Gemma, welcome to CWG, thank you for having us to the Mayston Equestrian offices and studio.

First off tell us how you got into the equestrian world.

I’ve been a crazy mad horse girl since the age of four and had weekly riding lessons from six years old.

Then my dad bought me an ex-racehorse off the track and I had to deal with it and learnt the highs and lows of this wonderful hobby which we all become addicted to from an early age.

What inspired you start the Mayston Equestrian brand and what’s the story behind the name.

The name is my son’s names Mason – 20 and Clayton – 17 and I wanted to combine the names and have them on the journey and make it unique.

Mayston was created for me, as I couldn’t find stylish equestrian clothing that was comfortable. You could have the style but compromise on comfort or you could find comfortable equestrian clothing but not stylish.

I love videoing everything and was looking at footage of how fabulous my horse looked, but at times my weight fluctuates depending on what’s going on in life and I wouldn’t feel happy. I thought there must be a fabric can give me this style and comfort.

So that was the mission. And I didn’t know other people felt the same and that’s been the snowball effect of Mayston.

What is it that makes Mayston different from other equestrian brands.

Ethos – I truly believe that our clothing empowers you and is designed for that feel good factor for women. And that’s what’s missing in the market. It’s designed for the over thirties and gives you confidence which is reflected in our feedback.

You talked about riding yourself, and how has that influenced your design process?

Hugely. The Studland breeches took years to perfect. As soon as a sample arrived, I would get them on and ride them in and test them in a jump or dressage saddle in various positions on my horse. I’ve tried it in so many ways, they won’t get through to production until they were ready.

I knew with the Studlands that if I can get people in them, I’m doing them a favour. But it took 3 years of research to get it right and the magic formula is being persistent in getting it right. There have been lots of learnings along the way.

What challenges have you faced along the way as a female entrepreneur in the equestrian fashion industry?

I didn’t find it overly welcoming, to the point where we had an equestrian brand not happy with us being located near them at London International. It meant we had to change locations and have a bigger pitch, which actually ended up working in our favour as we sold out and that gave us the confidence to go to Badminton.

I’ve been shocked at the closed doors we’ve met and at the beginning the imposter syndrome was next level, especially at London International, and I actually experienced a panic attack thinking we couldn’t do it.

We’re a real cheerleading brand and will comment on other brand’s posts. The brand is all for me, it’s an endless juggle and has to work – which makes me so proud.

What’s been the most rewarding part of building your own brand?

The customer reviews.

I know how the clothing makes me feel and I want other people to feel that way. We’ve had people tell us they’d given up on equestrian clothing, got others back in the saddle and even out competing again. It’s making a difference to how people feel. And we have people doing selfies who wouldn’t normally do selfies.

Your social media is unique, talk us through your approach to make it a bit different.

When you look at some equestrian brands, it’s like they’ve walked out of Vogue magazine and can give equestrians the wrong impression.

We’re grafters, we pay to get judged and need to have a sense of humour – which wasn’t being shown across social media. What stops me scrolling are the big smiles.

I wanted our social media to be really personal, TikTok will always be fun. And we really wanted to break the mould.

Any top tips would you give to any aspiring female entrepreneurs looking to start a business?

Just do it. Don’t care what anyone says. When I started Mayston, I only told 3 friends that I had an idea and trusted with it. The scariest thing was when we were ready to go, I was telling everyone. And now, I wish I’d shouted louder.

“The fear of what people will think, will stop you having dreams and stop you doing things.”

I wish I’d not worried and just done it. And if they judge you, they’re not your friends anyway.

What does the future of Mayston Equestrian look like?

It’s exciting. We’ve grown out of our home office/storage space and hopefully by the end of the summer we’ll have a unit, office and boutique store you can book into, it will be fun to have a Mayston experience.

Soon we’ll also have a European hub, as it’s a challenge getting product over to our European customers.

Chatting all things Badminton…

We’re supporting sponsors at Badminton Horse Trials which is very exciting as I love everything to do with eventing. We wanted a pitch big enough that we weren’t going in the side door. To start with they didn’t have the right pitch for us and then a sponsor dropped out and we said yes. We also have a stand at the Pavilion by the Badminton Lake.

You’ll find us at 224 Hinnegar Way near World of Horse, and we’ll be bringing the party to the stand.

I want people to come along touch the fabrics, try it on and see the Mayston difference. We do have four items launching at Badminton and a re-stock of a favourite item.

There’s a photo wall on the stand and if you’re spotted wearing the Mayston brand we have some fun giveaways for you – so tag us in your outfits.

And we’re excited to be sponsoring a XC jump 21 a and b The Mayston Equestrian sunken road and it looks amazing.

The team have been fab at Badminton they’re such cheerleaders and we can’t wait to be there.

Quick fire questions:

Which entrepreneurs inspire you?

Emma Grede @emmagrede – I love listening to her podcast. She made it, fought hard and is all about empowering women and she’s a hero in all ways.

One thing she said that plays in my head in the lead up to Badminton – you are no better than anyone else, and nobody is better than you.

Sum up Mayston in 3 words?

Empowering, comfortable and stylish.

Favourite Mayston item of clothing and top colour for summer?

Studland breeches and black.

If Mayston was a song, what would it be?

Girls Just Want to Have Fun.

If Mayston was a drink, what would it be?

Tequila! Sharp, punchy and makes you happy.

To find out more about Mayston Equestrian:

• Visit – www.maystonequestrian.com
• Instagram – @maystonequestrian
• Facebook – @maystonequestrian
• TikTok – @maystonequestrian