Saut Hermes 2013

Samdi 13 Avril Saut Hermés 2013

This past weekend I hung out with the horsey set in Paris at Saut Hermés. I'd noticed the tents last year along the Champs-Élysées and when I saw them again this past week I vowed I was going inside. Ha

The annual horse jumping competition takes place inside the Grand Palais. The competing horses are paddocked in the white tents.

I marched inside with as much aplomb as I could gather and asked for the presse desk. Hmmm...it turns out one must apply at two months in advance for accreditation. OK.

Here is a plan of the action inside the Palais from the catalog by French artist Mathieu de Muizon. 

It turns out a lot of action takes place behind the Grand Palais at the back entrance. 

You can see the horses being led into the ring.

And being lead out back to the paddocks.

Sometimes, though rarely, a competing rider comes out on his horse...

What does one wear to an event like this?

NO Hermés scarves or Birkin bags please.

Skinny legs help

No Hermés orange in fact at all. 

If you're a competing rider you can get away with a touch of Hermés orange.

If you're participating in the event, a horse owner or associated in any way you wear an orange ribbon with the appropriate identification tag so the guard lets you in.
If you're 'somebody' you only show a mere smidge of the orange ribbon. Ordinary workers from the paddock show the whole ribbon bien sur. Little subtleties like this reveal who is upper crust and who isn't. And you only pick it up at the back door in my opinion.

Of course the winning horses are decked out in full Hermés orange blankets they wear proudly as they prance out the back door.
If you want to see more of what went on look here and here.
Champion Ludger Beerbaum came in 1st and American 19 year old Reed Kessel took second place.

Only this Parisian dog was wearing orange on the outside looking in.
A l'annee prochain j'espere.