Princess Anne: Zara Tindall’s career ‘no surprise’ says expert

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Zara Tindall was able to take her equestrian career further than her mother, Princess Anne, because she didn’t have a title, royal commentators have claimed. The Princess Royal, who was the first member of the Royal Family to represent Britain in the Olympic Games, found her own exploits cut short because of responsibilities to the monarchy. However, by not accepting a title for her children, she allowed them to have more freedom, as detailed in Channel 5 documentary, ‘Zara and Anne: Like Mother, Like Daughter’.

Narrator Jennifer Saayeng said: “With a European Champion mother and an Olympic champion, it was no surprise when Zara began to forge a fine equestrian career of her own.

“Zara, unlike her mother, had no conflicting royal responsibilities.

“So she was able to throw herself completely into her riding career.

“Anne was on hand to support her daughter – underlining their unique relationship.”

In an unearthed interview, Zara told a journalist: “It was my decision whether I wanted to ride, they never pushed me.

“But when I did, they very much backed me up.

“They’re both very knowledgeable, unfortunately.

“[They give me lots of advice] and criticism.”

Princess Anne has given Zara Tindall 'more freedom' says expert

Without the constraints of royalty, Zara could go much further in the sport.

Equestrian journalist Tilly Berendt explained: “It was in the late 90s in her teens when she finished second in the Pony Club Championships that the equestrian media, and the regular media, really started to sit up and take notice.”

Zara went on to win a silver medal at the European Young Rider Championships in Austria in 2002.

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She then made her senior breakthrough at the Burghley horse trials the following year.

A mistake in the showjumping cost her, but making runner up was a big step forward.

Ms Berendt added: “To finish second in such a high profile year, was really the moment when people realised she was a serious contender.”

Unfortunately for Zara, an injury to her horse ruled her out of the 2004 Olympic team.

In 2012, she won a silver medal at the Summer Olympics, presented to her by her mother.

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