THE territory's most ardent horse-lovers will be out in force today for the Horse of the Year Trophy held by the Hongkong Horse Society at the Royal Hongkong Jockey Club in Beas River. Considered one of the more fashionable events on Hongkong's social calendar, the luncheon show is being sponsored by French fashion house Hermes - a company which, 155 years ago, originally made leather saddles. Hermes has been associated with the show for some years, but this time decided to turn it into a more social and glamorous event. ''We have always felt this is where Hermes comes from and our sponsorship of the show this year gives us a good opportunity to get Hermes known to a different crowd of people,'' said Mrs Anne-Marie Peyer, boutique manager for Hermes. ''This is really for horse-lovers and racing people who enjoy horses and are authentic riders. But this year, we are tying the event in with a charitable cause instead of just show-jumping. We believe this will give the show much more impact.'' Eight horse-owners have each donated $10,000 to enter a jockey to show-jump. The proceeds will go to Project Sunshine, a Caritas charity. ''The people involved in show-jumping are quite keen to get this known as a major show-jumping event in Beas River. Perhaps this may even be taken on to international events,'' she said. Mrs Peyer described the day as ''casually elegant'', hinting there would be some Hermes ensembles in the sea of faces. The spring and summer collection, coincidentally, features the equestrian motif prominently. ''Every year Hermes adopts a particular theme. Last year it was the year of the sea, but in 1993 it is the year of the horse so we have used this quite liberally throughout the collection,'' she said. Scenes from the Chantilly race-course in Deauville are brightly printed on stylish blouson jackets for men, deep shades of red and orange have been used in fitted silk jackets for women featuring scenes from a bullfight, and there is still ''serious'' equestrian gear like riding jackets and jodhpurs for authentic riders - or those who want to look the part. Silk plays a major part in the collection, particularly in the large scarves that are so detailed in pattern they almost tell a story. In more discreet prints there are tiny checks used in long, sleeveless jackets with a zip at the front, teamed with ''hot pants'' reminiscent of the '70s. Adherence to the classics, for which Hermes is renowned, comes in the form of pale yellow or navy blue suits in straight, no-nonsense cuts. But it is the accessories and even homeware with which Hermes-followers can have the most fun. There are horses, horses and more horses in bow-ties, ties, table-cloths and soap-dishes. The horse's head is the newest emblem for brooches, pendants and earrings and two-tone fingerless gloves, jockey caps and riding boots that look as good off the race-track as on. Location: The Royal Hongkong Jockey Club in Beas River. Models: Sarah Oommen and Trim Morgan.
