Hermès hosted a private, bespoke riding adventure across the desertscape at Our Habitas Ras Abrouq, Qatar, showcasing the craftsmanship and detail of the brand’s equestrian heritage.

THE EXPERIENCE

To truly understand the essence of Hermès is to embrace its equestrian soul. Founded in 1837 as a harness workshop, the French Maison has never strayed from its origins, elevating the art of horse riding to an unparalleled level of craftsmanship and luxury. The Hermès Chevauchée experience, intertwined with the bespoke service, is not merely about riding; it is about embracing an equestrian lifestyle infused with the Maison’s signature savoir-faire and heritage of saddle-making – where craftsmanship meets performance – reflecting the brand’s deep-rooted connection to equestrian sports. While Hermès does not offer direct horse-riding experiences, their commitment to the equestrian world is evident through events like the annual Saut Hermès horse show at Le Grand Palais in Paris. This particular ride was past the iconic East-West/West-East by Richard Serra in the desert of Qatar, timed to perfection at exactly sundown as only Hermès could do. The craftsmanship of their equestrian pieces is not less refined in details and like this experience, something you will treasure for life.

THE CRAFTSMANSHIP

Hermès has been devoted to handcrafted creations. Beyond function, an Hermès saddle is a statement of design artistry. Just as the house’s coveted Birkin and Kelly bags are crafted with a dedication to detail, so too is each saddle – reflecting Hermès’ dedication to equestrian excellence. Since 1837, every Hermès saddle has been handmade by a single craftsman. The collaborative journey begins with a consultation guided by a master saddler, where a seasoned rider and horse are meticulously measured. Hermès employs the cutting-edge Equiscan system, a tool designed to capture the specificities and anatomical nuances such as the exact curvature of the horse’s back, ensuring a perfect fit. Once the specifications are finalised, the saddle is entrusted to a single saddle expert, who dedicates nearly 25 to 35 hours to its meticulous handcrafted labour and care. The leathers, carefully selected from Hermès’ exclusive tanneries, are supple yet durable, ensuring longevity and grace in every ride. Each stitch is placed with precision, each curve moulded to enhance the intimacy between horse and rider, fostering an instinctive connection. The result of this technological precision, saddlery know-how, and time-honoured artisanal techniques? A keep-forever saddle that seamlessly blends comfort and control and elevates the riding experience to a level of unparalleled refinement and slick sporting performance – aimed at making the horse and rider as one.

A testament to its craftsmanship excellence, an Hermès saddle can be repaired and adapted as it changes over time, by the same craftsman who created it. The saddles have all been numbered so they will never be forgotten – thanks to a hand-updated register – and can be traced including when and by whom the saddle was created, as well as the repairs carried out over time – a practice from the Maison since 1900.

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