Mia Tindall takes an important step in following a remarkable family tradition

Mia Tindall has followed her mother Zara into the world of competitive equestrian sport, taking part in a showjumping competition at the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials.

The 12-year-old rode her pony, Bunny Two Twirls, for Minchinhampton Pony Club during Sunday’s team showjumping event in Oxfordshire.

Mia was supported by Zara throughout the competition, with her mother proudly watching her daughter as she prepared for and took part in the event.

The appearance came a day after Zara had competed at Blenheim herself. The King’s niece rode her horse Classicals Euro Star, known as Casper, in the senior competition at the prestigious event.

Zara was also seen helping Mia with her pony before the younger rider’s competition, including feeding Bunny Two Twirls and watching her daughter warm up over the practice fences.

Mia and her younger sister, Lena, were introduced to riding from an early age. Zara said in an interview in 2019 that both girls rode, with Lena at the time being a young passenger on her mother’s saddle.

Mia was later given her own pony, with Zara describing her daughter’s early introduction to riding as part of the family’s everyday life around horses.

The young royal’s interest in the sport comes from a particularly distinguished equestrian background.

Zara won team and individual gold at the 2005 European Eventing Championships riding Toytown before going on to claim a silver medal for Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Her parents, Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips, also represented Britain in equestrian sport at the Olympic Games. Princess Anne competed at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, while Captain Mark Phillips competed at three Olympic Games and was part of Britain’s gold-medal-winning eventing team in 1972.

The family’s connection with horses also extends to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was a lifelong rider and remained closely involved with the sport throughout her life.