Back in the saddle: Returning to the Magnolia Cup

I've been riding since I was a child – I can't remember the first time I started because I was so young. One thing I do know though is that I’ve always loved horses. That fact has never changed.

I was first introduced to the Magnolia Cup after going on an equestrian press trip in Dartmoor, where I met the DJ Sara Cox who was on the same trip. She'd competed in the Magnolia Cup a couple of times and introduced me, and a few of the other journalists on the trip to Goodwood, who ended up inviting us to compete.

The Magnolia Cup is open to non-professional riders and women who have little or no previous riding experience, but you have to pass the jockey fitness test in order to qualify. I did it last year and I've never trained so hard for anything in my life. As well as riding, the test covers a series of strength-based exercises, such as holding a bent-arm plank position for a minimum of a minute and a half. To prepare for it I was doing a lot of weights and basically eating and working out like a bodybuilder. This time last year my arms were so big I looked like the Incredible Hulk. I'm getting married this summer, so I've tried to be a bit more conservative with my training this time around, but I still have to keep my fitness up. I do circuit training three times a week, spin twice a week and I walk a lot too – I also ride out a couple of times a week in Epsom. The early starts are quite tough. Some riders are up at 4:30am to go to the stables before doing a full day's work afterwards.

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When I competed in the race last year it was pretty terrifying. Before the start, I broke everything down in my mind and concentrated on not embarrassing myself. It's quite daunting because I’ve never been in front of the paparazzi or anything like that before and you can't recognise anyone in the crowd as it's all so hectic. The race itself is just pure adrenaline but it's all over so fast – you put six months of training into 60 seconds of effort. What's crazy is that you think you're going to hear the crowd cheering but you don't hear a thing – all you can hear is the thundering of hooves and the other riders screaming.

I wanted to sign up again for a second go because the first time is just nerves and excitement, whereas this year I can have a proper crack at the actual race. I can totally see how people get addicted to the adrenaline – there's nothing else like it. I understand the adrenaline rush if you're an amazing cyclist or runner, but it’s on another level when you're teamed with an animal whose temperament and behaviour you can't anticipate. It makes it so much more exciting when you don't know what's going to happen.

My advice to anyone planning to take part in the Magnolia Cup is to remember that you're there to have fun. I think it's very easy to get psyched out in the morning because it is scary but it's also an amazing experience. I feel marginally more confident this year as I know what to expect, but I'll still be nervous on the day. The group all get on really well too – there's great camaraderie and it's nice to have an event where you have loads of amazing, inspirational women who are at the top of their field coming together. It's also such a huge privilege to be competing in the Magnolia Cup. No other charity race is like it, where you have silks made by top designers and you're raising money for such a high profile charity and, of course, you get to compete at Glorious Goodwood – one of the premier events of the racing calendar. Goodwood is such a stunning course. When you look out across the Downs it's quite possibly the most beautiful course in the UK. Maybe I'm biased, but I do love it.

GEORGIE LANE-GODFREY is a freelance journalist who writes for Stylist and other lifestyle publications. The Magnolia Cup is the opening race of Ladies' Day at Glorious Goodwood, and this year takes place on 3 August. The event has raised over £1m for charity over the previous six runnings, and this year will be raising money for Place2Be children's charity; goodwood.com