In the latest instalment of our Meet the G&G Customer Series on the Equestrian Conversations Blog, we chat to Susie Hoare, who we first connected with a few years ago when she bought a pair of our Hunting Breeches. Susie got back in touch after securing a place in the Property Race Day at Ascot, needing some kit to ride out in - and we were delighted to support her.
Now in its 19th year, the Property Race Day has raised £3.4 million to date, supporting charities around the world, with the race held on Ascot's famous straight mile. Susie is riding in support of LandAid - a property industry charity working to end youth homelessness in the UK, by bringing the property industry together to support charities delivering life-changing services for young people who are homeless, have experienced homelessness, or are at risk of it.
Susie has been training hard, riding out with Fergal O'Brien and successfully passing the jockey's fitness test in order to race.
We wish Susie all the best for the big day on Friday 10th July! And if you would like to support Susie, here's the link to her JustGiving page.
Above: Susie riding out at Fergal O'Brien's in Gloucestershire, photos by Cotswold Film Company.
Tell us a little bit about your equestrian background – have you ridden and been around horses from a young age?
Horses have always been part of my life. Both my parents were keen riders, so there were always horses at the bottom of the garden growing up.
I was part of the Cotswold Pony Club from the age of about 10, doing everything from rallies, hunting, team chasing, tetrathlon and ODEs, to my favourite - Pony Club Camp. Horses gave me a real sense of purpose growing up, there was always something to do and an adventure to plan each weekend.
Sadly, I lost my horse at the time, around the time I went to university, so my riding then became less competitive. However, I took up polo at university and competed in the SUPA Winter Nationals, and during my final year I rode out for Sue Gardner Racing a few mornings each week.
Horses will always be something I find a way to keep in my life, and I’m really looking forward to having one of my own again in the future.
What inspired you to sign up for the Property Race Day?
Having joined the property industry full-time after graduating from Exeter, I quickly heard about Property Race Day. The idea of having the opportunity to ride in a charity race through this new industry I’d joined was incredibly exciting.
My real interest in racing developed during my time riding out for Sue Gardner’s team in Devon, and that experience gave me the confidence to apply and give it a go.
The challenge of raising £5,000 for charity was also a big motivator - it’s been a great opportunity to push myself outside my comfort zone through fundraising events alongside the riding.
Have you ever ridden racehorses before, and how have you enjoyed riding out?
I first properly rode racehorses while working for Sue Gardner Racing alongside university. When you’re riding four or more horses each morning, you quickly adapt to the style, and the team there really helped me get into the swing of things.
I loved riding out and being part of the buzz of a race yard. There are so many different horses, all on their own journey, and the whole operation runs like a well-oiled machine - there’s no time wasted.
You can’t beat the feeling of going up the gallops at speed on these incredibly strong, athletic horses, whatever the weather. I’m really looking forward to continuing to ride out going forward, and perhaps one day doing another race.
The fitness required for race riding is no mean feat – how have you found this and has it been difficult to juggle everything around work?
To ride in the Property Race Day Charity Race, you have to pass a fitness test and riding assessment at the British Racing School (BRS) in Newmarket.
As a keen runner and more recently having got into triathlons, I already had a good level of fitness - but strength training definitely wasn’t my forte! So it’s been great to have a reason to focus on that more.
The fitness test is tough, with lots of static isometric holds - including a 4-minute plank, squat holds on wobble cushions, leg raises, press-up holds, and a watt bike test.
Balancing training alongside a full-time job in London has been challenging, with a lot of early mornings, and perhaps a lot less sleep than usual - but building that strength and having the opportunity to visit the BRS has been really rewarding.
Have you met the horse you’ll be riding in the race yet? Tell us a bit about them.
Yes - it’s likely I’ll be riding Faster Bee, trained by Fergal O’Brien Racing, who has been incredibly supportive in the lead-up to the race.
Faster Bee is a very handsome five-year-old bay gelding who usually runs over 7 furlongs. He recently ran in a charity race over a straight mile at Newbury, with another charity rider. It’s been great to have this insight of how he was on the day over this distance, ahead of my race day coming up.
He’s very level-headed and sensible both to ride and at the start, which I think will make him the perfect horse for a first run at Ascot.
You’ve been riding out in the G&G Traditional Training Breeches and Stockbridge Jacket – what is it about these products that make them so well suited to this style of riding?
The G&G pieces have been perfect for riding out, especially during early mornings in unpredictable weather.
The Traditional Training Breeches are particularly comfortable, with a quality full seat that makes a big difference when riding in the smaller, firmer racing saddles.
The Stockbridge Jacket has been brilliant - it keeps me warm and dry on cold, wet mornings while still being breathable thanks to its mesh lining. It’s lightweight and flexible, so I don’t feel restricted, and I don’t need to layer up excessively.
It’s also really versatile - on warmer days, it’s still comfortable and doesn’t overheat. I also love the fitted shape, which gives it a really smart finish, with the branding too!
Together, they make such a practical yet polished combination.
As the race day approaches, what are you most looking forward to – and are you competitive? Will you be quietly hoping to win?
As race day approaches, the anticipation is definitely building. I recently visited Ascot, and standing looking over the straight mile made it all feel very real.
Ascot is such an incredible racecourse, and it’s going to be amazing to ride at such a prestigious venue, especially with close friends and family there to support me. That’s what will make it really special.
Of course, I’d love to do well - winning would be a dream! I feel very lucky to have a well-mannered horse, which hopefully will make the experience smoother.
I am competitive and will absolutely give it my all, but if I can cross the line with a big smile on my face, that will be just as important. It’s such a new and exciting experience, and with the support from Fergal’s team, I hope to give Faster Bee the best possible ride.
How did you first hear about and come across Glaze & Gordon?
I first heard about Glaze & Gordon through a friend and started following them on Instagram. I was immediately drawn to the quality and range of their products.
My first purchase was a pair of their hunting breeches, and I was really impressed with the quality and fit. Their homeware and accessories also make great gifts, and I love how carefully curated the overall range feels - my friends are always loving their accessories and are so intrigued to know where they’re from.
I’m so grateful for their support on my ride to Ascot - it’s a great example of how versatile the brand is in supporting equestrian and country pursuits. The perfect one stop shop for all those that are country sporting mad!
