We all know the name of Hermés. It calls to mind luxury, quality, and beauty in the most timeless ways.

Since 1837, Hermés has been an expert purveyor of equestrian products and a long-standing partner of the horse world. The Allegro is a descendent of the Steinkraus Saddle and was developed with Hermés partner riders Pillar Lucrecia Cordon (Spain), Lillie Keenan (USA), and Daniel Bluman (Colombia). These incredible athletes, and the masters at Hermés, have brought together high sporting efficiency, technicality, lightness, comfort, and elegance to offer a saddle with a forward balance, suitable for the rider who likes to stay out of the saddle in two point, which is emblematic of the North American style.

(L–R) Ugo Borao, Cyril Valtat, Lillie Keenan, Marion Larochette and Peter Malachi at the Hermès preview event for the new Allegro saddle in Wellington, FL on March 3rd

(L–R) Ugo Borao, Cyril Valtat, Lillie Keenan, Marion Larochette and Peter Malachi at the Hermès preview event for the new Allegro saddle in Wellington, FL on March 3rd

Extensive research and development went into this critical piece of horse wear. The combination of its flat seat orientation, cowhide flaps, and flexible integrated panels ensure the horse has total freedom of movement and the rider has maximum comfort. As Hermés puts it so eloquently, “an elevated encounter of precision and harmony is achieved.”

Marion Larochette, Director of Hermès Equestrian, puts this new saddle into its historical context: “Years after our well-known Steinkraus, we are glad to present its descendant, Hermès Allegro. Inspired by a shared leitmotiv of ‘less is more,’ cherished by Lillie Keenan, Hermès Allegro is the ultimate expression of the values which have driven the creation of all the métiers in the house since its first harnesses in 1837: lightness and functionality before all. Generation after generation, Hermès saddles have accompanied some of the greatest riders to victory. From Bill Steinkraus and his eponymous saddle to Simon Delestre, currently ranked first in the world, and the Hermès Cavale, our house has always endeavored to transform our partners’ requests into the finest sporting saddles.”