinct pleasure to watch 35 of the most prestigious riders from 18 different countries in an international CSI5* show-jumping competition. Scott Brash, the current number one ranked rider in the world, and Rodrigo Pessoa, three times world winner and Olympic Gold Medal winner were among the distinguished riders. The coveted Grand Prix award went to German rider Marcus Ehning and his horse Cornado this year.



Along with the power and strength of the jumping event, this year Saut Hermès welcomed the knights of the Academy of Equestrian Arts of Versailles, a remarkable riding team. With such precision and pristine this team produced an amazing spectacle blending art, dance and music called “Metamorphosis” under the great glass nave of the Grand Palais. Inspired by China’s Terracotta warriors, horses’ hooves echoed through the grand monument as the audience looked on in awe.