Hermes USA Announces Partnership With United States Equestrian Federation

Hermes USA Becomes United States Equestrian Team Title Sponsor 

Since 1837 Hermes has reigned supreme in the equestrian world, delivering nothing but the best hand-crafted equipment for both horse and rider. 177 years later, the saddlery and fashion house proves that passion for the horse and equestrian sport still holds the top spot on its list of priorities as members of the United States Equestrian federation (USEF), riders of the United States Equestrian Team (USET), representatives of Hermes USA and Paris, and special guests gathered to celebrate a new and exciting partnership on Thursday, February 27th, 2014, at a chic private party.

The gathering took place in the winter equestrian capital of the world – Wellington, FL. – at the beautiful farm of, British rider, Tim Gredley on the eve of the 2014 Furusiyya FEI Nation’s Cup, during the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival.

It’s a small and intimate event with a guest list consisting of some of the biggest names in show jumping. Beezie Madden arrives wearing show attire after winning the $34,000 Ruby et Violette class just a hack away at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, while guests chatted over champagne and hors d’oeuvres and admired the Hermes apparel on display. Not too far away, Rodrigo Pessoa enjoys the party with his family and is in a very good mood, sharing a chuckle with a guest. Georgina Bloomberg, McLain Ward, Katie Dinan, Brianne Goutal and Lillie Keenan are all within 20 feet of each other and it’s needless to say it’s a sight to leave you quite starstruck.

Chrystine Tauber, President of the United States Equestrian Federation, is joined by Robert B. Chavez, President and CEO of Hermes USA, for the ceremonial signing of the partnership announcing Hermes as the title sponsor of the United States Show Jumping Team, and Menehould de Bazelaire, Director of Cultural Heritage and Curator of the Emile Hermes Museum in Paris, later adds to the festivities by giving a very special presentation about the cultural history of Hermes outside where historical artifacts like the famous Hermes Steinkraus saddle, designed in the 1960s with American Show Jumping Champion Bill Steinkraus, and other items are picturesquely on display.

A cheerful Chavez was pleased with the evenings turnout and thanked the crowd for attending, stating, “Thank you all for joining us on this lovely evening. We are honored about this continued partnership as it is a partnership that has gone back many, many years.

“The horse was our first client and Equestrian Sport remains at the heart of the culture of the house today. Since Hermes was founded as a saddlery, our ateliers have been dedicated to the making of the finest hand-crafted equestrian equipment. This new partnership with the USEF represents our continued commitment, ensuring that riders and horses alike have access to the very best available products to meet the demands of competition at the highest level.”

– Robert B. Chavez (President and CEO, Hermes USA)

As photographers snap shots of the signing, Tauber, perhaps a little overwhelmed at the extensive amount of papers sitting in front of her, jokes, “We’ve got about ten more papers to sign here, so you all should get some great photos.” Smiles fill the room as she graciously adds, “Hermes simply does it the best and our show jumping team will now be known as the Hermes US Show Jumping Team. We are so excited about this partnership and are looking forward to working together.”

And as if on queue one of the horses in the barn neighs excitedly. Clearly thrilled about debuting his new Hermes USEF saddle pad in the Nation’s Cup taking place the following evening.

A press release from last week states:

The Hermes US Show Jumping Team will first appear at the Furusiyya FEI Nation’s Cup at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival on Friday, February 28th. The team riders representing the US at the FEI Nation’s Cup are riders Beezie Madden, Brianne Goutal, Laura Kraut and McLain Ward. The Hermes US Show Jumping Team will also compete at the 2014 FEI World Cup Finals in Lyon, France and the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. US team riders and their horses will be given the opportunity to wear a specially designed Competition Show Jacket and accessories, including a Saddle Pad and Ear Net featuring a distinctive joint logo compliant with FEI rules.

“The USEF is delighted to welcome Hermes as a partner and supporter of our US Show Jumping Team. The United States has a long history with Hermes and we are looking forward to adding a new chapter to our partnership.” 

– Chrystine Tauber (President, USEF)

About Hermes:

World-renowned for the exceptional quality of its products thanks to a steadfast commitment to hand-craftsmanship and use of only the finest materials, Hermes was established in 1837 as a saddle and harness maker with ateliers on the Faubourg St. Honore in Paris. Hermes was first exhibited in New York during the French Exposition of 1924 with the first boutique opening in Manhattan in 1928. Today Hermes perpetuates its passionate commitment to the equestrian world providing a complete product range for the horse, for the rider and for the stable. Hermes is the sole presenter and organizer of Le Saut Hermes, a CSI 5* Show Jumping event held annually at the Grand Palais in the heart of Paris. (March 14-16, 2014).

By: Claudia Lorena

About USEF:

Equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts each share a personal bond with the horse. This commonality defines the membership of the United States Equestrian Federation [USEF], which serves as the National Governing Body for Equestrian Sport.

The USEF is dedicated to uniting the equestrian community, honoring achievement, and serving as guardians of equestrian sport. Since its inception in 1917, the Federation has been dedicated to pursuing excellence and promoting growth, all while providing and maintaining a safe and level playing field for both its equine and human athletes.

The USEF trains, selects, and funds our United States Equestrian Team which consistently wins medals at the highest level of international competition, including the Olympic Games. The USEF also licenses equestrian competitions of all levels across the United States each year.

Read our previous Hermes blog post HERE

Photos and video provided by Hermes USA