No matter how Brazil’s economy is doing when this year’s Olympic Games rolls around, the nation’s showjumping team will be in for a luxurious ride.
Hermes, the French company known for its tony handbags, said Friday it has been named official saddler for the Brazilian showjumping team.
It’s the first time Hermes has been officially appointed as saddler for an Olympic team, a company spokeswoman said.
Hermes has strong ties with horse riding, having started as a saddle and harness maker in 1837. The Paris-based company, which is hosting its seventh annual showjumping event in the French capital this weekend, also made the saddle that 2004 Olympic gold medal winner Rodrigo Pessoa used in Athens aboard stallion Baloubet du Rouet.
Hermes showjumping saddles retail from 4,200 euros ($4,740), according to its website.
Editorial: Bloomberg, Andrew Roberts