For the latest instalment of our Countryside Conversations series, we caught up with Marina Fogle – writer, broadcaster, mum, and self-confessed countryside and horse lover. She is also one of the Burghley Horse Trials Ambassadors, celebrating her passion for the countryside and all things equestrian as part of the iconic event.
We first got to know Marina a few years ago when her husband Ben gave her a pair of Goode Rider Equestrian Jean Breeches for Christmas. Since then Marina has tried and tested a number of our signature goodies and we were thrilled to welcome her on board as a G&G Champion last year.
Marina grew up surrounded by ponies, and while there was a short break from the saddle, a move to the countryside – along with the chance to ride out with the hunters – reignited that childhood passion. These days, it’s a full family affair, with her kids Ludo and Iona just as pony-mad as she is.
We’re so excited to have Marina as part of the G&G family, and even more excited to share her story with you.
Can you give us a bit of background on how you got into riding, and tell us about the horses you have now and what you love most about the equestrian world?
I grew up with ponies — a fully signed-up member of the Pony Club from a young age. I had a pony, Jester, a bit of a rogue with a short tail and feisty personality. He’d apparently once been in a circus, which might explain his dramatic character! He bucked me off regularly, would charge at me in the field, and absolutely refused to compete — but he was brilliant at mounted games and loved a good gallop. I adored him and loved him unconditionally. My next horse, Ed, was a bit more cooperative — we had a great time competing together. But after Ed, there was a long pause: nearly two decades without a horse of my own - we were living in London and I was then endlessly pregnant so it just wasn’t the time. I rode now and again, but I really missed horses. Then, after we moved to the country, a neighbour invited me to ride her hunters and the horse bug bit me good and proper again.
Fast forward three years, and we now have five horses. It started when that same neighbour gave us a retired polo pony, Cebollita, for my daughter, Iona. She’d ridden before but never had a pony of her own. That summer, she spent hours cantering Cebollita around the fields and she never looked back.
A few months later, I bought Jack. I wasn’t really looking, especially not for such a smart horse, but a friend was selling him, and I fell in love. I was still unsure — it felt like such a commitment — but my husband gave me the push I needed. He said, “Go for it, Marina. Do something just for you — after a decade of looking after the children, you deserve it.” Jack is an absolute superstar. I probably should be competing him, but right now, weekends are all about the children and their riding adventures. Ludo loves Pony Club, fun rides, and jumping, while Iona is very focused on competing. If she had her way, she’d ride all day, every day.
Her passion is Eventing and, to be honest, so is mine. I’ve always loved the sport - the challenge, the atmosphere, the people. I grew up watching it; my mum had horses with William Fox-Pitt and then her godson, Harry Meade.
Above: Marina and Jack, Jack is wearing the G&G Cotton and Web Headcollar
What has a life with horses taught you — both as a rider and as a person?
It’s taught me so much both as a child going to Pony Club and as a mother sharing my passion for horses with my children. At Pony Club I never won much, and in a way, I’m grateful for that. It’s something I always remind my children: you learn far more from losing than you ever do from winning.
It’s easy to smile when things go well, when the luck — and your horse — are on your side. But it takes real character to walk out of the ring with a smile after being eliminated, and still give your pony a pat. We've all been there and if you can learn to smile in the face of adversity and try again, that’s the real win.
Last year, I did a team chase with my daughter and a few of her friends. Normally, I leave the competing to her - she’s far braver than I am - but they needed an adult on the team, and I thought, well, if I let her take on these challenges, I should be prepared to do the same.
As we arrived, the air ambulance was taking off — not exactly a calming sight — and for a moment I did think, am I being completely irresponsible? But we stormed around the course, the horses were absolute stars, and we all crossed the finish line shouting with joy and punching the air. It honestly felt like we’d just won Burghley — and for us, in that moment, we had.
That experience reminded me that challenges are not just about the height you jump or how fast you go, they are very personal. I’m a big believer in pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, whatever that looks like for you because the highs and accomplishment that follows is amazing.
Above: Marina in the G&G Classic Hunting Breeches
Can you tell us about your most memorable days in the saddle?
I was out hacking with both my children and our dogs the other day. We were cantering abreast across a huge field, the dogs bounding along beside us, the warm sun tickling our arms and perfect ground under the horses’ feet. All of us had the biggest smiles on our faces.
As much as people seek glory through rosettes and trophies, for me, it’s those quieter moments when sheer joy creeps up on you unexpectedly, when you realise that the “normal “in your life is actually very, very special.
