Fighting for every centimetre

There are two main types of obstacles in showjumping: verticals, which are simple poles set at a certain height, and the wider oxers, with two sets of spaced-apart poles. The obstacles in the 70-by-30-metre arena are set at different distances depending on the course design of the day, with the full picture revealed a mere 15 minutes before the start of competition. Riders use that time to assess the course and plan their approach.

They then compete to achieve the highest overall score, which is based on jump height as well as speed and stride length. With fences placed at tricky angles and awkward distances, such as five and a half strides, the course is made to challenge the horses, making the mental acumen of both horse and rider a key element of the competition.

It is a CSI 5* event—the highest level recognized by the French Equestrian Federation and the International Federation for Equestrian Sports. This means the course at Saut Hermès features a succession of obstacles up to 160 centimetres high. Japan has never hosted a competition at this level, in which horses leap over fences as tall as a person while traversing a course at breakneck speed with a dynamism and power that is seen only at the highest levels of international competition. You can even hear the horses breathing.

Teamwork

The horses and their riders are not the only ones preparing for Saut Hermès. Entire teams—trainers to support the riders, grooms to care for the horses, saddle makers, veterinarians, and farriers to shoe the horses—come together to face this challenge.

Meanwhile, the course designer is responsible for transforming the arena into an exciting stage for a competition. Together with the obstacle production team and the lighting technicians, who set up infrared sensors to measure the horses’ start and finish times, the course designer prepares the arena for a climactic battle. This involves covering the course in custom-made arena sand to protect the horses’ legs. The sand also keeps the surface uniform so that every competitor, from first to last, can compete on an even playing field.

Unifying horse and rider

Riders know that the quality of their equipment is key to establishing trust with their horse. Hermès saddles are made to allow horse and rider to move as one. The craftspeople meticulously apply their skill to fulfill riders’ desires, crafting sophisticated designs that are easy to ride without compromising the horse’s comfort.

Hermès produces everything a rider might need: saddles and other riding gear, such as girths, stirrup leathers, bridles, and reins; tools used in the stable, such as brushes, hoof picks, and stable wraps; and clothing for the rider.