French eco-activists storm show jumping event in Paris and unfurl banner referencing British suffragette Emily Davison who was killed by King George V's horse in 1913

French eco-activists stormed a show jumping event in Paris to display a banner which referenced British suffragette Emily Davison who was killed by King George V's horse.  

A pair of protesters, with environmental group Riposte Alimentaire, jumped over barriers at the Saut Hermes 2024 and ran into the centre of the ring.

They then hurriedly pulled out a banner from their backpack and unravelled it, which read, '1913 EPSOM - 2024 HERMES: RESIST IS VITAL', before it was snatched away. 

It was in tribute of Emily Davison, an English suffragette who tragically died after running out in front of King George V's horse in 1913. 

A pair of protesters (pictured), engaged with environmental group Riposte Alimentaire, jumped over barriers at the Saut Hermes 2024 

They ran into the centre of the ring during the event in Paris

They then hurriedly pulled out a banner from their backpack and unravelled it, which read, '1913 EPSOM - 2024 HERMES: RESIST IS VITAL', before it was snatched away

Other people quickly approached the two activists and pulled one of them away -  tumbling over a jumping obstacle in the process.

Then, the second protester was approached but then sat down before being picked up and carried away. 

The group believes 'similar actions' to those of the suffragettes are needed to tackle the climate crisis.

Saut Hermes 2024 is a horse showjumping competition hosted at the Grand Palais Ephemere in Paris.

It attracts hoards of horse enthusiasts and some of the best riders.  

Other people quickly approached the two activists and pulled one of them away - tumbling over a jumping obstacle in the process

The second protester was approached but then sat down before being picked up and carried away

On an Instagram post, Riposte Alimentaire said: 'Fortunately, the legacy of the suffragettes is well preserved. Monday, March 4, thanks to the fight and tenacity of many female politicians and activists, a historic vote took place in France: the inscription in the IVG Constitution. 

'Proud and proud of this heritage, we believe similar actions are needed to address the climate emergency. The transition to a sustainable farming model and access to healthy food for all are the reasons that push us to act.'

Riposte Alimentaire's name translates to 'Food counterattack' and according to its website, the group is demanding the French government ensure food security in the country, including the distribution of 'food cards' holding €150 'per month per person to buy approved food products.'

The group is an off-shoot of the Last Renovation campaign and its website explains how, 'in 2022 and 2023 led actions throughout France to demand an energy renovation plan for buildings'.

It added: 'Strengthened by a community of civil resistance which obtained a first victory, the Last Renovation campaign was transformed to tackle an even more ambitious and systemic subject: Social Security for Sustainable Food.' 

The activists are also part of a wider environmental group - the A22 network - which is made of several other organisations including Just Stop Oil.

This is not the first stunt that Riposte Alimentaire has been involved in. Pictured: Two other protesters after throwing soup at the Mona Lisa in January

This is the moment activists hurl soup at the Mona Lisa in Paris in January 

This is not the first stunt that Riposte Alimentaire has been involved in. 

In January, Sasha, 24, and Marie-Juliette, 63, threw pumpkin soup at the bullet-proof glass protecting the Mona Lisa in the French capital's Louvre museum.

A statement from the Louvre said that the Salle des Etats, where the Mona Lisa is displayed, was evacuated after the demonstration and closed for an hour while cleaning was carried out, before being reopened to visitors around midday. 

The Paris museum confirmed no damage was done to the world-famous painting, which is on display behind protective armoured glass, but said that it would lodge a complaint.