Hermès’ rich history in the creation of equestrian leather goods dates back to its origins as a harness and saddle maker in 19th-century France. The brand has since evolved into a global leader specializing in high-end fashion, fragrances, and the finest of leather goods. It’s no surprise that Hermès was the preferred choice of equestrians and aristocrats given their commitment to excellence. This remains true of their clientele today.
Leather saddles date back to the European Middle Ages when riders sat on a “war saddle” designed not for luxury but for stability and security during battle. The English saddle evolved from the “hunting saddle,” primarily used by fox hunters.
These saddles were lightweight and designed to allow riders to navigate rough terrain while maintaining control and balance over their horse.
20th Century saddle innovation resulted in refinements in both materials and design. Saddles evolved in all areas of riding from show jumping, dressage, and eventing.
Today, Hermès saddles continue to be highly sought after by equestrians around the world. Each saddle, handcrafted by artisans, provides a perfect fit and balance to allow for optimal control between horse and rider.
Following the widespread use of Henry Ford’s Model T car, Hermès pivoted off of exclusively producing equestrian gear and into a broader market to keep up with the times. The brand began creating leather bags, including the iconic Hermès Kelly bag, named after the actress and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly. The Kelly bag, with its timeless design and exquisite craftsmanship, quickly became a symbol of elegance and luxury.
While Hermès has expanded its product range beyond saddles to include luxury accessories, clothing, and home goods, the brand’s heritage in equestrian craftsmanship remains a significant part of its identity.
The Saddlery Process at Hermès
Today, Hermès manufactures their saddles in one of two locations based out of Normandy or the iconic Rue de Faubourg Saint-Honoré location. It is here that one artisan is assigned to making each saddle, employing traditional techniques passed down over many generations to handcraft these saddles to perfection.
Starting off with the fitting measurements specific for horse and rider, the design process takes into consideration factors such as the rider’s position, horse anatomy, and riding discipline. Once the design is finalized, skilled pattern makers create the patterns for each component of the saddle. These patterns serve as a blueprint for cutting and assembling the leather pieces. Next, Hermès aligns their saddle with leather needs, using only the finest quality leathers for their saddles.
The leather selection process involves careful inspection and grading to ensure that only the best hides are used. Hermès uses a variety of leathers to make their saddles with some of the most popular being the Epsom, Taurillon, and Swift. The Epsom leather has a grainy texture and is highly resistant to scratches and moisture. The Taurillon leather is a thick and supple leather that is known for its natural grain and strength. Lastly, the Swift leather has a soft and smooth texture, making it a comfortable choice for saddles. It is also known for its vibrant colors and ability to age gracefully.
After selecting the leathers, using a pattern as a guide, the leather pieces are cut with precision to ensure the perfect fit and alignment. Skilled artisans then stitch the leather pieces together using traditional saddle-stitching techniques. This hand-stitching method involves two needles and a single thread, resulting in a durable and aesthetically pleasing stitch. The next step of the process is assembling and then fitting the various components of the saddle, including panels, flaps, seat, and billets.
Once the saddle is fully assembled, it undergoes a series of finishing touches. This includes smoothing and burnishing the edges of the leather, polishing the metal hardware, and applying any desired decorative elements, such as embossing or stamping. Hermès maintains strict quality control measures to ensure that each saddle meets their exacting standards. Only saddles that pass these quality control checks are deemed ready for sale.
Riders are required to work with an Hermès fitter in order to create the perfect saddle for their size, shape, and riding ability. It is essential to have your horse at the fitting as the saddle needs to be bespoke to its rider and equine partner.
The saddle fitter will assess your horse’s conformation, back shape, and movement. The fitter will also assess your riding position, leg length, and seat size. The last step before purchasing your custom saddle is finalizing the adjustments and customizations, such as making panel adjustments using proprietary foam or adjusting the tree width.
The Long-Term Value of an Hermès Saddle
Hermès’ reputation for exceptional quality and timeless designs ensures these products not only retain their value, but in some cases, such as limited edition pieces or rare color combinations, they can even drastically appreciate in value.
Owning an Hermès saddle or a carefully fitted piece of equipment is not only a symbol of luxury but an investment in craftsmanship. Each saddle is created to ensure both horse and rider are able to compete and perform at the top of their capability within the sport, whether it is a hobby or at the top levels in the world. This speaks to the almost 200-year-old brand’s consistent dedication to the art and craftsmanship since its inception.
Crafted by a single artisan in the workshop, each saddle requires nearly 30 hours of work and care. Since 1900, the saddles have all been numbered so they will never be forgotten. They combine the excellence of saddlery know-how, passed down from generation to generation, with the modernity of a sports accessory crafted with the finest leathers.
Hermès, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris | hermes.com
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