In May I organised a girls trip to Exmoor with Rose Cameron Rides. 8 of us who usually drive the lorries for our children, facilitating their competition, decided it was time for us to do something utterly selfish. We spent 3 days with our horses, exploring beautiful Exmoor, being led by the wonderful Rose. She set up amazing picnic lunches and drinks stops. We chattered and laughed endlessly and I think unanimously agreed it was pretty much one of the most fun holidays we’d ever been on.
Above: Marina and her sisters riding on Exmoor with Rose Cameron Rides
You’re an avid eventing fan and now an ambassador for Burghley Horse Trials — how did that opportunity come about, and what are you most looking forward to at this year’s event?
I was delighted when Burghley approached me last to year to see whether I’d be an ambassador for the Horse Trials. I’ve been going since I was a child and immediately said yes. Not only was it a great opportunity to go again but I love being part of helping people who aren’t familiar with the sport realise that it’s so exciting.
I spent the weekend glamping there with friends. It was brilliant - not just the atmosphere and competition but also the people. Eventers really are my kind of people - they have an admirable attitude to risk, they live life to the full and their success really depends on the unique connection they have with their horses. Especially when you watch the cross country, you can tell the horses are having the time of their lives. Their ears are pricked, they’re really thinking and you can see that they’re loving it.
One of the highlights for me last year was walking the course with Andrew Hoy, who I really admire, especially for his thoughtful approach to competing and horse welfare. And of course, Harry Meade is a great Burghley competitor and as an old friend, it all feels a bit like coming full circle. This year, it was a joy to watch Harry compete with three horses all finishing in the top 10 - his cross country rounds were just incredible to watch.
I also love the social aspect, catching up with friends and also the shopping. It’s a beautifully curated selection of shops.
What is it about life in the countryside that you love the most — and do you have a favourite place in the UK to escape to?
I love having so many animals at home. My favourite time of the day is feeding the horses. They all live out so I bring their feed out on a trolley, the noise of which they can hear from miles away. I stay with them while they eat and it’s a lovely half an hour when I can check them but also give them a cuddle and a scratch. I find they will stay with me for long after they’ve eaten - they clearly love the scratches.
We live about as far from the coast as it’s possible to live in the UK so I love escaping there when I can. At Easter I took Iona and the horses to Studland. We spent three days riding on the beach and exploring the amazing bridleways that go up the cliffs over Old Harry Rock. We cantered gently uphill, on old turf with 360 degree views of the coast. Our horses had never seen the sea before and they were a bit fearful of the waves at first but it wasn’t long before they were happily cantering through the surf. I’m really keen to actually get Jack swimming properly as he just seems to love the water.
Above: Marina and daughter Iona enjoying a fun ride, Marina wears the Goode Rider Vogue Jeans
As a regular contributor to The Times, has writing always been something you’ve been passionate about? And of all your articles, are there any that stand out as especially meaningful — either because of the story itself or the people you’ve interviewed?
I love writing, I get as much of a thrill writing about something I’m excited about as galloping up a hill. I recently interviewed the eventer Jesse Campbell. His wife Georgie died eventing last year and three months later he was at Burghley. I wanted to understand whether he’d ever considered that eventing was too dangerous in the aftermath of Georgie’s death. He was absolutely resolute, he never considered it and actually said that if he hadn’t had eventing, his horses, the community and his passion, he would have been broken. Eventing saved him. He is such a strong and brave man and it was a real privilege to have such an honest conversation with him but also to share his story and bravery with an audience who aren’t familiar with the sport and its heroes.
I love writing about horses which is sometimes a hard sell to a mainstream paper. But my editor used to ride and totally gets it. I loved writing a piece last year in the aftermath of Princess Anne being knocked unconscious by a horse saying that I’d wager she’d not give us horses. I talked about how horsey people are the toughest you’ll ever meet, the kind of people aren’t frightened of much and used to winning arguments with beasts ten times their size, are about the most capable, can-do people there are.
We’ve absolutely loved getting to know you and were thrilled to welcome you as a G&G Champion in 2024. What first drew you to Glaze & Gordon, and do you have any favourite pieces from the collection that you find yourself reaching for time and again?
Thank you - me too!!! I love your passion for sniffing out great products, things that look and are beautiful, different, things that work better than anything else, wherever they are in the world. I really enjoy reading about your suppliers and what drives their passion to create these amazing products. I live in the Hunting Breeches - I love the more traditional look of breeches rather than jodhpurs. Jack has the leather and cotton web headcollar which is so smart and I’m always being complemented on. And I’ve just got a pair of Pravin stirrup leathers which I’d heard a lot of hype about and I cannot believe how much more stable they make my lower leg. I just jumped in them for the first time the other day - wow!
