RIDER SPOTLIGHT

by Jacquelyn Kuba photos by Jessica Rodrigues

The Best Begets the Best

STEVE GUERDAT

Steve Guerdat is arguably the best showjumping rider in the world right now. Many months atop the Longines FEI World Rankings will earn you that title. The 39-year-old Swiss rider is no stranger to success, beginning his winning ways as a youngster under the tutelage of his father, Phillipe Guerdat. The elder Guerdat retired from his own successful career to coach his son up through the ranks. And through the ranks he shot. Numerous 5* Grand Prix wins, World Cup™ titles, World Equestrian Games titles, European Championship titles, and Individual Gold at the 2012 Olympic Games just to name a few. With a string of accomplished mounts in his stable, Guerdat continuously wins everywhere he goes.

Always looking sharp both in and out of the tack, Guerdat is a highly respected part of the international showjumping scene. Therefore, it was only natural that in early February, it was announced that Guerdat was to be the newest Hermès partner rider. One of the most exceptional equestrian brands on the market, Hermès is known for their high quality, exceedingly beautiful, and innovative products. Their commitment to the sport is wide-reaching, so it seems a perfect fit to have Steve Guerdat join their stable of partner riders.

Horse & Style caught up with Guerdat to get his take on his newest partnership.

Horse & Style: What does it mean to you to be chosen as an Hermès partner rider?

Steve Guerdat: Of course it’s a big honor, I feel very privileged to be asked to be part of the Hermès family; it works well for me and my team. H&S: Why do you prefer riding in a Hermès saddle?

SG: I have tried a few different saddles in my career. Most of them were good and fit the horses well, but when I tried the Hermès saddle for the first time, I fell in love with it – something I had never felt in the saddle before. It made a big difference and I didn’t want to get out of the saddle. It was comfortable and, most importantly, it fit my horse.

H&S: As a Hermès partner rider, your opinion is greatly valued as a technical advisor. What does this partnership mean to you?

SG: This is still quite a new partnership and I am looking forward to working with Hermès. It’s very important to me to make sure the product is good and the people behind it are good. Hermès gives me confidence – both for myself and for my horses.

H&S: What are your goals for these horses in 2021? SG: All the major events: the Grand Slam, World Cup™ Finals and, hopefully, the Olympics.

H&S: What was it like to have a small break from horse shows in 2020?

SG: I did a lot less traveling across the world and spent much more time in the stables. Before, I was in the stable Monday to Wednesday and then gone at a horse show for the weekend. During the break, I was in the stable Monday to Sunday, working with my horses.

H&S: You have accomplished so much already in your career, but is there one specific thing that is still a goal for you?

SG: I am always motivated for the classics – extra motivated. What drives me everyday is to keep trying to improve; become a better rider, become a better horseman. I have lots of room to improve. Success is one side of the story, the main side is becoming a better horseman and better rider. Success comes with motivation and hard work.