are set at 1.60 meters, making the indoor track an incredibly technical and challenging one. Still, an impressive 13 riders progressed to the jump-off. A good majority of the countries were represented, and the rider and horse combinations were so talented that the win was any rider’s – and any country’s – to grab. Edwina Tops-Alexander put in an excellent ride, hoping to secure another Saut Hermès win (she was 2017’s winner). Steve Guerdat also rode an excellent track, as did Eduardo Alvarez Aznar. When France’s – and Hermès sponsored – Hermes Ryan ridden by Simon Delestre finished their clean, tight, and wicked-fast ride, it was clear that these reigning champions from 2018 had a chance at the top of the podium. However, Christian Ahlmann was still to go, and he put in formidable ride, though it was not quite fast enough to take first! The crowd erupted in applause as they realized that a French horse, named for Hermès, had just successfully defended his Saut Hermès title. During the awards ceremony, which is admittedly always a little wild, Ahlmann’s Dominator 2000 Z was rearing up, and the other mounts were acting nearly as saucy. However, 14-year-old Hermes Ryan just sat with a hip cocked, ears on Delestre, waiting for his ribbon and gallop around the ring. It was such a sweet moment from such an incredible athlete, and the spectators loved it, offering the pair a standing ovation as a sign of gratitude and adoration. It was a dreamy ending to an incredible competition.
Hermès = The Horse
This year’s Saut Hermès was exceptional, but not unusual. Each year, the Hermès team dedicates itself to bringing to the heart of France the best show jumping the world has to offer. They invite spectators to enjoy a weekend of competition, entertainment, and shopping; and they treat each individual as a guest. It is so special that as soon as the spectators leave after the final class on Sunday, they are undoubtedly dreaming about coming back next year. Luckily, 2020’s Saut Hermès will come soon enough. The Saut Hermès is so on par with the Hermès brand, that over the course of the show there comes an understanding that Hermès the internationally recognized company, and Hermès the family-owned harness shop, are intrinsically linked, and Hermès wants it to stay that way. There is a feeling that Hermès understands that they could not have had the former without the latter, and that by hosting the Saut Hermès, they want everyone to remember, that they remember, their roots: The horse.
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· summer 2019
Simon Delestre and Hermes Ryan during the Grand Prix Hermès CSI 5*; photo © Sarah Appel