Zara Tindall, Princess Anne and Mia Tindall at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park.Photo:James Whatling / MEGA
James Whatling / MEGA
Princess Anneand her family are in horse show mode!
On Friday, the Princess Royal attended the first day of the Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire, England with her daughter,Zara Tindall. The three-day competition is truly a family affair — not only is it hosted on the estate of Princess Anne’s Gatcombe Park home, but her son,Peter Phillips, and ex-husband, Captain Mark Phillips, are running things behind the scenes! Peter, 45, is the event director, while Captain Mark — a decorated Olympic equestrian, like his daughter! — is the course designer.
Zara, 42, and Anne, 72, were seen closely chatting in their riding gear, and Zara rode dressage on her gray gelding Classicals Euro Star (a.k.a. Casper).
Elsewhere at the event, Zara’s 9-year-old daughter, Mia, laughed at a picnic table with her cousin Savannah Phillips, 12.
A mom of three, Zara shares daughters Mia and Lena, 5, and son Lucas, 2, with husbandMike Tindall, who are frequent fixtures at her riding competitions. The pro riderexclusively told PEOPLEthis spring that the passion might be passed down to the next generation, mentioning that “both my nieces ride, and they’re really into it at the moment.” Peter shares daughters Savannah and Isla, 11, with his ex-wife, Autumn Kelly.
Mia Tindall and Savannah Phillips at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park.James Whatling / MEGA
From an equestrian perspective, Zara admitted that competing on her home turf comes with its own unique set of challenges!
“I really don’t like competing at home,” she laughed. “I have massive fear I’m going to go the wrong way.”
Zara Tindall competes on Classicals Euro Star on the first day of the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park.James Whatling / MEGA
Exclusivelyspeaking to PEOPLEat the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event beforeKing Charles’ coronation day in May, Zara said her happiest family memories around horses are all about that bond. Alove of horseshas run in the royal family for generations, and their late matriarchQueen Elizabethwas a great horsewoman like her only daughter and eldest granddaughter.
“I think just the passion and love for horses that’s been passed down through our family. We’re very lucky to have them in our lives. Being able to do it every day is incredible and it’s such an amazing sport,” Zara told PEOPLE. “Any equestrian sport, that partnership between the horse and rider, or an owner and the horse is, it’s incredible. We’re very lucky to work with horses.”
Zara Tindall and one of her horses.Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty Images
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From animal care to competitions and everyday training, equestrians always have much to discuss! Luckily, her parents are always there to offer a word of advice.
“Our horses are in our family, so there’s always discussions about performances and things like that. There’s horses in her life and she does a bit of breeding as well. So there’s always horse conversation going on,” Zara tells PEOPLE of the bond she and her mom share.
Princess Anne and Zara Tindall at an equestrian event.Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images
source: people.com
