Hermès saddle and bridle?

What is it about Hermes that invites this level of derision from some people?

Now after being presented with the facts about top riders who not only compete with it but was involved in designing it, plus the actual details of what the saddle is like, how it’s made and all the technical aspects of it all for everyone to see online. I think it sounds quite impressive even if you’re not a rider, surely one can appreciate the level of craftsmanship at this standard. But hey don’t let facts get in the way of a good mockery eh?

As the first responder claimed no one in this forum is likely to own or actually use one so effectively it’s all just opinions so far.

Genuinely, why the snark?
 
I wouldn't use one purely because I do endurance and tend to use endurance saddles on all bar one of my horses also there is no way I could afford one! If they are made well, fit your horse, you and you have the money go for it!
 
I don’t have an Hermès saddle but someone who works at Hermes was telling me about this a few years ago.

He’s worked for Hermes most of his life; he’s French, married to someone English.

Hermès sponsor top riders and make custom saddles that fit the horses because it’s important for the brand that the riders use their saddles.

I think that the saddler will make a near imitation of the riders favourite saddle in Hermès leather if that’s what they ask for.

It’s very important to the Hemes that they continue to be a ‘saddler’. He told me about this because Hermes take great pride in their roots.
 
NotInTheKnow said:
What is it about Hermes that invites this level of derision from some people?

Now after being presented with the facts about top riders who not only compete with it but was involved in designing it, plus the actual details of what the saddle is like, how it’s made and all the technical aspects of it all for everyone to see online. I think it sounds quite impressive even if you’re not a rider, surely one can appreciate the level of craftsmanship at this standard. But hey don’t let facts get in the way of a good mockery eh?

As the first responder claimed no one in this forum is likely to own or actually use one so effectively it’s all just opinions so far.

Genuinely, why the snark?
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I have bought many things from Hermes and their leather work is amazing but they aren’t really a saddler anymore. It’s not where their focus is - now I am sure they have or can buy in the leather skills to make the perfect saddle for a top rider but for a member of the public they will charge an excruciating amount of money for this (I have a purse I was given as a gift that I know cost nearly £1800)

So the cost of an ‘interpretation’ of a top brand will cost possibly 5 times that of the original. It will be well made but not be a better tool for the job and as a bespoke product it will be none returnable . Neither can you try one before you order one (I know I have asked in store) The ONLY reason then to buy it is for the label which is a daft reason to buy anything tbh. It’s a valid reason to a lot of people but to buy a product just because it has a certain maker is worthy of derision
 
NotInTheKnow said:
What is it about Hermes that invites this level of derision from some people?

Genuinely, why the snark?
Click to expand...

You asked people their view, people gave their views - some in a light hearted way. Some people contributed interesting information about the brand. Have re-read replies and I certainly don’t see “derision” or “snark”.
Is there a reason you are so sensitive about this?
 
NotInTheKnow said:
What is it about Hermes that invites this level of derision from some people?

Now after being presented with the facts about top riders who not only compete with it but was involved in designing it, plus the actual details of what the saddle is like, how it’s made and all the technical aspects of it all for everyone to see online. I think it sounds quite impressive even if you’re not a rider, surely one can appreciate the level of craftsmanship at this standard. But hey don’t let facts get in the way of a good mockery eh?

As the first responder claimed no one in this forum is likely to own or actually use one so effectively it’s all just opinions so far.

Genuinely, why the snark?
Click to expand...
see now I assume you're working for them so. . you can carry on being impressed :) other people don't have to be. Hope you found some better people on facebook instead.
 
Saddles aside I'd be reluctant to slate any large company that directly sponsors equestrian sports nowadays as sponsorship is to be fostered. Hermes sponsor a major 5* SJ show in Paris every year ( https://www.sauthermes.com/en/ ).

Long may they continue to be a 'saddler' if it keeps their interest in being a significant sponsor of equestrian sport.

The only thing I've ever bought from Hermes (indirectly) was their 24 Fauborg perfum in the duty free on Brittany Ferries when I used to go across to France. I've got one bottle left from the last time I went in 2010 and it is used (and enjoyed) sparingly!

Having just looked via Google - no I didn't pay those prices for it - around 20 euros if i recall... much more reasonable and I was still working then...
 
Haven't seen any derision in this thread.

A saddle is very much a piece of kit that above all has to work for both horse and rider, and that means fitting both. The variety of shapes is infinite and no one manufacturer, however skilled, is going to successfully cater for all.
 
It's not a question of derision, just that in this country they are not very commonly used.

You posted a link to a dressage rider but I suspect if you posted a list of all the saddles used by the recent top Olympians, Hermes would not be a more common option and people look at what the riders they admire are using

The link posted says the saddles start at €5000 which puts them price wise alongside Butet, Devoucoux, Amerigo, Equipe etc all of which many people here will come across regularly.

