Wellington, FL – January 16, 2018 – The Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), the largest and longest operating horse show in the world, is pleased to announce Hermès as the new title sponsor of the prestigious Under 25 Grand Prix Series in 2018. Hosted at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), WEF began on Wednesday, January 10, and will continue through Sunday, April 1, showcasing top international show jumping competition.
The Under 25 Grand Prix Series has become a staple of the WEF season for riders aged 25 and under since its inception in 2010, providing a platform of exposure and opportunity for show jumping’s most talented up and coming riders. In 2018, the Under 25 Series will span a total of five weeks, beginning WEF 2 (January 17-21) and continuing through WEF 11 (March 21-25) and host both individual and team format competition.
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| The 2018 Hermès Under 25 Grand Prix Series will begin WEF 2 (January 17-21) and feature five weeks of top Under 25 competition.
Photo Credit ©Sportfot. These photos may only be used once in relation to this press release with proper credit. |
“We feel very honored to introduce Hermès as title sponsor to the Under 25 this season, as we feel that this is a perfect complimentary brand for this type of competition and for this group of competitors,” said Katherine Bellissimo, Chief Marketing Officer & Director of Sponsorship. “There is such emphasis placed on the importance of the Under 25 for emerging talent and we could not thank Hermès enough for their commitment to ensuring their success this season.”
Robert B. Chavez, President and CEO of Hermès US, states that “We are delighted to be the official title sponsor of the Winter Equestrian Festival Under 25 Grand Prix Series. Our partnership represents our continued commitment to promoting young, aspiring talent as the future of the equestrian sport, remaining true to the House’s equestrian heritage and sporting roots. Our on-going partnerships and collaborations with young riders allow us to continue to develop our professional equestrian collections, ensure that our products meet the demands of modern competition at the highest levels.”
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| Hermès is a longtime supporter of equestrian sport and has expanded their presence at the Winter Equestrian Festival with sponsorship of the elite Under 25 Grand Prix Series. Photo Credit ©Sportfot. These photos may only be used once in relation to this press release with proper credit. |
The Hermès Under 25 Series will begin on January 20 with the first leg of competition featuring the $1,000 Hermès Under 25 1.40m class and $10,000 Hermès Under 25 Welcome on Saturday, January 20, followed by the $25,000 Hermès Under 25 Grand Prix on Sunday, January 21. Competition will then continue during WEF 4 featuring the highly anticipated team format competition on Friday, February 2. Entered Under 25 riders will compete as teams of four throughout the course of the evening and contest two rounds of competition at Equestrian Village at PBIEC.
Competition continues for riders during WEF 6 (February 14-18) at Equestrian Village on the Derby Field, showcasing a $1,000 Hermès Under 25 1.40m, $10,000 Hermès Under 25 Welcome on Friday, February 16 and a $25,000 Hermès Under 25 Grand Prix on Sunday, February 18. WEF 8 (February 28-March 4) welcomes the second to last week of competition for Under 25 riders, hosting a $1,000 Hermès Under 25 1.40m, prior to the $10,000 Hermès Under 25 Welcome on Thursday, March 1. The $35,000 Hermès Under 25 Semi-Final Grand Prix is set for Friday, March 2, in the International Ring at PBIEC under the lights at 7:00 p.m.
The final week of Under 25 competition will be hosted on the historic Derby Field at PBIEC. The $50,000 Hermès Under 25 Grand Prix Final will take place on Sunday, March 25, as the final installment of the Under 25 competition for the season. The 2018 Hermès Under 25 Grand Prix Series winner will take home an Hermès Mini Saddle, a $10,000 store credit to Hermès, as well as several other notable prizes.
About Hermès
Hermès was founded in 1837 as a maker of harnesses and saddles. Six generations of enterprising artisans have opened up new domains and conquered new markets imbued with respect for the past and enthusiasm for the future. A family owned company; Hermès is managed by Chief Executive Officer Axel Dumas, a member of the sixth generation of the family. The artistic direction is led by Pierre-Alexis Dumas, also a member of the sixth generation. For further information about Hermès, Hermès products, and other store locations in the United States, please visit Hermès.com.
For further information on Hermès:
Samantha Moray
Public Relations Manager, Hermès of Paris
Emily Rose
Public Relations Coordinator, Hermès of Paris
The Hermès Boutique at WEF
34000 Equestrian Club Drive
Wellington, FL 33414
The Hermès Boutique at The Royal Poinciana Plaza
340 Royal Poinciana Way
Palm Beach, FL 33480
For more information on the 2018 Hermès Under 25 Series and the Winter Equestrian Festival or Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, please visit www.pbiec.com.