I'm sure they are beautifully made using the best materials but so are lots of saddles many of which you can have made for you and have much higher profile.

So they are generally not seen as an option even to aspire to here, not in a good or bad way.
 
blitznbobs said:
I have bought many things from Hermes and their leather work is amazing but they aren’t really a saddler anymore. It’s not where their focus is - now I am sure they have or can buy in the leather skills to make the perfect saddle for a top rider but for a member of the public they will charge an excruciating amount of money for this (I have a purse I was given as a gift that I know cost nearly £1800)

So the cost of an ‘interpretation’ of a top brand will cost possibly 5 times that of the original. It will be well made but not be a better tool for the job and as a bespoke product it will be none returnable . Neither can you try one before you order one (I know I have asked in store) The ONLY reason then to buy it is for the label which is a daft reason to buy anything tbh. It’s a valid reason to a lot of people but to buy a product just because it has a certain maker is worthy of derision
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The saddle-making will be a loss leader for Hermès, but an essential part of their marketing and brand identity.

…but I think he said that they employ their own saddler, in their own workshop.

I absolutely love their scarfs.
 
WrongLeg said:
The saddle-making will be a loss leader for Hermès, but an essential part of their marketing and brand identity.

…but I think he said that they employ their own saddler, in their own workshop.

I absolutely love their scarfs.
Click to expand...
WrongLeg said:
The saddle-making will be a loss leader for Hermès, but an essential part of their marketing and brand identity.

…but I think he said that they employ their own saddler, in their own workshop.

I absolutely love their scarfs.
Click to expand...
That might be why they offer them but it is not a great reason for buying one…
 
Their shape is very reminiscent of a Stubbens jump saddle. Which, in my opinion, did nothing for horse nor rider. I have ridden in plenty of Stubbens in my time - they seem to have been favoured by showjumpers in the 90s and earlier 2000s. In fact, that large orange 'oss in my avatar came with one. I hated them with a fervent passion. None of them ever seemed to fit the horse - the narrow twist and the flat seat meant you rolled on a flat back or slid off the cantle on something with a bit of wither. Unfortunately they were one of those saddles that many would simply throw another numnah at. One horse I rode had 3 under the damned saddle - I felt so far off the horse's back I was dubious as to whether seat aids could be applied. Not fun chasing a time and trying to ride sympathetically around corners.

And as for rider comfort - the stirrup bar meant you'd end up in a bit of a chair seat at the best of times and lower leg stability went out of the window; but their crowning glory was they were like sitting on a brick. My opinion, obviously. Others may differ.

Seriously; I think our esteemed saddle expert has said it all. And they may be beautiful in terms of leatherwork for those that can afford them, but saddles should not be a compromise. Fit the horse, and fit you. Don't fit the aesthetics.
 
NotInTheKnow said:
What is it about Hermes that invites this level of derision from some people?

Now after being presented with the facts about top riders who not only compete with it but was involved in designing it, plus the actual details of what the saddle is like, how it’s made and all the technical aspects of it all for everyone to see online. I think it sounds quite impressive even if you’re not a rider, surely one can appreciate the level of craftsmanship at this standard. But hey don’t let facts get in the way of a good mockery eh?

As the first responder claimed no one in this forum is likely to own or actually use one so effectively it’s all just opinions so far.

Genuinely, why the snark?
Click to expand...

Weird flex, but ok.

In general, I find French saddles to be not so horse friendly in design, but obviously top riders use them. I can't say that just because top rider x uses tack item y, that makes it the best/top of the line/a product everyone should desire and/or aspire to own. I'm not a fan of Devoucoux or Voltaire either, so it's not like I have some weird agenda specific against Hermes. Everyone has their tack preferences, and if you think that's snark, then I don't know what to say.

I think that Hermes leather goods demonstrate some nice craftsmanship. They're a choice in the leather goods market. Some people buy their stuff, some don't. Nothing nefarious there.
 
little_critter said:
There's no way Hermes are making a loss on that saddle.
I work for another luxury (not as luxury as Hermes) leather goods manufacturer and I know how much mark up there is on these things.
You are paying for their marketing budget!
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☝️This 100%

My DH (a self employed saddle maker for many, many years) has said this time and time again. Being in the trade for so long, he obviously knows how much the raw materials cost. Yes, prices have gone up considerably over the last few years, but does that really warrant such an expensive price tag?

The mark up on some saddles is absolutely eye watering, and you do end up paying for the name in some cases. That is fine if you can afford it, and the saddle is a good fit for both horse and rider.

These massive price tags have to pay wages, overheads, advertising / marketing and supporting sponsored riders to name a few things. Given that many horse owners and riders very often end up on the bones of their backside to keep their equine friends, I doubt many can afford such a costly outlay for saddles like this.
 
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